Graduate Team: Kalia and Bethany
About the Team: Bethany, female black Lab; Kalia’s 1st guide dog
Location: California
Training: July 2026, On-Campus
Kalia is a freshman in college studying music education, with the goal of becoming a music teacher. She loves making music and enjoys singing, as well as playing the piano and guitar. Outside of her academic and musical pursuits, Kalia has a passionate interest in fashion. At home, she and her new guide dog, Bethany, share their space with five cats and what feels like a million pounds of fur, which Kalia says she wouldn’t trade for the world!
How would you describe your guide dog? “She is absolutely insane, and I love her! She’s the sweetest, silliest dog. She’s super smart and pretty spicy – she likes to test her limits and knows when she can get away with things, but I absolutely love it. She’s a quick learner, and she already knows her way around my campus better than I do, especially when we’re trying to get to the cafeteria. When she’s not working, she urges me to sit on the floor, walks in circles around me with a toy in her mouth, and nudges me until I lie down.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I’ve never liked using my cane. It hurts my wrist and for me, it isn’t the most effective way of getting around, no matter how good I am with it. Where I live, the sidewalks are really messed up, so it’ll get caught in a crack and stab me in the stomach, which is super annoying. I love animals, and I don’t like traveling alone. I thought having a buddy with an extra pair of eyes to guide me would be helpful.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “We’ve been busy moving and getting ready for college, but working with her has been so wonderful because I can really trust her, talk to her, and have someone to keep me company, too. Recently we were walking through a parking garage and a car started driving past us really fast, and Bethany pulled me right out of the way. It was the first time I really got to experience her abilities since training. She’s just great.”
Were there any training highlights? “Yes, I absolutely loved everybody at the campus. All of the staff are just so amazing. I love my instructor, Michelle, and I love all the other students in my class. We’re all still in contact and talk all the time in a group chat. The food was great, too! My favorite memory with Bethany was during one of the first few days. We had just returned from a route and Michelle told me to get down on the floor and give Bethany some love, so I happily did. I got down on the floor and didn’t realize that my treat pouch was open, so instead of letting me give her love, Bethany circled behind me and started eating out of the treat pouch. Ever since she figured out she could do this, whenever I’m on the ground or kneeling and wearing the treat pouch, she always licks it to see if I’ve left it open.”
DOB: 1/13/24
Litter ID: 8B24
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Female
Brood: Nikki
Stud: Benny
Littermates: Bravo, Buddy (Toby), Beatrix, Basil, Boots, Brittany
Region: Montgomery Puppy Raising Region
Regional Puppy Instructor: Jeanyne Gembarski
Puppy Raiser: Jean Silverman, Tina Ma
Facebook: Montgomery Puppy Raisers
Bethany was my very first GEB pup. She was smart, independent and always had a sense of quiet confidence. She LOVED to give kisses. It was my absolute honor to watch her grow up and to be part of this beautiful journey.Bethany, you will always have a very special place in my heart. I am so proud of what you have accomplished. Today is your day. This is the beginning of your new journey. You’re off to great places. So… lead the way. ~ Tina Ma
