Michelle and Albert

Meet Graduate Michelle

Graduate Team: Michelle and Albert
About the Team: Albert, a male yellow Lab, is Michelle’s 1st guide dog.
Location: Aston, Pennsylvania
Training:  August 2024 On-Campus

Michelle has a background in education and brings her interest in teaching to her role as a part-time Children’s Ministry Coordinator at Mount Hope Church, her local parish.  Her responsibilities include planning family events, Sunday School scheduling, as well as curriculum and lesson planning. Michelle came to Guiding Eyes for her first guide dog, Albert, after several years of progressive vision loss. She resides in Pennsylvania with her husband and their ten-year-old daughter and six-year-old son. Guide dog Albert’s new family also includes a 30-year-old turtle, which has been her husband’s pet for as many years. Michelle is enjoying her newfound independence, especially when she attends her children’s sports activities, such as her son’s soccer games. She appreciates having more freedom to do the things a busy mom does, as well as walks outdoors with Albert.

How would you describe your guide dog? “Albert is extremely loyal and loving and things are going really well so far! He is high energy in all the right ways! When I’m outside walking, Albert and I can get around the neighborhood quickly when we need to. Albert is also able to settle nicely when he isn’t working, and he loves to snuggle! When his harness goes on, he just stands there and waits for direction. When the harness is off, he likes to play and have fun.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I have been progressively losing my vision since 2008 and realized a guide dog would be an important step in helping me maintain my independence. I needed a long-term plan to manage my vision loss, but I had a pet dog who was very attached to me, so I wasn’t ready to apply for a guide dog just yet. When my pet dog passed away I decided it was the right time to apply. I did a lot of research and chose Guiding Eyes because of how supportive, friendly, and personable everyone was.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life?  “With Albert, I can travel on my own to work again and no longer have to rely on others all the time for rides. Albert has also helped me get back into walking outdoors for exercise, which has been amazing. My vision loss had caused me to cut back a lot on going for walks outside. With Albert, I feel so much healthier being able to walk and get exercise. I have also been able to go back into stores again and can get around independently at my children’s sports games without having to rely on family to help me. I’m still living the same life, but everything is so much easier!”

Were there any training highlights? “I have three training highlights! First, it was such an emotional experience meeting Albert for the first time. Then, on the second day of training, Albert and I were walking on the route, but we had not yet practiced traffic checks. Suddenly, Albert stopped. I was confused and didn’t know why until the trainer let me know that Albert had stopped me because a car was passing by. It was amazing. The third, and probably biggest, training highlight was when we did our night walk. When we finished, I was so emotional because I realized I would now be able to walk through my neighborhood after dark to pick up my daughter at her friend’s house. This was so liberating, and every time I pick up my daughter, I think about that moment.”

Meet Guide Dog Albert

DOB:  8/26/2022
Litter ID: S-P-6A322
Color/Breed:  Yellow/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Demi
Stud: Clay
Littermates: Almond, Ambrosia, Arizona, Abilene, Alban, Arthur
Region:  Capital NY, Adirondack
Regional Puppy Instructor: Kate Gardner
Puppy Raiser: Lexi Brittany McAvoy, Dani Zvi, Lynn Edwards
Facebook: Capital NY Puppy Raisers
Facebook: Adirondack Puppy Raisers

Special Recognition: Albert was special named in memory of Betty and Sigmund Albert by their daughter, Melodi Albert. Albert’s progress was also followed by a Pathfinder Society member, someone who listed Guiding Eyes in their will and has received photos and updates of Albert’s progress.

From the Puppy Raiser…

Oh sweet Albert! The best college roommate/cuddle buddy anyone could ask for. His playful nature was an endless source of joy; his gentleness often a source of comfort. I will miss this remarkable dog his eagerness to learn, his willingness to please and the countless ways he brightened my days I can’t help but smile when I think back on the days Albert wasn’t yet aware of his size and would try to curl up in my lap or run back and forth between my legs when he was happy to see me. I credit Albert for inspiring me to take my first steps towards a career as a service dog trainer. I am proud of his accomplishments and grateful to know he will continue to provide inspiration, comfort and love. ~ Dani Zvi

Photos of the Team…