Graduate Team: Rene and Naboo
About the Team: Naboo, a female black Lab, is Rene’s 1st guide dog
Hometown: Venice, Florida
Guide Dog Mobility Instructor: Nikki Wentz
March Home Training
Rene has completed training with her first guide dog, Naboo. Since retiring, she and her husband recently relocated to Florida from Colorado and enjoy living close to their son. Rene’s son is also visually impaired and skied in the 2018 Winter Paralympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. Rene enjoyed the opportunity to attend the games and cheer on her son and Team USA. Rene likes to travel, including trips to England to visit her grandchildren.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Naboo is the happiest dog I have ever known! She loves everyone and everything, including our two cats! She is fun, smart and confident. From the moment we met, she understood that the two of us are a team. I have very little vision, but in just the right light I can see her eyes, and they are always focused on me.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “A few years ago, while receiving mobility training, I expressed interest in a guide dog. I was referred to Guiding Eyes.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “I get out a lot more! Naboo needs the exercise and activity and as a result I am benefitting as well. We go for walks and to the mall. I have observed people are much more helpful and understanding when they notice Naboo. She naturally attracts people and conversation. With Naboo I feel much less isolated and alone. During a recent visit to my eye doctor, Naboo was an expert guide and the focus of conversation amongst everyone in the waiting area!”
Were there any training highlights? “I really enjoyed the training. It was a lot of fun. My trainer Nikki was wonderful and felt like a friend by the end of our time together. Nikki taught me lots of tips and techniques to keep Naboo on task. Guiding Eyes did a wonderful job matching Naboo and I. Her energy level is a perfect match for my lifestyle. I can’t imagine a better guide dog. I am so grateful to Guiding Eyes; the whole process was great and Naboo is the reward!”
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Guiding Eyes for the Blind Federal Identification Number (EIN) is 13-1854606.
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