Graduate Team: Loretta and Ana
About the Team: Ana, a female black lab, is Loretta’s 1st Guiding Eyes dog
Hometown: Michigan
Guide Dog Mobility Instructor: James Gardner
Loretta is an experienced guide dog user and comes to us for her first guide dog from Guiding Eyes. She enjoys getting out with a destination in mind and especially likes visiting the shops. Her partnership with Ana enhances Loretta’s mobility and provides more freedom and companionship.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Ana really seems to enjoy her harness work and remains focused regardless of distractions. She is flexible & patient in her demands, fitting in easily with my schedule and has settled in quickly. She’s affectionate and enjoys physical contact when out of harness, resting her head on my lap or she likes to have her bone held while she chews on it!”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I was very impressed by the talks given by trainers at a convention I listened to.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Companionship and the ability to get out again with confidence.”
Were there any training highlights? “Ana was responsive from the beginning and bonded with me very quickly. It was a promising start!”
Special Recognition: Ana’s progress was followed by a Pathfinder Society Member – someone who remembered Guiding Eyes in their estate plans received reports and photos of her from puppyhood. She was named Ana through contribution of a special gift by Dorothy Prouty.
Ana’s superpower is her willingness of spirit; even as a young pup, she would always try her best to achieve success! A kind and gentle soul, she left her mark on everyone she met. Russ and I have been part of the Guiding Eyes family for over 30 years – first as staff and now as volunteer puppy raisers. Every pup, each so unique in its spirit and personality, has a knack for landing in the right place at the right time. She arrived at a time of big changes for us; recently retired and living in a new state. Ana helped make that time of transition a time of joy – always ready to go exploring in our new community and always ready to make new friends along the way. We thank Ana’s friends, including active guide Kendalee, for her influence and the Shulman family, who cared for her during the Covid Pause.
Lynne Post, Raiser of Ana
Guiding Eyes for the Blind is approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (C) (3) tax-exempt organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind Federal Identification Number (EIN) is 13-1854606.
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