Luanne and Waltz

Meet Graduate Luanne

Graduate Team: Luanne and Waltz
About the Team: Waltz: female, black & tan German Shepherd; Luanne’s 3rd guide dog
Location: Westminster, Colorado
Training: March 2025 On-Campus

Luanne lives in Colorado with her third guide dog, Waltz, whom she lovingly refers to as Wazee. The Winnebago Native American word, “Wazee,” means “tall pine”. Waltz, or Wazee, is Luanne’s third German Shepherd guide dog from Guiding Eyes. Luanne holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and specializes in ceramic sculpture and high-fire clay. Her work features both animals and people, and she is currently creating a piece that includes all three of her guide dogs. She hopes to create a website soon to showcase and promote her work. Luanne has been an avid runner since age 14, competing in track and field, 5K and 10K races, and triathlons. A dedicated athlete and competitive runner, she participates in Women’s Masters running and has achieved top-three finishes in the Pikes Peak Ascent’s triple crown. Beyond running, she engages in ice climbing, rock climbing, and mountaineering, including climbing an 18,500-foot peak in Nepal. Additionally, Luanne enjoys walking and reading, with a particular fondness for western mysteries and historical fiction.

How would you describe your guide dog? “Wazee is a very smart, curious, and energetic German Shepherd. We run a 4-mile loop up to three times a week, and we also walk up to five miles a day. She is a big female. I call her Wazee, which is the Winnebago word for tall pine. This name suits her as she is pretty tall and has enormous feet, almost like a mountain lion.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “Last time, I received my second dog from Guiding Eyes, and I had such a positive experience, I did not consider anywhere else. I have found Guiding Eyes to be very supportive, and I don’t feel like I’ve been left on my own.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “I feel having a guide dog gives me a big sense of freedom. It changes everything. When everyone else is tucked away, I am out walking or running with her. Having a guide dog makes it easy for me to catch the light rail and visit downtown Denver. I like to travel and I’m planning a vacation, as I feel comfortable that she will guide me.”

Were there any training highlights? “I was initially nervous the first time we went to New York City, as I wasn’t sure how that would go. It takes time to get used to a new dog. My trainer gave me the option of giving feedback as we walked or just letting us go. I opted to just go. I walked 14 blocks with Wazee. She did not miss a beat, and I knew I was back in the world, moving the way I wanted to. People around us did not feel they needed to help me.”

Meet Guide Dog Waltz

DOB:  3/14/2023
Litter ID: 9W23
Color/Breed:  Black & Tan/German Shepherd
Gender: Female
Brood: Emery
Stud: Hobie
Littermates: Whitney, Woody, Waverly, Worthy, Wonder, Walker, Whispy
Region:  Colorado
Regional Puppy Instructor: Kerry Lemerise
Puppy Raiser:  Dru Anne Marshall
Facebook: Colorado Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

Waltz was a wonderful pup to raise! She was always ready to learn and enjoyed going places, playing fetch and just waiting patiently for the next activity. She was comfortable in Downtown Denver, at a Rockies game, at work with me and Costco! She was always connected with me when we were working, by checking in and forging ahead. I loved everything about Waltz, her sweet demeanor, willing attitude and her playful spirit. I know that she will be a wonderful companion and guide for her new partner for many years to come. ~ Dru Anne Marshall 

Photos of the Team…