Logen and Amari

Meet Graduate Logen

Graduate Team: Logen and Amari
About the Team: Amari, a female black Lab, is Logen’s 1st guide dog
Location: Roanoke, Virginia
Training:  August 2023 On-Campus

Logen is a student at Hollins University in Virginia, studying Theater and English with ambitions of becoming a lawyer. Logen is active both on and off the stage, having participated in on-campus musicals, and this upcoming semester, as a part of the technical crew for a production of Goodnight Moon. Logen has also participated in a 24-hour festival for the Student Theater Association and written a play that’s been performed. When not performing, they enjoy writing and have written two full length novels. Logen’s work with the Disabled Students Union strives to make the historic campus more accessible and they are also a member of the mock trial team. They love reading, playing the cello, football, baseball, and karate. Despite their busy schedule and hobbies, Logen also enjoys chilling out, watching television, and hanging out with friends. Logen has an older and a younger sibling, and other family is spread out across New York State. When not at college, Logen lives at home with their parents.

How would you describe your guide dog? “Amari loves to fetch, play with squeaky toys, bones, and spin around. When she’s actively working, she gets focused.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “My aunt has a similar eye condition to mine, and she got a guide dog from Guiding Eyes. That was my first introduction to guide dogs. For a long time, I could get away with not using my cane since I had enough vision to get by. Then I lost more vision and realized that the cane didn’t work for me, but I needed something. I thought maybe a guide dog could do that and I started looking into schools. I applied to another school but was told I had too much vision. I heard good things about Guiding Eyes, which led me to apply. Guiding Eyes has been quite communicative, and it’s been such a positive experience. I’m glad it worked out this way.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “I have different needs when I’m at school than when I’m at home, but having a guide dog helps me navigate spaces while focusing more on my surroundings, rather than what’s in front of me. It’s the freedom; it’s so much easier to move around and travel. I’m more willing to go places and do things I might not with my cane.”

Were there any training highlights? “I’ve had a positive experience. I’m happy with my decision.”

Meet Guide Dog Amari

DOB:  1/3/2021
Litter ID: 4A21
Color/Breed:  Black/Labrador
Gender: Female
Brood: Wanita
Stud: Duke
Littermates: Alfie2, Aruba, Adeline, Ava, Alice, Ann, Arlene, Amethyst
Region:  Dutchess NY
Regional Puppy Instructor: Elizabeth Vacchiano
Puppy Raiser:   Jacky Beshar, The Hepler Family
Facebook: Dutchess NY Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raisers…

Amari grew up in the woods near Kent NY with her sister Joss and brother Casper who are both released GEB pups. Amari loved playing with her siblings, swimming and walking on the top of stone walls. This is one of her super powers. Heights thrill her. She has never been scared of anything actually. Amari quickly established herself as the teacher’s pet, the star pupil, the smartest one in class. She loves to show off how good she is and has tremendous confidence and pride in her skills. She is a super fast study and likes to make sure you know it. We fairly quickly nicknamed her the Queen Bee because she is social and capable. Eventually we called her Beyoncé which fits her well. Amari loves loves loves to play catch, race around with her siblings or other pups and swim. She has always done her errands well including shopping, doctor visits, meals out, etc but her real love is being outdoors. We are confident you will love her and build a wonderful relationship together. Good luck and best wishes to you both. We are so happy for you. ~ Jacky Beshar, Puppy Raiser

We started our journey with Amari as a puppy sitter and we ended as her finishing family! We instantly fell in love with her confidence, along with her drive to work & play! Amari loved to watch hockey both live and on tv, her passion for playing with a tennis ball was quite fierce. She loved to meet new people, that was her biggest challenge with us, as she waited patiently for the cue to go say hi. It was a pleasure to get to be a part of this rewarding journey, we look forward to Amari’s bright future!  ~ Nicole Hepler, Puppy Raiser

Photos of the Team…