Lydia and Brody

Meet Graduate Lydia

Graduate Team:  Lydia and Brody
About the Team:  Brody, a male black Lab, is Lydia’s 1st guide dog
Location: Columbia, Missouri
Training: August 2024 On-Campus

Lydia is a certified ADA Coordinator and is looking for a full-time position in that field. She works part-time as a consultant at the Great Plains ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Center. Additionally, she teaches classes on friendship and self-advocacy at EnCircle Technologies, an organization that supports individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Lydia also uses her invaluable perspective as a DeafBlind individual to conduct digital accessibility testing on apps and websites. She offers developers feedback on improving accessibility for users of assistive technology. Lydia received certification as an ADA Coordinator in July 2024, JAWS screen reader certification from Freedom Scientific in February 2023, and is currently seeking additional certifications in digital accessibility. She is on the Board of Sight and Sound Impaired of St. Louis and is a member of National Federation of the Blind’s Columbia, MO Chapter. She previously served on numerous City of Columbia Boards and Commissions.  Lydia lives with her mom, Juli, and her 8lb rescue dog, Pepper, whom they suspect may be a Yorkie/Dachshund mix. Lydia is an avid fan of St. Louis Cardinals baseball, and also enjoys horseback riding, spending time outdoors, reading and writing, exercising, and working with animals. She frequently takes vacations with her mom to Jupiter, Florida, where the Cardinals have their Spring Training games, or they travel to St. Pete’s Beach, Florida, for a summer getaway.

How would you describe your guide dog? “I would describe Brody as loving, loyal, and intelligent.” 

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “I chose to come to Guiding Eyes because of the Specialized Training Program offered to individuals who are DeafBlind. I applied at various schools for 6 years and was rejected because of my hearing, but was encouraged when I heard about the Guiding Eyes program from my Orientation & Mobility instructor at the Helen Keller National Center.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Having Brody has empowered me to be independent in my everyday travel and life in general. I feel unstoppable, now that I have him at my side to assist with straight and safe street crossings, guiding me around obstacles, and guiding me to frequently visited destinations.”

Were there any training highlights? “One of my favorite moments in training with Brody was when we were doing an outdoor route, and all of a sudden, something changed about him, and he seemed to understand his purpose as a guide dog. It felt as though he realized in that moment that I could not hear well or see, and that was why he did so much training in preparation for working with me.”

Meet Guide Dog Brody

DOB:  1/8/2022
Litter ID: S-5C22
Color/Breed:  Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Buttons
Stud: Elton
Littermates: Cara, Cody, Candy, Cassidy, Carly
Region:  New Hampshire, Capital NY
Regional Puppy Instructor: Lisa Bumbalo, Kate Gardner
Puppy Raiser:  Allie & Jen Maimone, Michaella Paonessa
Facebook: New Hampshire Puppy Raisers
Facebook: Capital Puppy Raisers

Special Recognition: Brody was special named by Jil Maheu and a couple of her best friends and favorite kids, Brody and Kendall. Everyone loved receiving updates on Brody’s progress through the program together.

From the Puppy Raiser…

Brody is the sweetest boy to live! He loves people and other dogs, swimming, playing tug-of-war and whiffle ball, drooling, hiking, and cuddling. We love our big, sweet boy! ~ Allie Maimone 

Brody is a kind, goofy, and affectionate boy who loved everyone he met, and the feeling was mutual. He’s always up for anything—whether it’s a busy day of outings or a quiet day at home, he’ll be right there with you. I’m very proud of him and wish the best for both Brody and Lydia as they continue to work, play, and explore together as a team!  ~ Michaella Paonessa 

Photos of the Team…