Kate and Eagle

Meet Graduate Kate

Graduate Team: Kate and Eagle
About the Team: Eagle is a male black Lab and Kate’s 2nd guide dog
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Training: May 2025 On-Campus

Kate is a returning graduate of Guiding Eyes and has partnered with her second guide dog, Eagle. With years of experience as an Assistive Technology Instructor for the visually impaired, she has dedicated herself to helping others manage their daily lives. She went on to complete a 10-week hospitality training course in Buffalo, New York, and is currently employed as a Customer Solutions Representative for Louisville Gas and Electric (LGE). Originally from Columbus, Ohio, she has lived in Louisville since 2017. Kate and her husband, Leonard, a massage therapist and also a recipient of a guide dog from Guiding Eyes, are about to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary. In her free time, she enjoys walks, reading, and listening to a diverse selection of music, mainly country and Christian, as well as a little bit of pop. She also enjoys singing. She was born with the genetic disorder aniridia, which worsened in her late teens. Her vision is limited, but she can see colors and large shapes. Her retired guide dog, Posey, and Eagle have mutually grown from liking each other to loving each other, according to Kate.

How would you describe your guide dog? “He is a very chilled Lab. He is very serious in harness and very affectionate when not in harness. Although he is a little cautious when meeting new people, once his tail wags, his timidness becomes a thing of the past.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “I applied to Guiding Eyes in 2016 after hearing about my best friend’s positive experience with her guide dog. Additionally, my husband also had a guide dog from Guiding Eyes.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “They have helped me have greater confidence, especially when traveling independently. I feel much safer with Eagle by my side.”

Were there any training highlights?  “My 2025 class was a lot smaller than my 2016 training class. There were two students for every trainer. I got more individualized attention and more time to bond with Eagle. Within the first couple of days of training, we went to a Dunkin Donuts, located near the Guiding Eyes campus. Right in front of the store, we came across a guy riding a tractor. It was something I would expect to see in Kentucky, not in New York! The food on campus was amazing. Chef Rob knocked it out of the ballpark. He even served Derby Pie because it was Derby weekend back home.”

Meet Guide Dog Eagle

DOB:  4/29/2023
Litter ID: 6EE23
Color/Breed:  Black/Labrador
Gender: Male
Brood: Caprice
Stud: Arlo
Littermates: Essex, Everley, Ettie, Expo, Elle, Enid
Region:  Bay
Regional Puppy Instructor: Cindy Tait
Puppy Raiser:  Steve & Lynne Spalding
Facebook: Bay Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

Sweet Handsome Eagle was our first Guiding Eyes pup and he forever has a place in our hearts. Eagle was always very calm, as happy to cuddle as he was to play. He joined us on many adventures, including time at Bethany Beach, lacrosse games at VCU and a trip to the lake in NC where he was a great paddle boarding buddy! His easy going personality made him a pleasure to raise. We know Eagle will change your life the way he changed ours! ~ Lynne & Steve Spalding 

Photos of the Team…