Henna and Enid

Meet Graduate Henna

Graduate Team:  Henna and Enid
About the Team:  Enid – a female, black Lab; Henna’s 1st guide dog
Hometown:  Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Training: March 2025 On-Campus

Henna came to Guiding Eyes to receive her first guide dog, Enid, after experiencing her sister Fatima’s positive match with her guide dog, Miles, in 2022. Henna is excited about starting her first semester at George Brown College in Toronto, Canada, this fall with Enid. Henna will pursue a combined 2-year diploma along with a bridge to a 3-year degree in social services, focusing on therapeutic and potentially physical therapy work with disabled elderly individuals. She looks forward to using positive reinforcement to ensure that disabilities do not prevent people from achieving their life goals, careers, and passions. In addition to her parents, Henna has another sister who is married, a younger brother, nieces, and nephews.  Henna enjoys socializing with friends and playing online games, baking, long walks exploring nature, and walking with Enid to locations near her home.

How would you describe your guide dog? “I was so happy when Guiding Eyes found a match for me.  Enid is very smart and is an incredible learner of our walking routes.  In harness she is very focused, enjoys walking, and often when we stop, she looks at me like she’s thinking, ‘Can we continue, please?’ She likes getting a treat when she gets me to the curb. I appreciate Enid keeping me safe, especially by slowing our pace when she sees ice on the pavement.  When she is not working, she likes to play catch and bring the ball back to me.  She also likes playing with Miles.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “My sister got her guide dog from Guiding Eyes a few years ago. They were amazing and matched her well with her guide dog, so I went there too.  When I applied, they responded very quickly, and they made all the arrangements for the flight. This was very good because I have flown with family before, but this was my first time flying by myself.  They arranged to have someone help me on and off the plane to New York and when returning home with Enid. I was very happy with them.”

How has a guide dog impacted your life?  “Having Enid has given me more independence and more confidence.  I have always loved going for walks, and having Enid means that I can go with her rather than a parent or sighted guide.  She is a friend and my sight. She is a very quick learner. When I tell her to go to the plaza or McDonalds, she knows how to get me there.  I am looking forward to going to college with her.”

Were there any training highlights? “My trainer was Michelle, and she took us on a train ride to New York City, where we walked around and had lunch in a deli. The guide dogs lay quietly under the table. The first week of class, we had some snow and wind, but the second week was nicer weather, so we trained in both kinds of weather.  We did a night walk and what impressed me was that Enid was even more focused at night. I worked with trainer Izzy on Saturday, and we went to Starbucks and also did traffic checks. We took the dogs up and down an escalator at the mall and practiced the ‘touch, sit, stay’ skill for dealing with dog distractions. We also got to meet the vet staff. The food at the school was good, and it was nice that they accommodate you if you have allergies or dietary restrictions. That was appreciated. It was a very good experience.”

Meet Guide Dog Enid

DOB:  4/29/2023
Litter ID: 4EE23
Color/Breed:  Black/Labrador
Gender: Female
Brood: Caprice
Stud: Arlo
Littermates: Essex, Everly, Ettie, Expo, Elle, Eagle
Region:  Catoctin
Regional Puppy Instructor: Jeanyne Gembarski
Puppy Raiser:  The Halsey Family
Facebook:  Catoctin Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

Enid was one of the best dogs we raised. She was happy to work or to play. She was smart. She could untangle her leash if it got tangled around a pole or bush. She loved all outings we went on and was a great traveler. She enjoyed play time with other dogs or playing tug with the family. And when she was done playing she enjoyed cuddling. We hope you enjoy her as much as did. ~ Kim Halsey

Photos of the Team…