In memory of my wife, Barbara Woods, who loved dogs and Guiding Eyes. Through our entire marriage, we have had dogs, usually two at a time, and enjoyed them! Sponsoring the graduating class is a perfect way to honor her memory.
– Richard Woods
Graduate Team: Joseph and Maui
About the Team: Maui, a female yellow Lab, is Joe’s 7th Guiding Eyes dog
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Guide Dog Mobility Instructor: Dave Hagemann (August Home Training)
Joe is a retired law professor, who 51 years ago, in 1969, received his first guide dog from Guiding Eyes. In retirement, he and his wife divide their time between Florida and Wisconsin and Joe keeps fit for the downhill skiing they enjoy every year. Joe plays the guitar and loves to read and take walks.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Maui has a wonderful personality. When she plays outside, she likes to retrieve a ball, drop it, and let it roll downhill. Then she’ll pick it up again, but drop it several feet away from me. Next, she jumps right off the ground landing with all four feet simultaneously! She loves people and works well. Her recall is excellent; the best yet in any guide I’ve had.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog at Guiding Eyes? “I’ve been happy with Guiding Eyes over the years, having initially been recommended by a friend. I have been pleased by the dogs I’ve received and impressed with the changes in handling techniques.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “In the early days, I didn’t like using a cane, but knew that I was going to be commuting into New York City. I felt I could move faster and more safely with a guide dog. People are friendlier when you have a dog compared to a cane and I like the increased interaction with the public. I love having dogs around.”
Were there any training highlights? “My training with Dave was really good and Home Training worked out well for me this time around. I had to retire my last guide dog and was without a dog for 18 months due to scheduling problems caused by the pandemic. I was surprised at how quickly working with Maui, and having her in our home, became so natural.”
Maui’s greatest traits is that she is all love. She inspires others. Our most enjoyable outings were hikes – Maui loved hiking in the mountains. What I enjoyed most about raising Maui was watching her grow up to be a guide dog. As a puppy she could be a little excitable and she benefited from a delayed IFT date. To her handler Joe – Maui is going to be your BFF for many years. She loves life.
Paul Heubner, Puppy Raiser of Maui
Guiding Eyes for the Blind is approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (C) (3) tax-exempt organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind Federal Identification Number (EIN) is 13-1854606.
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