Melissa and Ariana

Meet Graduate Melissa

Graduate Team: Melissa and Ariana
About the Team: Ariana – a female black Lab; Melissa’s 5^th guide dog
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Training: December 2024 On-Campus

Melissa works as an Assistant Professor of Counseling at Tarleton State University’s School of Behavioral Sciences in Ft. Worth, Texas. She earned a doctoral degree in counselor education and supervision, and her publications and interests are centered on counselor disability competence and social justice concerns of individuals with disabilities. She previously worked as a clinical mental health counselor. Melissa lives in northern Texas but is originally from Southeast Louisiana and maintains very close contact with family and friends there. She flies down several times a year to visit. She enjoys reading and exploring her creative side by scrapbooking with one of her best friends.  An experienced guide dog handler, Ariana is her fifth guide dog.

How would you describe your guide dog? “Arianna is a smart sassy dog who is always eager to please. She enjoys working and is always so excited when she gets things right. For example, when I tell her to find the door and I praise her she gets so excited wagging her tail because she knows she got it. She is pretty chill most of the time and loves to snuggle. Sometimes, she will lie on top of me, and we will have a nap together.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I have had three dogs from Guiding Eyes and have always had a positive experience, from the application process through graduation and follow-up. The staff, the trainers, and everyone there really love what they do, and you can tell that they are dedicated to their jobs. They want the guide dog team to be successful. It is such a welcoming campus.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “I am a more confident traveler with a dog by my side. I can walk at my preferred pace. With a guide dog, it is easier for me to get some physical activity. There is always another ‘being’ with me. I am not traveling or living alone. She is particularly helpful in familiar locations as once she has learned a particular route it takes very little effort to get where I need to be.”

Were there any training highlights? “Our first week, I was working Ariana, and it was a very windy day with major gusts. We were walking against the wind, and suddenly, a huge gust of wind blew me backward, and Ariana kind of spun out! We both looked at each other – I checked in with her, and she checked in with me. We reassured each other that we were both OK, paused, let the wind die down, and continued our walk. She recovered immediately as though nothing had happened. The second week, waiting our turn in the lounge to train, I was feeling unwell and sat on the floor. The next thing you know, Ariana was on me, licking me to death. It is important to bond and spend time with your dog. It was so interesting that she recognized my need to spend time with her. It was a big moment for me.”

Meet Guide Dog Ariana

DOB:  12/6/2022
Litter ID: 1A422
Color/Breed:  Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Female
Brood: Violet
Stud: Denny
Littermates: Asher, Alfred, Amos, Angie, Acura, Alder, Asteroid
Region:  Wayne County, Fingerlakes
Regional Puppy Instructor: MeKalea Chambliss, Cassie Houghton
Puppy Raiser:  Tara & Mackenzie Kesel, The Doubet Family
Facebook: Wayne County Puppy Raisers
Facebook: Fingerlakes NY Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

Ariana has always been a spunky lady with lots of character. She was always the first to stick her nose into anything interesting to inspect what was happening. She was always full of love, but definitely happy with her own space as well. We are so proud of how far Ariana has grown as a puppy and can’t wait to see how she continues to grow as a guide dog. ~ Shannon Doubet

Photos of the Team…