Graduate Team: Gloria and Elsie
About the Team: Elsie, a female black lab, is Gloria’s 1st guide dog
Location: Allentown, Pennsylvania
Training: July 2024 On-Campus
Gloria enjoys participating in her local community by being a part of the Clubhouse, a day program where she helps cook lunch, engages in group activities, and does work on the computer. Additionally, she likes going to the local mall and visiting stores such as Burlington and Walmart. Gloria is drawn to the peace and beauty of the outdoors and often takes walks with Elsie. When she’s not out and about, she listens to pop music and watches the Philadelphia Eagles football games. Gloria comes from a large family, and she enjoys the time she gets to spend with them when they gather together.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Elsie’s favorite toy is a butterfly that I got her in New York. I describe Elsie as a social butterfly because she wants to say hi to everyone and is so lovable. She wants to make sure that everyone knows that she’s there and she likes to please me. In harness, she is focused on doing things correctly. She also enjoys going to stores with me.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I wanted my freedom back and to be more independent. I wanted to feel like myself again because using a cane made me feel stuck, but with a guide dog, I feel free. It’s so much different.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “She has helped my mental health a lot and helped me become more social.”
Were there any training highlights? “I liked it when we did traffic checks. When we were walking, the trainers simulated a car driving near us, and Elsie knew she needed to stop and allow the car to go. It was great when we went to the mall and practiced training on the stairs, too.”
DOB: 5/17/2022
Litter ID: 3EE22
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador
Gender: Female
Brood: MacKenzie
Stud: Darren
Littermates: Ezra, Eliza, Ella, Elon, Esther, Ellison, Edward
Region: Central NY
Regional Puppy Instructor: MeKalea Chambliss
Puppy Raiser: Ruth & Larry McConnelee
Facebook: Central NY Puppy Raisers
Elsie was a dream for a puppy raiser. Just the right amount of energy and able to control that energy, when asked too. She was equally excited to be with one person or with a household of adults and children. Her nickname was “wiggle butt” . She would be so happy to see us that she couldn’t control herself. She loves to ride in a canoe, camp, concerts, trail walking and to ride in the back seat of a pickup. We’re so proud of her and the fact that she is a GEB graduate. ~ Ruth and Larry Mcconnelee