Floss and Neil

Meet Graduate Floss

Graduate Team: Floss and Neil
About the Team: Neil, a male black lab, is Floss’s 1st guide dog
Location: Asheville, North Carolina
Training:  February 2025 On-Campus

Floss turned to Guiding Eyes to receive her first guide dog, Neil. Floss was employed by Industries for the Blind but has since returned to school at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College to earn her degree in dietary nutrition. She has plans to attend graduate school and hopes to eventually have her own practice promoting healthy, low-budget foods. Floss is outgoing, social, and adventurous, and an active member of her local Lions Club. She loves being outdoors, especially in the water, and enjoys playing games like cornhole and listening to music. Her tastes range from rap to country and gospel hip hop. An animal lover at heart, Floss grew up with dogs and currently has a cat named Diamond. Her family connection is very important to her, and her sister visits every two weeks. She brings her dog, who enjoys a playdate with Neil. Floss speaks to her grandfather daily by phone and looks forward to visits every three months from him as well as her dad. With renewed independence and the support of family, Floss and Neil look forward to a long, successful partnership.

How would you describe your guide dog? “He’s social with others but only when he’s not in harness. I don’t think I could’ve been granted a more perfect dog. He’s the calm to my storm, which is why we work together as well as we do. I’m a confident person in general, but I’m even more confident with him. People tell me that we’re the perfect fit.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “When I was newly blind, my mobility instructor at the Career and Training Center in Raleigh told me of someone who had worked at a guide dog school. They told me what it was like to have a guide dog and made me feel so at ease that blind people could care for an animal. I was nervous, thinking about all of the ‘what ifs,’ like, what if it didn’t work? The way that Guiding Eyes trains its guide dogs is incredible. Neil is so well behaved and proper and knows what to do – he had the perfect trainer.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “I can go much more quickly, and I don’t have to wait for somebody to hold their arm. I’m no longer worried about walking out into the street or running into things. I get to go where I want to go and be who I want to be. I’m 100% myself.”

Were there any training highlights? “The trainers know their stuff and don’t care if you ask a question 17 times. That’s comforting to me as a first-time guide user. I love that I can text my trainer, Michelle, with any questions.  After I returned home, we ran into difficulties when we started taking night walks. I contacted Michelle, and she told me what to do instead and sent me a pack of high-value treats. That did it! There’s great food, great people, great vibes, and the greatest gift granted, ever.”

Meet Guide Dog Neil

DOB:  10/23/2022
Litter ID: 8N322
Color/Breed:  Black/Labrador
Gender: Male
Brood: Quail
Stud: Baron
Littermates: Nabisco, Nutella, Nathan, Nifty, Neema, Nettie, Neutron, Nevada, Nemoy
Region:  New Hampshire
Regional Puppy Instructor: Lisa Bumbalo
Puppy Raiser:  Lory & John Douglass
Facebook: New Hampshire Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

From the start, we knew Neil was a special dog. He was enthusiastic about learning, playing, snuggling, teasing his cat sister, and-despite our efforts-eating sticks. He loved hikes in the woods and early morning trips to the beach. Once, after a winter storm, Neil found a large green buoy washed up on the shore-this buoy was as long as Neil and twice as wide. He was overjoyed-a treasure just for him! That buoy became his favorite toy, and we will always remember Neil racing around the yard, dragging his absurdly large buoy along behind him. Neil was, and remains, a great ambassador for Guiding Eyes. He loved outings and seized the opportunity to make new friends and impress on-lookers wherever he went. Even today, when we go to places that Neil frequented, people ask how he is doing and are excited to hear about his progress. Now we will be able to tell them that he has a wonderful partner! From our first conversation we knew Floss and Neil were a great match. Her infectious personality and enthusiasm perfectly match Neil’s approach to life. We were touched to see how well Floss already understood Neil. During their graduation ceremony, Floss reached down and gave Neil a reassuring and loving pat –just what he needed to keep focused and positive. We are so proud of Neil and would like to thank the entire NH region and especially Lisa Bumbalo for all their support and hard work. ~ Lory and John Douglass 

Photos of the Team…