Graduate Team: Joe and Taco
About the Team: Taco, a male black Lab; Joe’s 4th guide dog
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Training: July 2026 On-Campus
Joe works at LC Industries (LCI), a company that provides products and services to the federal government while creating meaningful employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired. In his role, Joe builds mattresses at one of the company’s manufacturing facilities. Joe was born with a visual impairment and received his first guide dog in 2004 as a young adult. He is married to Meisha, and together they share a one-year-old daughter. Taco is his second Guiding Eyes dog and his fourth guide dog overall. When he’s not working, Joe enjoys spending time with his family and following professional wrestling, a sport he participated in during high school.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Taco’s training was completely different from that of my first guide dog from another organization in 2004. Taco is an old-school guide dog. I handled every one of my guide dogs with that old-school mentality. Taco is active and energetic, and I like their method of rewarding the dogs with treats.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “In 2004, Guiding Eyes was my first choice, but I was young, and my mom didn’t want me to go so far away from home. I was impressed when I heard a dog involved in helping people get out during 9/11 was a guide from Guiding Eyes. Fast forward, I always liked the work that Guiding Eyes did, and I was finally old enough to go to New York.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Taco has provided me with so much more freedom than when I use a cane. Having a guide dog helps me a whole lot more; I have more independence. I can get around with a cane or a dog, but, given the choice, I prefer the dog.”
Were there any training highlights? “I spent the first 4 days training in White Plains. One time, my trainer that day, Miranda, and I were exiting a Starbucks. We were trying to pass a restaurant where a large crowd was outside. No one was moving aside for us, but Taco confidently cleared the way and led us through. I want to personally thank my trainer, Ben. He was the best. He acknowledged and respected the training I had already received and tailored his approach accordingly. When the time comes for another guide dog, I will be requesting Ben!”
NAME Taco
DOB: 11/21/2023
Litter ID: 3T323
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Ziti
Stud: Denny
Littermates: Thimble, Tally, Teagan
Region: Richmond
Regional Puppy Instructor: Madeline Bruggeman
Puppy Raiser: Tara Moriarty
Facebook: Richmond Puppy Raisers
