Fatima and Miles

Meet Graduate Fatima

Graduate Team:  Fatima and Miles
About the Team:  Miles, a male, black Lab, is Fatima’s 2nd guide dog from Guiding Eyes 
Location:  Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Training: December 2022 On-Campus

Fatima lives in Ontario Canada and is a student at George Brown College in Toronto. She is enrolled in a program that teaches the necessary skills to work effectively with children and youth. Fatima enjoys travel and recently visited Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Every summer she goes to Orlando with a large group of extended family.  Fatima is excited that Miles will be part of the group for this year’s trip!  Fatima has several hobbies which include knitting, Judo and following her favorite hockey team, the Toronto Maple Leafs.

How would you describe your guide dog? “Miles is very calm in a variety of settings. He loves to work and likes it when we are busy.  He attends classes with me and does well, even if there is another service dog in the room.  At home he is very interested in my two cats.  He would love to play with them, but they prefer to keep their distance.  He plays catch with anything and always sleeps with his stuffed animals.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “Before I got my first guide, Brody, I researched several schools. I chose Guiding Eyes for the continued support and assistance they offer. When it was time to apply for my second guide, I did not consider looking elsewhere.  I hope to have Miles for a long time, but after he retires, I’ll definitely return to Guiding Eyes!”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Having a guide dog has changed my life!  I walk a lot more and have more independence.   I was using a cane in the time between guide dogs.  Now that I have Miles, I am walking more upright and sharpening my independence skills.  Most importantly, I can cross streets without fear, and I feel safe when I am out after dark.”

Were there any training highlights? “The training program at Guiding Eyes was great! I learned a lot.  My trainer Shannon was very patient and was always available to answer my questions.  The outings we took were excellent. At the shopping mall, Miles and I got to practice using the escalator. A highlight was going to Pet Smart and Walmart.  Both stores are pet friendly, so it was a good challenge for Miles and I to work in an environment with pet distractions.”

Meet Guide Dog Miles

DOB:  9/5/2020
Litter ID: S-2MM20
Color/Breed:  Black/Labrador
Gender: Male
Brood: Noni
Stud: Oreo
Littermates: Mission, Maeve, Michael, Maggie, Murphy, Marvin, Missy, Minnie, Martha, Marcie
Region:  Bay, Northern VA – North
Regional Puppy Instructor: Cindy Tait, Janet Bartolotta
Puppy Raiser:  Sharon Boyle, Adithya Sarveswaran
Facebook: Bay Puppy Raisers
Facebook: NoVa- North Puppy Raisers

Special Recognition: Miles was special named in honor of Miles Weinreb by Margie and Larry Weinreb.

Photos of the Team…