Lora Ann and Ruth

Meet Graduate Lora Ann

Graduate Team:  Lora Ann and Ruth
About the Team:  Ruth, a female, yellow Labrador Retriever, is Lora Ann’s 3^rd Guiding Eyes dog.
Location:  Laguna Hills, California
Training: August 2024 Home Training

Lora Ann is a clinical psychologist, originally from the island of Oahu, Hawaii. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Hawaii and attended graduate school at Pepperdine University in California.  Lora Ann enjoys exploring her creative side by doing crafts, including painting, bookmaking, knitting, and crocheting. Lora Ann also loves traveling and returns to Hawaii several times a year to visit family. She is eagerly looking forward to her upcoming trip to Oahu with her new travel partner, Ruth, affectionately called, Ruthie.

How would you describe your guide dog? “Ruthie is very sweet and gentle. She is a happy dog and loves everything!  Ruthie is the first female guide dog I’ve had, and comparatively petite!  At just 2 ½ years old, Ruthie is also my youngest guide dog both in age and personality. Although she still has some puppy in her, she has adapted well.  My retired guide dog Patrol, lives with me and he and Ruthie have become best friends and really love each other.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “Prior to getting my first guide dog, Garvey,  I did my research and determined Guiding Eyes was the school for me.  Ruthie is my 3^rd dog from Guiding Eyes.  I love the Guiding Eyes’ philosophy and of course, the dogs they provide! The continued follow-up and support they offer is fantastic and very helpful.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life?  “My guide dogs have in many ways given me life. They have guided me through the physical process of losing my eyesight, as well as the emotional.  Because of Garvey, Patrol, and now Ruthie, I am confident in going out and being independent. I appreciate the freedom they provide in navigating my life. Their unconditional love and support contribute to all of this. Ruthie and I are preparing for her upcoming first trip to Oahu!”

Were there any training highlights? “With my first two guide dogs, I traveled to New York and trained at the Guiding Eyes campus. I’ve had some recent health challenges so this time training at home in California was the best option. It is interesting that even with lots of previous experience, I needed to relearn some basics.  Training at home, Ruthie and I were able to get right to work learning my routes!  Since getting my first guide dog, around 2012, Melissa has been my local regional trainer.  She is wonderful to work with and I appreciate the continuity and consistency of our relationship.”

Meet Guide Dog Ruth

DOB:  12/17/2021
Litter ID: S-1R321
Color/Breed:  Yellow/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Female
Brood: Evie
Stud: Enrico
Littermates: Russell, Raven, Riley, Ricky, Rory, Rumor
Region:  Eastern CT
Regional Puppy Instructor: Maureen Hollis
Puppy Raiser:  Katie Andrias
Facebook: Eastern CT Puppy Raisers

Special Recognition:  Ruth was special named in honor of Ruth Sidorowicz by her children, Jim, Patti, Melissa, Woody, and Katie.

From the Puppy Raiser…

I feel honored to have raised Ruth, who is such a sweet, gentle, smart and outgoing pup. From day one Ruth wanted to please and was eager to learn and “help” whenever possible. Ruth was always up for new adventures. While raising Ruth, I provided her with lots of opportunities to be a puppy. I am extremely proud of Ruth and I also miss her dearly! ~Katie Andrias 

Photos of the Team…