Linda and Watkins

Meet Graduate Linda

Graduate Team:  Linda and Watkins
About the Team: Watkins is a male, black Labrador Retriever and Linda’s 2nd Guiding Eyes dog.
Location:   Whitman, Massachusetts
Training:  August 2024 On-Campus

Linda attended nursing school and graduated from New England Baptist Hospital. She worked as a nurse in hospitals for many years, specializing in medical, cardiac, and hospice care. Linda found great fulfillment in her job at Visiting Nurse Service, where she not only cared for hospice patients from their time of diagnosis but also formed strong bonds with their families. She set up a hospice program for a visiting nurse agency in the northeastern region, firmly believing in the importance of hope. Linda and her husband live happily in the spacious addition their daughter had built onto her house. Linda’s son lives close by as well. Linda’s family also includes three sisters and two brothers who live in New England and Florida. She refers to herself as a snowbird due to her many trips to Florida to see them, which she refers to fondly. She is pleased that flight attendants are very accommodating with her guide dogs on such trips.  Linda enjoys walks to the park with Watkins and Yani, her retired guide, listening to audiobooks and music, and knitting dog blankets for others’ dogs, as well as her own.

How would you describe your guide dog?  “When he is working, he is a very serious, diligent worker, and very independent.  When he is not working, he can be goofy and very loveable with his big brown eyes.” 

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “I did my own research on guide schools and read a lot about their qualifications online. Guiding Eyes’ ratings were fantastic. I read student reviews, the student/trainer ratio, and how wonderful Guiding Eyes was. After contacting them, I received a Christmas card during the holidays. I was accepted and it was a wonderful experience. I really enjoyed it and liked their program, so I came back for my second dog.”

How has a guide dog impacted your life?  “After getting my first guide dog, from Guiding Eyes, Yani, and now Watkins, I am a lot more independent and feel safer, especially when flying.  I fly alone with my dog, to spend time with my sister and brother in Florida. At home, we go to stores, restaurants, church, walks, and even weddings. They are so well-behaved. People come up to me and compliment me on my dog’s behavior. I still have my retired guide, so when I first came home with Watkins both dogs would come when I gave a command. Now we’ve reached the point where they understand.”

Were there any training highlights? “The trainers were great, and our group was wonderful.  We worked together really well. Shannon, my trainer, and I worked on shoreline training because my neighborhood does not have sidewalks. Michelle, Stephanie, and the other training staff were very accommodating. They built up your confidence and made you feel at ease. We had a busy schedule, and the Guiding Eyes facility in White Plains was comfortable and nice. There are some changes in terminology for things, even with the dogs, but all that I learned was excellent. All the staff and nurses at the school were wonderful, and Chef Rob was unbelievable. The sandwiches and omelets were great, and we also had grilled lamb, brisket, and cannoli’s with crème brulée. The food was to die for. It was 5 star. I’d like to go back for remedial training just for the food!”

Meet Guide Dog Watkins

DOB:  4/11/2022
Litter ID: 6W22
Color/Breed:  Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Debbie
Stud: Dasher
Littermates: Waffle, Watson, Walter, Wade, Wes, Winette
Region:  Eastern MA
Regional Puppy Instructor: Lisa Bumbalo
Puppy Raiser:  Lyn Stas, Ashley Schepis, Sara Zeigler
Facebook: Eastern Mass Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

I started raising Watkins when he was 8 weeks. He was a sweet and thoughtful boy with a big heart. He loved to problem solve and learn. He went on many little outings with me. His favorite was our weekly trip to the nursing home where my mother lives. He made friends with all the staff. The receptionist was his favorite and he was hers. I love puppy raising and have been raising for about 30 years. I love when the puppies learn something new and they are so happy. Congratulations and hoping you and Watkins have many new adventures together. ~ Lynn Stas

I raised Watkins with Ashley Schepis and Lynn Stas, and it was a joy to watch him grow with these ladies. He has a steady, calm temperament but can be a total clown with a killer side-eye. I think he made me laugh every day.  ~ Sara Zeigler 

Photos of the Team…