Graduate Team: Montonya and Tahoe
About the Team: Tahoe, a male yellow Lab; Tonya’s 4th guide dog
Location: Syracuse, New York
Training: May 2025 Home Training
Montonya is a graduate of Onondaga Community College with an associate’s degree in electronic media communications. Tonya is currently working as a customer service representative for the U.S. Department of Transportation FMCSA at the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Prior to working at CABVI, Tonya had done an extensive amount of volunteer work that has changed her life and the lives of those she met along the way. She volunteered over 750 hours at the Syracuse Veterans Administration and was also a camp counselor at Camp High Hopes for 14 summers, a camp for boys with bleeding disorders. Tonya is very passionate about basketball. She has been following the Syracuse University Orange for as long as she can remember and says her “blood bleeds orange”. She loves the “Orange” so much, she named her orange cat Otto, after their mascot. Tonya watches as many games as possible and has been known to stay up all night to watch a long Syracuse basketball game or the Olympics. Tonya loves to follow Breanna Stewart, a player on the New York Liberty, considered one of the best players in the WNBA, who happens to be from Syracuse.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Since Tahoe came into my life, he has done so much. Before he arrived, I carried my kitty, Reese, over the rainbow bridge. He and my cat Otto were best buddies, and Otto was lost without his playmate and best friend. He would just lie around and not socialize, but within ten minutes of the arrival of ‘Tahoe the Great’, they were friends. Tahoe gave Otto the biggest doggy kiss ever, and Otto still lets him do it. Tahoe is attached to him like glue and very protective. While at physical therapy, Tahoe tries to help my therapist by putting his head under her armpit to see how he can help. Everybody just laughs. Tahoe has a buddy next door, too, Zeno, a golden retriever from The Seeing Eye. I never hear a peep out of Tahoe, but he loves to bounce around with Zeno. They play like two little boys.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I originally came to Guiding Eyes because I was turned down by several other schools, but I’m working with my 4th guide dog from Guiding Eyes, and I keep coming back because of the family atmosphere. I wouldn’t go to any other school due to the excellent training staff. Also, each of my guides has had different personalities, but they were excellent guides.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “A guide dog has given me more independence and a greater sense of security. There are streets I’d feel confident crossing with a guide dog that I wouldn’t attempt with a cane alone. People notice a guide dog, and dogs see and hear things a cane won’t. Many years ago, when I was between guides and was walking home from a store, a man came up from behind, grabbing me by my shoulders. He claimed he was going to help me cross, but I was suspicious because to the right, I saw a second man. I was so scared without a dog, and I still feel that fear today. I feel safer with a guide dog because people are less likely to start trouble with someone with a large dog.”
Were there any training highlights? “I’ve enjoyed doing training both on campus and at home and have loved my instructors. Sharing the city of Syracuse with my trainers is lots of fun. I love taking them to places that are only found in Syracuse. Thank you, Gerald, Jolene, Susan, and Andrea, for all the hard work and fun.”
DOB: 11/1/2020
Litter ID: 2TT20
Color/Breed: Yellow, Labrador
Gender: Male
Brood: Dallas
Stud: Yarmouth
Littermates: Tigger
Region: Southern Tier NY
Regional Puppy Instructor: Cassie Houghton
Puppy Raiser: The Sortore Family
Facebook: Southern Tier Puppy Raisers
Tahoe would be described as always having a smile on his face! He is happy all the time! He has never met a human or dog he doesn’t love and vice versa!! Tahoe has the ability to adapt to any situation confidently and calmly. He is a rock! Tahoe was with high school students all day and adapted easily to whatever challenges he faced daily. The first day of school he was only 8 weeks old. He fell asleep in my arms right before class started. I still taught the class, and he remained snuggled in my arms. His personality is the best! He loves to be as close to his humans as possible. That year many students gladly sat on the floor during class to have Tahoe sit with them. Outings were so much fun because he excelled in any situation! We are so happy for this next step in this journey! Tonya and Tahoe – we are so excited for both of you on this journey! You make an incredible team! ~The Sortore Family
