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MMeunier

Morgan and Robbie

Meet Graduate Morgan

Morgan sits side by side with her black lab guide dog Robbie for their team portraitGraduate Team:  Morgan and Robbie
About the Team:  Robbie: female black Lab; Morgan’s 2nd Guiding Eyes dog
Hometown:  Chandler, Arizona
Training: December 2024 On-Campus   

Morgan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with an emphasis on Morality (Ethics), Politics, and Law from Arizona State University and Barrett, The Honors College. She graduated summa cum laude in 2020 and was awarded the Dean’s Medal for her academic achievements. Morgan has four adult children, aged 19 to 27. She enjoys staying active in her community by volunteering and serving on civic boards and committees. In 2024, she participated in the Citizens Police Academy in Chandler, AZ, and now serves on its alumni committee, which provides opportunities to volunteer, educate, and stay engaged. Morgan enjoys independent travel, especially with her guide dog by her side. Her first guide, Fairest, accompanied her across 11 states during their 4.5 years together. This summer, she looks forward to visiting Robbie’s puppy raisers in Maine, Bryan and his family, as well as Pat and her family. She has also maintained a close friendship with Lakin, who raised Fairest and plans to visit her again with Robbie this year. To Morgan, the people who help raise and shape her guides will always feel like part of the dog’s family.

How would you describe your guide dog?  “I’ve never known a dog like Robbie. She has an incredible emotional intuition, yet she is also playful, focused, and driven. She’s a solid partner. In harness, she’s confident and patient. Outside of work, she’s a cuddly, playful squish squash who brings me comfort and makes me laugh. Every time someone mentions what a great match we are, I feel so much pride. That Guiding Eyes entrusted me with this incredible girl is one of the highest compliments I’ve ever received. Walking with her in harness feels like flying – we move fluidly with our environment. The Unifly harness, designed with input from Guiding Eyes, is an incredible tool. Robbie is a ‘special named dog’ – one of her raisers, Pat, had the honor of naming a puppy and chose Robbie to honor her brother while intentionally selecting a female pup. I think Robbie’s name suits her perfectly, and I love the sentiment behind it.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “I was born with my eye condition, so I grew up in the blind community, around guide dogs and handlers. When I was ready to apply for my first guide dog in 2015, I only applied to Guiding Eyes. Their program felt like the right fit. After working with them, I know I made the right choice. The experiences I’ve had here have been so positive that I’ve never wondered what it would be like with a different school. Guiding Eyes has always been the best fit for me. Their dogs are well-bred and well-cared for, and their staff and volunteers treat me like family.”

How has a guide dog impacted your life?  “I have a trauma history, and there’s a deep sense of security in walking independently with a guide dog. I have a trusted partner. Guiding Eyes understands how important that trust is. After losing my first guide, I stopped taking walks for pleasure. Walking with my guide had been relaxing. Robbie doesn’t just provide companionship or guide me around obstacles – she helps me locate stairs, doors, curbs, or my hotel room. Once I’ve shown her a place, clicked the clicker, and given her a treat, she remembers it – whether it’s ‘Home’ or the traffic light buttons. This autonomy is incredibly important to me, and my world has reopened. I’m even seriously considering applying to massage therapy school. Some of my classmates were licensed massage therapists or knew blind practitioners in the field. It’s a highly accessible career path.”

Were there any training highlights?  “My instructor, Dan, was incredible. He took the time to understand me and my unique emotional challenges and handled everything with patience and understanding. The trainers supported one another and their students – it truly felt like a family. Izzy and Michelle helped with leash and harness adjustments when Dan was busy, and I have to mention Chef Rob! He brought so much energy to the dining room, and the food was amazing. They even made a special birthday cake for a classmate! For me, the highlight was the people. Everyone was so supportive, and that made all the difference.”

Meet Guide Dog Robbie

DOB:  10/13/2022
Litter ID: S-1K322
Color/Breed:  Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Female
Brood: Cammie
Stud: Denny
Littermates: Knight, Kelly
Region:  Maine
Regional Puppy Instructor: Lisa Bumbalo
Puppy Raiser:  Pat Webber, The Field Family
Facebook: Maine Puppy Raisers

Special Recognition: Robbie was special named by Pat Webber in memory of her brother. Pat also co-raised Robbie. She was gifted this special naming opportunity by her Puppy Raising regions upon her retirement from Guiding Eyes as a Regional Puppy Instructor.

From the Puppy Raiser…

Robbie was such a fun pup to raise and I was so delighted to co-raise her with the wonderful Field family. This provided her such a nice mix of a busy family with lots of kids and then here with me to do more with hikes, swims, walks and outings. She really is a super snuggler. I love her ability to just chill out at home but be ready for action at a moments notice. She loves to be out and about and part of whatever is going on. She is super curious and at times needs a moment to take in a new situation. She’s an amazing dog and she was a big hit in the middle school I often subbed at as well as at the care center she visited quite often. I am so proud of this pup and so happy she is on her way to find new adventures. ~ Pat Webber and Bryan Field and family 

Photos of the Team…