We thank our generous sponsors: Juliet’s birth to career training was sponsored by the Laulhere Family. They share: “We, along with Cherese, wish you the most joyous day, and many congratulations on your graduation. Cherese Mari Laulhere, who unfortunately, is no longer with us, is both humbled and honored to have sponsored this part of your journey. She shares with you the qualities of kindness, compassion, dedication and resiliency. Her all-around compassion for humanity and great love of animals makes her a great match for those like you in the Guiding Eyes programs.” Congratulations again, and the warmest of wishes, Cherese Mari Laulhere and Todd and Teresa Laulhere
Graduate Team: Jack and Juliet
About the Team: Juliet, a female yellow Lab, is Jack’s sixth guide dog
Location: Exeter, Rhode Island
Training: January 2026, Home Training
Jack is a history professor at the Community College of Rhode Island. He has been blind for almost forty years, and in that time, he has been partnered with 5 guide dogs, 4 of which came from Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Jack lost his eyesight in 1986 due to diabetes, and because he was no longer able to work in construction, he chose to continue his education. Before returning to school, Jack made the decision to reach out to Guiding Eyes for a guide dog, and he has continued to do so ever since. Jack is married with two adult sons, and he is the grandfather of two beautiful granddaughters.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Juliet is my sixth guide dog, but my first female dog. She’s a bit smaller than the others and also the youngest. She’s a real sweetheart! There’s always a little bit of a challenge getting started with a new dog, since you’ve worked with your previous dog for so long and that dog knew your routine, but everything is going well. All my dogs have been very loving and attentive. When I retire my dogs, we keep them, so we often have two in the house at once. They always get along very well. We have a zillion dog toys in the house from me having a guide dog for the last 40 years, and Juliet loves to play when she’s not working. We started training the day after Christmas, but with all the snow we’ve gotten and the cold snap, we haven’t been able to work around the neighborhood as much as I’d like to. I’m looking forward to when spring finally springs!”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I received my first guide dog from Guiding Eyes in 1987. I knew I wanted to get a guide dog, and while I was going through rehab in Rhode Island, one of the people who was in rehab with me had a guide dog. It seemed like the best way to go for my needs and to feel more comfortable with a set of eyes rather than a cane. I chose Guiding Eyes because I knew a few other people whose dogs had come from there. There is a very warm and friendly atmosphere at Guiding Eyes. I trained with Kathy Rooney on campus, and it was just such a fun environment with everyone there – from the trainers to the volunteers to the kitchen staff. It’s a very relaxed and ‘user-friendly’ place to get a guide dog. Getting a guide dog can be a little stressful, especially the first time around when you’re having to put your trust in a dog, but Guiding Eyes provides a very warm and comfortable environment.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “When I’m working with my dog on my campus, it’s a great feeling to just be able to take that harness and go to class or back to my office. It gives me so much more confidence, and I don’t have to concentrate as much as with a cane. Also, no one is going to compliment you on how good-looking your cane is! When you have a guide dog, it’s a great conversation starter. People are always interested in learning about your dog. My students never pet my dog without asking, but it’s a great door opener for conversation. Back in the fall, my wife and I went up to Freeport, Maine. It’s a cute town with lots of small shops and whatnot. A lot of times, my wife will go into a store, and I’ll sit on the bench outside while she shops. It’s amazing how many people will walk up and say hello. If I didn’t have a dog, I would probably just sit there by myself the whole time. Having a guide dog is a great way to connect with people!”
Were there any training highlights? “The weather made this home training interesting! It has been very cold here, and we’ve had a few big snowstorms. In the towns I would normally work my dog in, the sidewalks were icy. This time around, I spent a lot more time working inside with Juliet than I did with my other dogs. We worked in malls, Home Depot, and Walmart. Even my instructor, Kathy, was blown away by how well Juliet was able to remember routes and how to get through some of the big department stores like Macy’s. It was very impressive. I hadn’t ever done as much inside training, but Juliet did a great job. This was also my first time training in the dead of winter, but things ended up working out well.”
DOB: 2/25/2024
Litter ID: 4J24
Color/Breed: Yellow/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Female
Brood: Juniper
Stud: Soldier
Littermates: Justice, Jackson, Jolly, Jubilee, Jessica, Junior, Judd, Joker, Juan, Jetson, Jimbo, Junie
Region: Fingerlakes
Regional Puppy Instructor: Cassie Houghton
Puppy Raiser: Katie Stettler
Facebook: Fingerlakes Puppy Raisers
Juliet is a smart, hard-working, and eager to please puppy. I am grateful for the time I spent with her. ~ Katie Stettler
