Heather and Darby

Meet Graduate Heather

Graduate Team:   Heather and Darby
About the Team:  Darby a male, yellow Labrador Retriever is Heather’s 2nd Guiding Eyes dog
Location:   Warwick, Rhode Island
Training:   July 2024 On Campus

Heather holds a bachelor’s degree in human services from Southern New Hampshire University. She has been employed for over 9 years at the Ocean State Center for Independent Living, where she serves as an Independent Living Coordinator and Advocate. She also serves as a board member of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority and chairs the Accessible Transportation Advisory Committee. Heather stays busy helping to raise funds for the Foundation Fighting Blindness and is a board member of the National Federation of the Blind of Rhode Island. She and her boyfriend of 20 years enjoy traveling to places like NYC, New Hampshire, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. They also like taking walks around their neighborhood and exploring fun activities in their home state of Rhode Island, especially spending time at the beach with Darby and Asher. Additionally, they are avid fans of AHL hockey and attend games regularly.

How would you describe your guide dog?  “He is a love bug, affectionate, attentive and loves to give kisses.  In harness, he is great at his job. He builds my confidence by keeping me safe. We get around more quickly. He is a Special Name dog, named by a family who had a dog named Darby. He was well trained by his amazing puppy raisers.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “I believe Guiding Eyes is the best school for me because of their expertise, care, and compassion.  Their mission and their dogs, puppy raisers and trainers are the best. I had such an amazing experience with Guiding Eyes these past 7 years with Asher. He was always my little hero. I would not want to go to any other school, and now I am blessed with Darby.”

How has a guide dog impacted your life? “I have gained confidence while traveling and can walk without worrying about things like curbs.  I am not embarrassed anymore while trying to navigate doorways when heading into or out of important meetings.  Having a guide dog makes me a better professional.  All of the amazing guide work of Asher, and now Darby, makes me a better and more independent traveler and person.  I am indebted to and was blessed with Asher’s companionship and amazing personality during our 7 years, and now I am building a bond and working on skills with Darby. I am excited to experience this new journey with Darby, and my life is forever changed by having guide dogs.”

Were there any training highlights? “My instructor Ellin, and the other trainers were patient and informative. I was so appreciative of adjusted schedules to deal with the oppressive heat outdoors. I also commend the kitchen staff who were great, made good food, and catered to the specific needs of the group. The 6 students in my class, bonded well and we still stay in touch in our texting group and enjoy chatting on a conference call with each other once a month. We walked around Yorktown and rode to communities like Cold Spring.  I smiled when Darby entered the van, laid down, and crossed his paws.  He promptly got the nickname ‘King’.  In a mall, we practiced taking an escalator, which Darby did perfectly, and we sat at an outdoor coffee shop where he lay at my feet and slept. On this second visit to the school to get Darby, I found myself reshaping some of my own skills. The Guiding Eyes team is amazing, including my Regional Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, Kathy. Guiding Eyes, thank you!  Your team provides a full circle of service. Guiding Eyes is always there for their guide dog teams!”

Meet Guide Dog Darby

DOB:  5/15/2022
Litter ID: S-4DD22
Color/Breed:  Yellow/Labrador
Gender: Male
Brood: Bonita
Stud: Donny
Littermates: Dream, Doug, Delta, Daryl, Donovan, Dayton
Region:  Adirondack
Regional Puppy Instructor: Kate Gardner
Puppy Raiser:  Kari Parrish & Bernie Corbett
Facebook: Adirondack Puppy Raisers

Special Recognition: Darby was Special Named by Mike and Patty Reed in memory of their beloved dog, Darby.

From the Puppy Raiser…

From day 1, Darby was a fun, goofy, smart boy! He loved every new experience from swimming to running through toy tunnels with his puppy friends to learning new skills. He loved all of the smells of the ocean and the sights and sounds of camping. He especially enjoyed watching kids play sports at our local park. Darby’s favorite days were the ones that he went with me to school to be with my 5th Grade class. He LOVED every student and they loved him right back. It was so fun to watch Darby experience things for the first time- he thrived with new challenges, but remained the goofy, fun guy who made everyone laugh. We are SO proud of you Darby and excited for you to begin the most important journey of your life with your new partner. We are confident that everyone who meets you will love you as much as you will love them!  ~Kari Parrish & Bernie Corbett

Photos of the Team…