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: Kerri and Buffy
About the Team: Buffy, a female yellow Lab, is Kerri’s 4th guide dog
Hometown: Pomona, California
Guide Dog Mobility Instructor: Katherine Russell
January On-Campus Training
Kerri and her husband live in Pomona, California where she works for Cintas Corporation as a bagger. In her free time Kerri enjoys walking, reading, and listening to music. She especially likes country music and rock and roll. She and her husband love to travel, when they have the opportunity, and look forward to taking Buffy on her first cruise adventure. Buffy is Kerri’s fourth guide dog, but her second from Guiding Eyes. She recently retired her first Guiding Eyes dog, Marcus.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Buffy is very playful! She does love her toys and loves them all equally – she doesn’t discriminate. She likes to cuddle too, but when we start walking, she’s focused on her work. When I say her name, she goes right to her harness, wagging her tail as I put it on. When I first got her the first thing that I thought of was Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I never saw the show, but that’s what I thought of!”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “My first two dogs came from another school, but I decided I would like to try a different school for my third. I knew about Guiding Eyes because my husband had applied, and a person I was speaking with from another school suggested I apply here too. So, I applied to two schools and Guiding Eyes called me first. I had such a good experience the first time; when I applied for Buffy, I knew I wanted to come back here.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Having a guide dog makes me feel more comfortable walking in the community. It’s easier with a dog versus a cane and it’s just so much more comfortable. We’re all over the place and love traveling a lot when we can. We love going on cruises in the summer and Buffy will be going on her first cruise soon to the British Isles. We’re so excited.”
Were there any training highlights? “Every time I got out of the van, I needed to focus on my balance. One time when I was trying to keep my balance, I just started laughing, which didn’t help me at all! Toward the end of class, I figured out what I needed to do. What’s funny is that, until Katherine put in her dog bed, Buffy didn’t want to lay down or sit in the van, but on an access bus she will automatically lay down. Maybe she’s just making sure I’m stable when we ride in vans.”
Buffy was a great puppy for the almost 2 years we had her, she blossomed from a tiny puppy who could sit on command to a wonderful dog who was excited to learn and become a guide dog. She always loved taking naps and spending time with her kitten siblings. She went from college classes, to meetings at the office, grocery stores and the beach and experienced many different types of environments. One of the best parts about raising her was getting to share my life’s memories and accomplishments, at the same time she was hers. She was always supportive and would be excited if I was having a bad day; she would always be there for me. Buffy really is a special pup and I hope you both have an amazing, fulfilling and happy life together as you conquer the world.
Madison Christian, Puppy Raiser of Buffy
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.
© 2023 GUIDING EYES FOR THE BLIND PRIVACY POLICY | ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
