Mary and Indra

Meet Graduate Mary

Graduate Team: Mary and Indra
About the Team: Indra – female black Lab; Mary’s 3^rd Guiding Eyes dog
Location: Kissimmee, Florida
Training: March 2025 Home Training

Mary is originally from the Cape Cod area in Massachusetts. She also spent time in Tacoma, Washington, before relocating to Florida seven years ago. She lost her sight at the age of four due to a fall that resulted in a traumatic brain injury. Despite this challenge, she earned multiple degrees, including bachelor’s degrees in psychology, sociology, and history from Walla Walla University, as well as a Ph.D. from Andrew’s College. Mary retired three years ago after an illustrious and diverse career. Her professional background includes working as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), psychologist, domestic childcare provider, and at Disney World’s “Magic Kingdom.” As a huge Disney enthusiast, she frequently visits the Disney Village and the various parks and attractions with her guide dog, Indra, as they reside only a stone’s throw away. Mary has two adult daughters and four grandchildren. She homeschools her six-year-old grandson and proudly boasts he performs at a fourth-grade academic level. When she isn’t working with her grandson or visiting Disney attractions, Mary enjoys playing bingo and reading historical books. Indra is Mary’s third guide dog from Guiding Eyes.

How would you describe your guide dog? “Indra has lots of personality. She is always playful and sweet and still very much a puppy when not working. She is disappointed when it’s cold out, and I tell her she can’t go in our pool. However, she happily plays in the pool most days by herself. She apparently was raised on an island off the coast of the Carolinas, which explains her familiarity and love of the water.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “I liked Guiding Eyes’ program and philosophy about the age their dogs are assigned to work over other schools I looked into.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life?  “I have greater independence with a guide dog, and I’m able to get out and about without needing a caregiver with me. I’m a whole lot more confident when taking buses to Disney and other places I like to visit.”

Were there any training highlights? “I trained at home with Indra and when I received my prior two guide dogs as well. Shannon, my trainer, stated that my training was rigorous because of the unique environments we visit, like Disney’s various attractions. She said it was hectic, like training clients in New York City. Maybe next time, I will be interested in experiencing training at the Guiding Eyes campus.”

Meet Guide Dog Indra

DOB:  10/4/2022
Litter ID: 7I322
Color/Breed:  Black/Labrador
Gender: Female
Brood: Edna
Stud: Ralphie
Littermates: Ingalls, Ives, Ipso, Iman, Iva, Ink, Isley, Irving
Region:  North Carolina
Regional Puppy Instructor: Kerry Lemerise
Puppy Raiser:  Ron & Laura Daniels
Facebook: North Carolina Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

We do not have enough words to describe how awesome Indra is and what a gentle soul she has. When Indra was with us she had a lot of fun living her best “island life “ she loves the water and the beach so how perfect for her to be partnered with Mary. We had many adventures and she loved being with and playing with all of our grandkids. We look forward to hearing about the adventures she and Mary take…go do your thing Indragirl! ~ Laura and Ron Daniels 

Photos of the Team…