Madeline and Jackie

Meet Graduate Madeline

Graduate Team:  Madeline and Jackie
About the Team:  Jackie, a female black Lab; Maddy’s 1st guide dog
Location:  Narberth, Pennsylvania
Training:  April 2025 On-Campus

Maddy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Health from Muhlenberg College and is employed at the Public Health Management Corporation in Philadelphia. Maddy enjoys being active and stays engaged in various physical activities. She has been a running enthusiast for many years, relying on a sighted guide runner. Her parents and sister live nearby, and she and her father enjoy going out on a run together. She also runs with a group called Achilles International and will participate in the Achilles Hope and Possibility event in June 2025. The race, held annually in New York City’s Central Park, is one of the largest inclusive races of its kind in the U.S., with individuals of varying abilities participating. Maddy has also participated in an adaptive sports camp called Camp Abilities as both a participant and a coach. Maddie enjoys a variety of activities, such as cooking and baking, playing audio games, and going on adventures in the city with her friends.

How would you describe your guide dog?  “When not working, she enjoys playing with my pet dog and cat, jumping around with her toys, and walking and running in circles, which is very cute.  In harness, she listens well when we are walking. She seems to take great pride in her work, whether navigating around stationary obstacles, people, dogs, or facing any other challenges.”  

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “I originally heard about the school through the National Federation of the Blind and the American Council for the Blind, but I also have a friend with a guide from Guiding Eyes. I really like the progressive approach of Guiding Eyes; the dogs are well-trained, and the staff treats you like you are capable and can advocate for yourself. They allow and encourage your independence. They balance positive feedback with acknowledging when you are doing something well, as well as letting you figure some things out for yourself. They do a good job of letting you know when you’ve improved on something you’ve been struggling with.”

How has a guide dog impacted your life? “Having a guide dog has been an adjustment, having to take into account Jackie’s needs, and planning for them when planning outings.  She and I go to work together, and Jackie helps me navigate more efficiently and with confidence, whether at work or walking in the city, which I can manage more effectively and with more assurance now.”

Were there any training highlights?  “The first day I walked with Jackie, I was tense, anxious, and a little scared, until I learned what it felt like to let the dog lead and guide. I became more comfortable and relaxed, and looked forward to our next walk. My trainer, Mik, was great, reassuring me whenever they sensed I was tense or nervous. Once you get comfortable and learn to trust, it’s a great feeling walking with a guide dog.  When we worked indoors at the mall, it was very different as Jackie navigated me around things. The escalator was pretty stressful because I was afraid of her toes getting caught. A few days later, there was a huge difference when we did escalators and indoor travel again. It was so much better, went smoothly, and I was so much more comfortable. There is so much to learn every day; you can see the improvements and feel confirmation that the relationship and trust are strengthening. We also went on a train and on a bus in Beacon, and when Stephanie and I walked with Jackie, we were cruising and she went around obstacles, ignored dogs, and went across weird street crossings with very few issues.  It was a good opportunity to see Jackie at her best, and the progress I had made. That was like a touchstone moment and a culmination of everything we’d been working on.  Our class of four was great, and we had so much fun.  Anything that went wrong was something to learn from. All the staff were helpful and nice, and Chef Rob was accommodating and kept us laughing every day.  This was a life-changing event for me.”

Meet Guide Dog Jackie

DOB:  5/21/2023
Litter ID: 8JJ23
Color/Breed:  Black/Labrador
Gender: Female
Brood: Helen
Stud: Denny
Littermates: Jedi, Jacques, Jerome, Jamoca, Jeter
Region:  Northern CT
Regional Puppy Instructor: Maureen Hollis
Puppy Raiser:  The Alleva-Bevins Family
Facebook: Northern CT Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

I knew Jackie would be a “Rock Star” from the start. She just had an intuitive sense to her and she knew what she was raised to do. Our first training class with Maureen Hollis solidified my feelings as to how intelligent this pup was. Maureen started the class by saying, “Now we will work on “SIT” and Jackie promptly sat. Everyone broke out in laughter. This little black ball of fluff knew her stuff. Jackie loved our walks especially on the trails at our town park. She was an amazing running partner. My husband and I have a travel trailer, so, Jackie got to experience many different places along the East Coast. She really enjoyed Cape Cod and the beaches. We took her to Provincetown where we were staying in October. The streets were filled with people celebrating Halloween. Of course Jackie had a costume and was dressed as a bumble bee (Queen Bee). She will make a fantastic partner for her person. We wish her all the luck and love. ~ Lynn and Jim Bevins

Photos of the Team…