Isabelle and Bright

Meet Graduate Isabelle

Graduate Team:  Isabelle and Bright
About the Team: Bright, a female black Lab; Izzy’s 1st guide dog
Location: Fairfield, Maine
Training: January 2025 On-Campus

Izzy is currently enrolled at the University of Maine, pursuing a master’s degree in Social Work. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Services from the University of Maine at Farmington. Izzy came to Guiding Eyes from her home in Maine after experiencing rapid vision loss for over a year. She was inspired by her blind and low-vision friends and colleagues who use guide dogs. She enjoys hiking, going for walks around the neighborhood, camping, and exploring different parts of Maine with her husband. Izzy is very active and often spends her weekends attending various events and activities, such as fairs, concerts, farmer’s markets, and other public gatherings. Additionally, her husband is a musician, and the couple frequently travels for his music bookings.

How would you describe your guide dog? “Bright is very bright! Her name fits her so well, and she is also the sweetest dog I’ve ever met. She is very motivated by belly rubs and cuddles. She wants to make you happy and just loves what she does. Bright loves meeting new people and other dogs. We have three other dogs, so she is part of a pack now! Something special about Bright is that so many people who came into contact with her or worked with her told me privately how much they loved her and how sweet and special she is. She is definitely a dog who has a lot of people who love her!”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “When I started losing my vision and met other blind people, I very quickly realized that a guide dog would be a great fit for me. First of all, I love dogs, so it totally made sense in that way. Also, although using a cane was incredibly helpful, I just knew a guide dog would help me even more. I started researching and learned everything I could about the different training schools. Then, I talked with a lot of people who either got their dog from Guiding Eyes or were thinking of transitioning to Guiding Eyes for their second dog. I felt like the Guiding Eyes admissions process was very smooth and straightforward. Everyone at Guiding Eyes was so approachable and friendly, and that helped me feel comfortable during the process.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Having Bright with me has been a game changer! My husband is a musician, and we go to a lot of different venues across the state where he performs. Once he’s on stage, he’s there for an hour and a half to two hours, and I’m on my own in the venue. Before getting Bright, this was very challenging due to my visual impairment. I would feel kind of trapped during his performances until he was finished. Now, I feel so much more comfortable exploring new places I’m not familiar with. Having a guide dog is also a great icebreaker in terms of meeting new people and connecting with people when I’m in a new place. Bright has also helped me to continue enjoying the outdoors. I’m also really excited because I will be a student in the fall and am looking forward to getting into that routine with Bright.”

Were there any training highlights?  “I absolutely loved the experience at Guiding Eyes – it felt like summer camp! There were six of us who initially didn’t know each other at all, and we were able to find what we have in common and get to know each other. It was such a fun and bonding experience. It was also such a wonderful experience being with people who are getting to know their dogs. We were all experiencing many of the same hurdles of learning about our dogs and seeing them go through their learning process. I enjoyed the natural hurdles that were part of training and getting to know a dog. It was a very intimate and vulnerable experience. Also, the trainers were amazing!  Another thing that was so important was that I didn’t grow up visually impaired, so this opportunity to be around other blind people felt so empowering. It was very meaningful to be able to share that lived experience with others.”

Meet Guide Dog Bright

DOB:  12/13/2022
Litter ID: 3B422
Color/Breed:  Black/Labrador
Gender: Female
Brood: Tamby
Stud: Denny
Littermates: Britain, Blitzen, Bubbly, Boots
Region:  Eastern MA, Maine
Regional Puppy Instructor: Lisa Bumbalo
Puppy Raiser:  Megan Guilbault, Ms. Sally Swanson
Facebook: Eastern MA Puppy Raisers
Facebook: Maine Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

Bright is a great dog who loves everyone. She takes every challenge in stride, nothing rattled her. She loves belly rubs. ~ Sally Swanson

Photos of the Team…