Graduate Team: Hillary and Essex
About the Team: Essex, a male black lab; Hillary’s 2nd Guiding Eyes dog
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Training: November 2025 On-Campus
Hillary returns to Guiding Eyes for her second guide dog. Hillary is a visual and performing artist and has worked for years as a consumer advocate, striving to eradicate stigma and promote inclusion for people with disabilities. She serves on the Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities in Durham, NC. Recently, she produced a documentary, “As I See It,” that was featured in a virtual showcase with Dark Room Ballet and has been submitted to the 2026 ReelAbilities Film Festival International. She has a passion for dancing and is looking to connect with other guide dog users who are dancers for a future project. Hillary is the mother of two adult children and recently suffered the loss of her partner of many years. Hillary enjoys and appreciates how using a guide dog allows her to remain active, to travel the world, and hike in the woods. With the aid of her guide, Essex, she is able to stay connected with family from the East Coast to the West Coast, from New York to Seattle.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Essex loves being a guide. We both love a rapid pace. He is very handsome. When we walk down the street, folks cannot help but comment on his stature. He is solid black, tall with long legs, very regal and gentle. He’s got a heart of gold. And because he is still young, his puppy energy shines through.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I reached out to the North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind. For years, I used a cane, but I grew up with dogs, and I wanted more independence. Guiding Eyes was recommended by my Orientation and Mobility advisor because of its strong reputation, substantial endowment, and viable broad body of support.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “As mentioned, I wanted to be independent. I started using a cane in my mid-30’s. Guide dogs provide companionship and the emotional support that canes do not.”
Were there any training highlights? “My first guide dog, Nettles, was retired early due to a debilitating injury that required major surgery. Two years later, Essex became available, and we were matched. He is a dog who can handle the hubbub of city life, percussive dance classes, and walking at a rapid pace. There were four people in my training class, which allowed for more individualized attention.”
DOB: 4/29/2023
Litter ID: 1EE23
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Caprice
Stud: Arlo
Littermates: Expo, Everley, Ettie, Elle, Eagle, Enid
Region: Fingerlakes
Regional Puppy Instructor: Cassie Houghton
Puppy Raiser: Jessica Fasano, Karie Livingston (starter)
Facebook: Fingerlakes Puppy Raisers
Essex is such a goofy guy. Essex is my first Guide dog in training. He’s taught me so many things. That boy always had energy and was always ready to learn. Essex grew up mainly in on Ithaca College’s campus. He loved college life he had so many friends there, human and dog and even cat! When Essex would come home with me to Long Island all he wanted to do is play outside, especially with his soccer ball. He would make me kick the ball and he’d run and get it and run back to me wanting me to do it all over again (he could’ve done that for hours.) He also loved swimming! I cannot wait to see the amazing things he will accomplish now as a full-fledged guide dog. I couldn’t be more proud of him and all the people who helped raise and train him in the process. Thank you to Guiding eyes for all the support and love through his training with me and after and thank you Essex for being one of the best experiences and companion a girl could ask for. ~ Jessica Fasano
