Hello Guiding Eyes Graduates,
As we embark on a new year and all the adventures it may hold, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the first edition of “Embark: The Handler’s Herald.”
This newsletter serves as a vital link between us, showcasing the resilience and accomplishments of our community while providing resources to enrich your experience as a guide dog handler.
Within these pages, you’ll find inspiring stories like that of Ramsina and her guide, Arizona, who together have discovered newfound freedom and companionship. Additionally, we are excited to unveil our new logo, reflecting our commitment to innovation and growth as we continue to foster these life-changing connections. Our Veterinary staff also provides important updates on available funds to support your guide dog’s health in 2025.
I want to take a moment to express my immense gratitude to each of you for being part of the Guiding Eyes for the Blind family. Your trust and partnership inspire us every day to enhance our programs and services. I encourage you to immerse yourself in this issue, explore the stories and resources shared, and reach out with your own ideas and experiences. Together, we are creating a vibrant and supportive community that continues to thrive.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment and for allowing us to be part of your journey. I look forward to the successes and adventures that lie ahead for all of us in 2025.
Warmest regards,
Thomas Panek
As we enter 2025, Guiding Eyes is thrilled to introduce our new logo! It represents the strength, trust, and connection that guides our work as we look toward the future together. We will be making this exciting transition to our new logo throughout 2025.
Description: Guiding Eyes for the Blind logo image features a side silhouette of a person sitting next to a Labrador guide dog wearing a harness. The guide dog is in front of the person, and they are both looking in the same direction. To the right of the image, the text reads ‘Guiding Eyes’ in large bold letters, with ‘for the Blind’ in smaller text below. The entire logo is in our standard Guiding Eyes “blue” apart from the guide dog handler who is a lighter shade of blue.
When I sat down with Ramsina, it felt less like an interview and more like a heart-to-heart between two people who know the life-changing bond a guide dog can bring. Ramsina lives in California, where she works as a health coach at Create Health. She balances her busy days as a mom of two and a proud grandma to a lively three-year-old. In her free time, she’s all about creativity. Knitting, blending her own teas, and making music by singing and playing the piano or keyboard are just some of the things she loves.
When I asked Ramsina what initially made her decide to apply for a guide dog, she laughed and admitted, “I got tired of running into things.” It was such a simple and honest answer that I couldn’t help but laugh along with her. Like so many of us, Ramsina reached that point where she was ready for the freedom and safety a guide dog could bring into her life.
Her journey to Guiding Eyes started with a spark of excitement from a YouTube video. She came across a video of a Guiding Eyes dog and was instantly hooked. She described how seeing the dogs in action inspired her to follow every video. While this is her fourth guide dog, it is her first from Guiding Eyes. Even though she already knew about Guiding Eyes, those videos sealed the deal. What really sold her, though, was how the school approached her needs. They were met without making her feel like it was a bother. That sense of understanding made her decision an easy one.
Ramsina spoke warmly about her time on campus, describing it as a beacon of hope. She shared the joy of seeing Arizona walk her confidently through the streets of New York City, showing her what their partnership could achieve. But it wasn’t just the training that left an impression. It was the laughter of her classmates, instructors, and other staff.
She also talked about how much the friendships she made with her classmates meant to her. Going through such a challenging experience together created bonds that she treasures to this day. They laughed together, cried together, and celebrated the victories that only guide dog handlers can truly understand.
Since bringing Arizona home, Ramsina’s life has continued to grow in ways she didn’t expect. Arizona has helped her face fears she didn’t even realize were holding her back, especially when it comes to travel. It was clear how deeply Ramsina values Arizona not just as her guide but as a partner in her journey. She also fondly remembered the play area back on campus, where both she and her guide could unwind after long and intense days of training.
When asked what advice she would give to someone considering applying for a guide dog, Ramsina didn’t hesitate. “Receiving a dog is like having a baby. You have to be willing and okay with the changes that come into your life. It’s worth it, but it’s a serious commitment.”
Talking to Ramsina reminded me of the unique ways guide dogs impact our lives. Each partnership is different, but the one constant is how our dogs help us face challenges and embrace new possibilities each and every day…that is what true partnership is all about.
Happy New Year from Kim, Guiding Eyes for the Blind’s Veterinary Hospital Administrative Assistant! With the official start of 2025, I wanted to provide a refresher on available veterinary funds to help answer questions in advance.
As of January 1st, 2025, your Graduate Veterinary Assistance Fund auto renewed with $600 to use for 2025 invoices. You can use this fund for any services directly related to veterinary care, such as vaccines, nail trims, medication and monthly preventatives, prescription dog food, etc. Items such as treats, regular dog food, toys, grooming supplies, etc. are not covered. The Graduate Veterinary Assistance Fund does not require pre-approval. If for any reason your guide dog is experiencing a medical illness and you need additional funding, please reach out to us.
Additionally, you have access to the Gootter Fund, a one-time use fund of up to $1,500 to help cover veterinary costs for minor procedures and diagnostic work, such as bloodwork, ultrasounds, radiographs, dentistry, and mass removals. We also have the Hockmeyer Fund, which can only be used if your local vet and a Guiding Eyes vet refer your guide dog to a board-certified veterinary specialist for treatment of a specific condition. Both the Gootter and Hockmeyer funds require all expenses to be pre-approved by one of our veterinarians so that we have a chance to review and oversee the care and make sure that it is in compliance with the funds. Complete medical records and an estimate should be emailed to GEBvet@guidingeyes.org for prior approval.
If you are seeking reimbursement for any invoice, it should be emailed to vetadmin@guidingeyes.org and a check payment will be issued and received within 30 days. Please be sure the address listed on the invoice is correct. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me!
Wishing you a warm, wonderful, and healthy 2025!
The term “distraction” comes up regularly when we talk about guide dog work. Before we solve a particular distraction issue, we must understand distractions at their core. Distraction can be broadly defined as anything that interferes with the active working connectedness between the handler and the guide dog. We might imagine it as something that is wedging itself into the team’s connectedness during guide dog work.
The most common distractions can be categorized as:
When discussing distractions, instructors, students and graduates alike most often focus on the guide dog. However, guide dog handlers are also susceptible to distractions. Working a guide as a distracted handler is also problematic. Anything that interferes with your ability to focus on your guide’s work or behavior is a distraction. Some examples include sudden, startling or unfamiliar sounds, smells or visual stimulation for those with residual vision, active conversations whether in-person or on the phone, or negative emotions such as stress.
Distractions are most common for guide dog teams in their first year together. It is common for guides to have limited distraction issues in class, only to experience challenges on route after some time in your home area. The guide in training is familiar with the environments where training takes place. The guide is also accustomed to being handled in the presence of an experienced instructor. Routes and daily routine during training can vary from your home environment and lifestyle. All of this and more can be contributing factors to the phenomenon of distractions suddenly cropping up well after graduation. If you are a newly graduated handler, you should not feel you are alone when you experience distractions as a challenge.
It is best to be proactive in initiating connectedness between yourself and the guide dog. Each time you are about to set out on a route, before you give the forward command, take a moment for a quick check-in. Ensure both you and your guide are focused. Additionally, a few moments of enthusiastic obedience, touch command, and a treat go a long way in putting you and your guide dog in the right frame of mind.
It is best to be proactive in initiating connectedness between yourself and the guide dog. Each time you are about to set out on a route, before you give the forward command, take a moment for a quick check-in. Ensure both you and your guide are focused. Additionally, a few moments of enthusiastic obedience, touch command, and a treat go a long way in putting you and your guide dog in the right frame of mind.
Engage and connect with your guide dog prior to times of change, whether it is transitioning from your home to the outdoors or entering your indoor workplace from outside. Sometimes teams can lose connection during these key moments. Continue to check in with your guide from time to time, especially when the circumstance or environment is known to pose challenges. If you recognize the feeling of disconnectedness, take the proper time to reconnect. A well-connected team is typically a high performing team.
Chapter 12 in the Class Lectures also addresses the topic of distraction, and can be found here.
Mealtimes during on-campus training are a focal point for refueling, relaxing and socializing with classmates. If you’ve trained in New York over the past year, you’ve experienced the warm, welcoming and friendly atmosphere in Rosie’s Cafe brought to the table by Chef Rob, Peter, Patricio, Margaret and Jackie. As always, Chef Rob is happy to share his trade secrets, starting with this signature dish, Chicken Carol. Enjoy!
Chicken Carol Recipe
4 chicken breasts, thinly sliced into medallions
1 medium shallot, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
5 mushrooms
4 artichoke hearts
4 oz chopped tomatoes
4 oz sundried tomatoes
4 oz olives
1/4 cup white wine
1/4 cup chicken stock
1/4 cup beef stock
2oz butter
Seasoned flour (salt, pepper, dried parsley, granulated onion and granulated garlic)
Dredge the thinly sliced chicken medallions in the seasoned flour. Sautee each side of the chicken over medium heat until slightly brown on each side in vegetable oil, approximately 3-5 minutes each side. Once all the chicken is browned, remove from pan and set aside. Add to the pan the chopped garlic and shallots and simmer over medium high heat until translucent, approximately 6-7 minutes. Add tomatoes, mushrooms, artichokes, olives and the chicken back into the pan followed by the white wine. Once the wine is reduced slightly, add the two stocks. Dip the butter in the flour and add to the pan, thickening the sauce. Let simmer for 8-10 minutes to tenderize the chicken.
Many people use WayAround to help keep daily living items like food, clothes, important documents and medicines organized in an efficient manner. Maybe you have used them in your home! In 2022, Guiding Eyes for the Blind was one of the first organizations to partner with WayAround to try using their WayTags to support orientation in public spaces. We labeled items on our campus so that they would be fully accessible by having large print, braille, and an audible WayTag. In addition to this, we added WayTags to some of our ADA signs. These information-rich audio tags are able to hold over 2000 characters and photos. WayAround is fully compatible with inverted colors, enlarged text, a screen reader, or a refreshable braille display. WayAround’s WayTags can help you learn key details about a space, or item, allowing you to make informed decisions with ease and confidence.
We are excited to share that we have continued to work with WayAround to expand our use of their WayTags to further support orientation for our students and visitors. Entering a new or unfamiliar space can be overwhelming for anyone, not just those with vision loss. We are happy to now be able to share with you an orientation to the first floor of the main building at our Training School campus in Yorktown Heights, NY! Please follow the instructions below to get oriented, or, for those familiar with our campus, to get reoriented.
First, be sure to download the free WayAround app for iOS or Android. Once you have downloaded the WayAround app, open this link on your mobile device. You will then be able to explore an accessible directory of the first floor of our main building. When you are on our campus, you can scan any WaySign with your iPhone or Android device to get all sorts of valuable information.
Have fun exploring.
Tis the season! Temperatures are dropping, snow is falling, and you and your dog are probably spending many evenings curled up together in front of a roaring fireplace. Below are some helpful tips to navigate a winter wonderland.
Monitor weather reports frequently before traveling to your destination. Whether commuting to work, running errands, or visiting the library to hit the books before an exam, adverse weather conditions can pose barriers and in some cases safety hazards for you and your dog. Limit the number of unpleasant surprises when you step outside your front door and allow yourself the opportunity to prepare accordingly. Be especially diligent toward snow, ice, freezing rain, and extreme temperatures.
Identify alternate routes and plan extra time into your schedule. The route you travel may not be clear of snow and ice, and you may need to choose a different path, or opt for a different mode of transportation altogether. Explore your options ahead of time to make an informed decision. If you need to adjust your routine for any reason, give yourself the time and flexibility to do so.
Consider packing extra gear for your dogs, such as booties, lights for harness/collar to improve nighttime visibility, and a light coat for extreme temperatures. Keep in mind that dog breeds such as Labrador Retrievers have a double coat that keeps them very warm during cold weather; they do not need excessive outerwear and can overheat if a coat or booties are left on too long and/or indoors.
Consider gear that is beneficial for you, such as comfortable walking shoes with traction, yak tracks with rolled wire for particularly slippery days, and high visibility clothing or lights at night. Gloves are also a fantastic addition to any handler’s winter wardrobe, but make sure they are not overly thick, as you will still need to feel the harness, manipulate a leash, and offer food reward.
Be aware of sand and/or salt on the ground, as it is abrasive and can irritate your dog’s paw pads. Use booties to protect your dog’s paws or carry a towel with you to wipe off their paws when indoors.
Routes may appear different or more complex for you and your dog while covered in snow, ice, or excessive water. Take your time, be patient with one another, and be prepared to problem-solve if you get turned around. It happens to the best of us. The tactile information under our feet may change or landmarks appear different to our dogs. Always carry a cane with you if you need to verify, further investigate, or reorient yourself during a route.
Use caution in areas you know are frequently shaded as they may be prone to ice for longer periods of time. Not all snow and ice melt evenly as temperatures warm throughout the day.
Take extra care at intersections, even if they are familiar to you. Truncated domes may be covered in snow and/or ice. Plan extra time at street crossings as it may be more challenging to analyze traffic, and traffic patterns may be disrupted by road conditions. Drivers have lower visibility this time of year, especially during peak travel times, and it takes cars longer to stop on slippery roads.
I hope you and your pups have many exciting adventures in store this season. Stay safe and warm as you walk through this winter wonderland.
Kat wears a dark top and is seen in a head and shoulders shot with a plain background smiling towards the camera
As a Placement Specialist, Kat works directly with students/graduates during their on-campus training at Guiding Eyes. Here’s a little bit about Kat:
How did you get into the industry?
Many moons ago, I saw the Instructor Assistant position on Hudson Valley Help wanted.com. I came from shelter work and was an animal control officer. I thought “I like dogs, so let’s see what this is about!” More than twenty years later I am still here, and I am very passionate about helping people achieve their goal to work with a guide dog.
What was one of your favorite training moments in class?
Each team I train has a moment where they, the dog and the handler, just click and start to move in stride without any assistance. It might be a street crossing or moving around an obstacle, but it is that pivotal moment that I get to witness each time. That singular moment just changed a person’s life for the better.
What is your favorite place to frequent when training with students near the White Plains urban lounge?
In the past, I have loved taking my students to Starbucks, sitting on the benches chatting about life while drinking coffee. I really enjoy getting to know people and learning from them.
If you could describe your personality in three words, what would they be?
Patient, Kind, Resilient
If you could instantly master any skill outside of the guide dog industry, what would it be?
I would love to get my motorcycle license or drive race cars or have even a bigger sneaker collection!
If you could only give one piece of advice to a future student, what would it be?
I would encourage future students to walk into this experience with patience and grace for themselves and for their dog. And most importantly bring your sense of humor and smile!!
Samantha Orie sits on her heels next to a yellow lab with tongue out on a sunny sidewalk near the kennel entrance
Samantha started her career as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor Trainee in 2022. She loved animals from a young age, which developed into a passion for dogs and training during her high school days. Samantha attended the State University of New York at Cobleskill and graduated with her BT in Animal Science with a concentration in Canine Training in 2018.
After college, she worked in various fields in the canine industry, including ignitable liquid and explosive detection with police dogs, pet dog behavior training, teaching various dog sport classes, and as a veterinary assistant. Samantha’s admiration for working dogs combined with an interest in teaching landed her at Guiding Eyes. She has a strong work ethic and loves the ability to impact so many people with amazing and hard-working dogs.
In her free time, she enjoys cuddling on the couch with her female black Labrador Retriever named Mocha, going to the movies, cooking, and hiking.
Samantha shared these words: “Thank you for trusting us to teach you and keep you safe. Whether you are coming for your first dog, or your seventh, every journey is different, and I am grateful to be a part of it. I enjoy learning from you all and hearing about your adventures after you graduate.”
Meghan sits on rocks with her hands around adult German Shepherd Fuschia with a scenic view of hills and a body of water beyond them
Meghan Davis Guarnero oversees the care and well-being of all dogs at the Training School. She has worked at Guiding Eyes for nine years, having started as a Kennel Technician, then moved into the Lead Kennel Tech position, followed by her most recent promotion to Training School Kennel Manager. Meghan follows in the footsteps of long-time Kennel Manager Val Quick, who retired this past spring after 20 years at Guiding Eyes.
Meghan shared that her favorite part of the job is, unsurprisingly, spending time with the dogs. She says she can’t be upset coming to work when there are 160 dogs who just want to love and be loved!
We are excited to share that Guiding Eyes for the Blind is in the design process to build a Wellness and Training Center for your future guides! We have purchased property that is about a five-minute drive from our main campus in Yorktown, conveniently located near the Taconic Parkway. The land is currently being cleared and prepared for building.
The new center will be built in a “pod” configuration. We will have a central space for veterinary care and multipurpose functions. Branching off from that center will be individual kennel sections with each having their own support space. Support spaces will contain a small exam room, bathing area, and training and feeding equipment for that group of dogs. The support space will also have workstations for staff to give the dogs the reassurance of human presence and maximize training opportunities to settle.
GDMIs will be able to keep the dogs in their training string together in an individual pod. Keeping dogs in smaller groups can reduce stress to optimize learning, but also creates a better workflow for staff. It allows flexibility to train dogs on a schedule that is optimal for them during their phases of training without disrupting the other groups of dogs.
This design also creates the ability to separate off any pod experiencing illness to reduce the chances of other dogs becoming ill. Modern building practices will benefit us with better air flow and separate air circulation. When individual dogs become ill, there is a designated isolation area to care for them until they are rested, recovered and ready to resume work.
We will also have a separate intake pod for our newest dogs coming into training. They will be housed individually to allow them to acclimate and be spayed and neutered. Once we have had the opportunity to assess their health over a period of time, we can add them into our kennels to begin training.
We are looking forward to having some “real life” rooms for dogs. These rooms will mimic more of a home environment for training our dogs and will also serve as an area for retired dogs returning to the kennel to have the option of a quieter space.
Updated veterinary facilities include exam rooms, a separate area for endoscopy, ultrasound, and dentistry, as well as an x-ray room and surgery suite. This bright new space will enhance our patients’ veterinary experience.
The new kennel building is designed to optimize the care, comfort, and health of our dogs in training. Additionally, increased capacity will help us to grow our organization to create more amazing guide dog teams! We anticipate completion in the summer of 2026.
Come join the Polar Bear Run! We are thrilled to invite you to participate in our 40th annual Polar Bear run, a beloved tradition that combines fun, fitness, and a sense of camaraderie among alumni. The event will take place at Lake Waramaug, Connecticut, on Sunday, February 23rd at 11:00am. You can run with or without your guide dog!
It is a lengthy run at nearly 8 miles. A big downhill to start, with a big uphill to the finish line. The first half of the course is better suited to running with a guide dog. The roads are not closed, but the traffic is light and slow moving. The second half however, will have steady, quick-moving traffic. There is a shoulder, but it is narrow. Keep this in mind if considering running with your running guide for a portion of the race. The Guiding Eyes Training Department will be present, some dogs-in-training for the running program will run, and there will be a van available at the halfway mark as a relay exchange point.
Visit the below link to register and for more information. Use the promo code GUIDINGEYES for free registration if you’re going to run.
https://www.trailheads.com/lake-waramaug-polar-bear-run
Whether you’re a competitive runner, a casual participant, or just looking for a fun way to reconnect with fellow graduates, the Polar Bear Run is the perfect opportunity to get outside, embrace the season, and support the Guiding Eyes mission. Be sure to wear your warmest gear and don’t forget to invite your friends, family, and fellow graduates to join the fun. We look forward to seeing you there!
We’d like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this edition of Embark: The Handler’s Herald possible. This newsletter is a true labor of love, and it wouldn’t be what it is without the talents and dedication of our incredible team.
First, a huge thank you to all our contributors who shared their ideas, stories, and expertise. Your creativity and insights are what bring this newsletter to life, and we’re so grateful for your time and effort.
Behind the scenes, we have our amazing team of visionaries and doers:
Each person brought their unique talents and energy to make this edition something truly special.
If you’d like to share an idea or article for future newsletters, we’d love to hear from you! Please send your submissions to gradnewsletter@guidingeyes.org.
Thank you all for being part of this journey with us. We can’t wait to share more with you in the future!
Warm regards,
The Embark Team
Guiding Eyes for the Blind is approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (C) (3) tax-exempt organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind Federal Identification Number (EIN) is 13-1854606.
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