Dear Guiding Eyes Graduate Community,
As I prepare to say goodbye after a decade of enriching experiences, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable journey we’ve shared. It has truly been an honor to serve as your President & CEO and to work alongside such devoted volunteers, staff members, and graduates. Each of you has played a vital role in making our mission a reality, ensuring that individuals who are blind or visually impaired have access to not only guide dogs, but also to the compassion and support that come with them.
During my time here, I’ve been so inspired by the dedication of our puppy raisers, trainers, and veterinary staff, each contributing their talents and love to create life-changing partnerships.
I look forward to carrying forward the spirit of our collective mission, ensuring that every individual has the chance to thrive, regardless of their visual ability. Thank you for the memories, the friendships, and the meaningful work we’ve accomplished together. It has been a privilege to be a part of your lives and to witness the incredible transformation that our guide dogs bring.
Wishing you all continued success and fulfillment in the coming years. May our paths cross again in the future.
With deepest gratitude,
Thomas Panek
President & CEO
As we’re in the middle of March, we’re reminded that spring is just around the corner; a season of renewal, growth, and fresh possibilities. Just as the world begins to bloom again, our Guiding Eyes community continues to flourish, thanks to the dedication and passion of our graduates, volunteers, donors, and staff.
In this issue, we celebrate the many hands and hearts that make our mission possible. From the incredible puppy raisers who lay the foundation for our guide dogs to the hardworking trainers and veterinary staff who help them reach their full potential, every person plays a vital role in shaping these life-changing partnerships.
We also have plenty of exciting updates, helpful tips, and community stories to share. Whether you’re looking for grooming advice, a tech solution to make travel easier, or a way to give back, there’s something for everyone in this issue.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We hope this newsletter leaves you feeling inspired, informed, and connected to our wonderful community.
Wishing you a happy, rejuvenating, and warm spring,
The Embark Team – Meka White, Melissa Carney, Jackie Petroro, and Nikki Wentz
If you’re heading to campus in the next few months, we have a lineup of fun evening activities planned. Some of these activities include an ice cream social, game/trivia night, yoga, and live music. We kicked off with a new musician last month who came to campus to sing and play guitar for our residential class. Even our very own recent graduate, David Toro, joined in and shared his musical gifts with everyone! The talented musician recently returned to campus for a fantastic performance. It was a fun night filled with music, energy, and camaraderie; the perfect opportunity for class to reconnect, unwind, and enjoy great music together. Even the dogs were relaxing with the music and singing as well!
Nurse Donna also hosted a fun and festive Superbowl watch party. The dogs and their handlers were dressed up in team colors and everyone gathered in the student living room to watch the Superbowl together while enjoying some delicious snacks. Please enjoy this Superbowl poem written by Nurse Donna.
Chiefs & Dogs & Eagles
Oh My
Red Bows – Green tutus & Students arrive
Class of 2/3/25
Just in time for
For Super Bowl Live
Dogs in tutus & students with bows
Oh what fun @ Guiding Eyes—-
You just never know!!
If you’ve ever traveled through a busy airport, mall, or similar high-traffic, open area with your guide dog, you know it is nearly impossible to juggle your personal belongings and operate an iPhone for directions or environmental context, all while gripping a harness handle in one hand. To combat this dilemma, many guide dog handlers utilize visual assistance services, such as Aira, Be My Eyes, or Meta glasses, to navigate complex environments with their guide dogs. Hands-free technology allows us to receive additional information about our surroundings, while keeping the harness in one hand and our luggage, cup of coffee, and extra items in the other. When using a cane, one can simply follow directions given by the agent. However, when navigating with a guide dog, there are a few additional considerations.
1: Inform the agent that you are traveling with a guide dog, as that will prompt them to give you additional information catered to your needs. For example, an agent may say things like, “She’s taking you around the sign,” or “She’s stopping for a pole.”
2: Ask the agent to give you a verbal queue to turn about five to ten steps in advance so you can begin suggesting it to your dog. This way, you will both be prepared and less likely to miss the turn. If this queue is not given, you may have to retrace your steps to the original turning point, reorient, and rework.
3: You may also choose to use your cane and heal your dog, especially in new environments, or if directions from the agent are particularly confusing.
4. When using hands-free technology, especially glasses, remember that everything will be seen through the front camera. You do not usually have to contort yourself in awkward angles. The view that an AIRA agent or Be My Eyes volunteer needs can be achieved by moving your gaze in the direction they give you.
5. Practice in areas you are familiar with or while doing tasks that are not high stakes so that when you do find yourself in a busy airport, or in a high-stress situation, you will know which service to use for which eventuality.
Happy navigating!
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.
2 cups All Purpose Flour
1 Tsp Baking Powder
1 Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
1 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
3 Sticks Butter
6 TBSP Vegetable Oil
3 Cups Granulated Sugar
4 xl Eggs
2 Egg Yolks
1 ½ Cups Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
Sift together all dry ingredients and set aside. Heavily beat the whole eggs, yolks and vanilla and set aside. Melt butter, then add to eggs and beat together. Add dry ingredients into butter and egg mixture along with chocolate chips. Fold the mixture together until dry and wet ingredients are combined. Do not over mix. Pour batter into a 9” x 18” pan and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes, or when a toothpick can be stuck in and out without batter sticking to it.
Microfiber Camping Towel
By Rebekah Cross, Director of Donor Relations
I travel regularly for work and am often in the cars of friends, colleagues, and rentals. I was looking for something that I could put on the floor or a car seat that wouldn’t take up much room. Enter the microfiber camping towel. Made to be lightweight and pack down small, the towel unfolds to be large enough to cover the entire bottom of the back seat of a car. It’s also great when I need to wipe Regal in a pinch or have something to lay on the floor of a cab or paratransit to make her ride more comfortable. It washes great. I found mine here on Amazon, but there are many other similar options out there.
We have recently launched an updated Student Application. Improvements were made to collect needed information effectively, especially relating to Orientation and Mobility training and applicants’ travel needs in a guide dog. Several of the questions are now conditionally based on application status to streamline the reapplication process for our returning graduates as well.
We also wanted to provide some clarity on how and who to contact when seeking support through the application process or with concerns regarding your current guide dog.
The following options are available:
If you select options 1, 2 or 4, you will reach a member of the Client Experience Team. For option 3, you will be connected to a member of the Training Team to assist with your training or guide work questions and concerns.
Or email us at: clientexperience@guidingeyes.org
For emergency assistance outside of normal business hours (M-F 9am-5pm EST), please call 914-245-4024 and follow the prompts.
We also recommend checking the Grad Center on the Guiding Eyes for the Blind website for additional resources, including the Graduate Resource List – Guiding Eyes for the Blind, where all of this contact information can be found as well as the new Staff Directory.
Be sure to check out the website for two new resource guides that help with travel and emergency preparedness. These guides were a collaboration by Melissa Carney and Grad Council member, Mariana Canalizo.
Guide to Emergency Preparedness for Natural Disasters
It is bittersweet that we announce that Lisa Derleth will be retiring from her position as a Regional Guide Dog Mobility Instructor on April 4th. Lisa was an integral part of the Training team. From conducting home trainings and follow-up services to teams in their home areas to interviewing applicants who are interested in receiving a guide dog, she was instrumental in supporting our mission. We are incredibly grateful for the years of service Lisa has given to our community and we wish her all the best as she embarks on this new chapter in her life. Lisa would like to share the following message with the graduate community:
Dear Guiding Eyes Graduates,
After working at Guiding Eyes for the past 28 years, it is time for me to say goodbye. I have had the privilege of working with you and your beautiful dogs through difficult times and moments that brought you pure joy. Each one of you has taught me life lessons that I will always be grateful for. Since 1997, I have always said that I work with the best dogs and most dedicated co-workers at Guiding Eyes. It has been, however, the biggest honor to work alongside some of the bravest people I know, you the graduates. Thank you and your pups for all that you have given me.
Lisa
We want to wish Ellin Purcell, GDMI Specialized Training, and Payden Hubbert, Running Guide Specialist, the best in their next chapters!
The Vet Staff welcomes a new veterinarian, Dr. Marisa Beckett as well as two Licensed Veterinary Technicians, Joanne Gleason and Melinda Copeland.
The Training Team welcomes the addition of three new Trainee Guide Dog Trainers: Abby Tanzer, Gene Wilsea and Lexi Nickritz.
The Training School Kennel welcomes four new Kennel Technicians: Sara Barisic, Luke Pregiato, Lynn Jelly, and Erin Coyne.
By Kim Costello, Administrative Assistant-Vet Department
Did you know February was National Pet Dental Health Month, and that the oral health of our dogs is just as important as ours? The best way to maintain our dogs’ oral hygiene is to brush their teeth daily. Our goal is to prevent excess plaque from accumulating on your dog’s teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on a dog’s teeth, like your own. If plaque is not removed on a consistent basis, the build-up could lead to periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, which is an inflammatory condition and infection that affects the gums and bones supporting the teeth. Other than causing discomfort, this disease can cause other serious health issues for your dog, so it is essential to maintain adequate oral hygiene.
There are a few things to keep in mind when brushing your dog’s teeth. Use toothpaste that is specifically formulated for our canine friends, as human toothpaste can be toxic to our dogs. Let them taste their dog toothpaste before you begin so they can grow accustomed to the flavor. You can use a dog toothbrush, baby toothbrush, or soft cloth to brush their teeth. When brushing, focus on the gums by brushing the area where the gum meets the tooth. Make it a positive experience with lots of praise! The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) also has some products that are proven to be effective. You can view VOHC accepted products here. Some guide dog handlers give their dogs dental chews as a tasty way to prioritize dental hygiene. When selecting a dental chew, make sure the size of the treat is appropriate for your dog’s body weight, and that the brand of dental chews is VOHC certified. As a general rule of thumb, your dog’s teeth and gums should be thoroughly inspected at least once a year by a veterinarian. Happy brushing!
By Caryn Fellows, Trainee Manager
One of the many responsibilities guide dog handlers face is keeping their dog clean and looking their best. Did you know that this is a stipulation for public access? Any service animal handler may be asked to leave an establishment if their dog is dirty, unkempt, or has a foul odor. Luckily, this can be prevented with simple routine grooming. Double coated dogs such as Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds can be maintained at home simply by brushing regularly to remove excess hair and distribute the natural oils produced by the dog’s skin. In addition to keeping your dog as clean as possible, consistent grooming provides a fantastic opportunity to inspect your dog for any changes in their body, lumps and bumps, or minor injuries. Grooming time can also be an excellent bonding activity. It should be calm and enjoyable for both dog and handler. If your dog seems ticklish or tries to avoid being groomed, consider how you can make the process more comfortable and pleasant for them. Perhaps a slower approach, shorter sessions, or an alternative grooming tool may help your dog feel more at ease.
There are many different tools on the market to help you accomplish effective grooming. In most cases, a basic slicker brush will get the job done. For a dog with a longer, thicker coat, a grooming rake or pin brush might be more effective. For a dog with a thin, smooth coat, a soft bristled brush or rubber grooming tool may be all that is needed. Be careful not to over-groom your dog, depending on the type of tool used, as this could lead to skin irritation. Along with brushing, there are a few other tasks that you may want to include in your dog’s regular hygiene routine. Brushing your dog’s teeth can help minimize plaque buildup and delay the need for professional dental cleaning. A damp, soft cloth can be used to gently clean your dog’s eyes and face, as well as the belly, legs, and paws.
Paw care is important to remove any debris or foreign matter that may cling to the paws while out and about. Paw wax or balm can provide some protection and help keep paw pads healthy and moisturized. Again, use only products intended for this purpose such as Musher’s Secret or Snout Soother. It is vital to keep your dog’s nails at an appropriate length, however, nail trimming can be an especially challenging task, and potentially painful for the dog if done incorrectly. Dogs have a sensitive blood supply in each nail known as the “quick,” which is easy to hit when attempting to shorten the nails with a sharp trimmer. In most cases, this task is best left to a professional groomer, veterinary staff, or someone with a great deal of experience trimming a dog’s nails. Overly long nails can lead to injuries or even premature arthritis in the dog’s feet. The amount and frequency of maintenance needed depends on the dog’s activity level and conformation. If you regularly walk on pavement or concrete sidewalks, this may be enough to keep your dog’s nails worn down. A hand file or emery board can also be used to maintain nails between trims. Most dogs have a fifth digit, known as the dew claw, on their front paws that does not contact the ground; this may need extra attention as it does not wear naturally.
Aside from consistent grooming, your dog may need an occasional bath. Some dogs only need a bath once or twice each year. Bathing a dog too frequently can lead to dry skin as it can strip the beneficial oils from their skin and coat. You can bathe your dog at home if you are comfortable doing so and have appropriate facilities. A bathtub or shower with a handheld “wand” is best. Have plenty of towels on hand and be prepared to clean the whole area afterwards, as your dog will likely shake and splatter water and fur everywhere! Dogs should only be bathed with shampoos specifically formulated for dogs, and it is especially important to rinse your dog thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove all soap residue, and towel dry thoroughly after bathing. Most dogs tolerate the bathing process well enough, but many quite enjoy the towel dry and may have a case of the zoomies after towel time. Consider it their way of saying thank you for the scrub down and letting you know they are feeling good!
Some handlers choose to have their dog professionally bathed and groomed periodically, which is also a good option. Although this is an added cost, a professional grooming ensures that the dog receives a complete bath, blow dry, and grooming, as well as nail trimming and paw care.
Grooming routines vary from one team to another, but the most important thing to remember is that dogs need routine hygienic care just as their human partners do. Just as it is vital to keep up your dog’s skills as a working guide, it is mutually beneficial to keep them as healthy as possible and that starts with keeping them clean and being aware of any changes that may be an early warning sign of health issues. Keep those dogs well-groomed and step out proudly, knowing that your guide and companion is clean, healthy, and beautiful!!!
It has been just over a year since we moved into our new lounge location in White Plains. This location is roughly half a mile away from our previous lounge. We are still close to some of the neighborhoods you may remember and love, but there are additional areas that present even more training routes just outside our front door. The new lounge is situated in a 3-story office building. This provides built-in opportunities for indoor work, such as working up to the front doors, through the lobby, and into our space, conveniently located on the first floor.
The lounge itself is spacious with a wide-open floor plan. Furniture and carpeting are used as landmarks to help define and navigate the space. We have a variety of comfortable couches and chairs in a living room style configuration where students can relax when not out on route. The dogs particularly enjoy the soft carpets to lie on in their downtime as well. Our dining area consists of several circular tables close to each other. This setup allows students to practice settling and situating their dogs in an environment comparable to a restaurant. There is a nook off to the side with crates and other chairs if someone needs space or a quieter area to get work done as well as a fully stocked kitchen to keep everyone energized.
Within a few blocks of the lounge, we have long street crossings of six plus lanes, average size crossings, and shorter 2-lane driveways. Street crossings are a mix of light controlled, stop sign controlled, and audible signals. The width of sidewalks varies as well. In typical White Plains fashion, the area tends to be a little on the quiet side first thing in the morning, but pedestrian traffic picks up by late morning and the afternoon. The area provides plenty of distractions including pet dogs, birds, food on the ground, pedestrians, and obstacles. We are only a few blocks away from the White Plains train station.
If a busy downtown area is not normally where you travel, we also have the option to design routes in a more residential section of White Plains. In the residential neighborhoods, you are sure to encounter numerous pet dogs and narrower sidewalks that may be more comparable to your experiences at home.
Our lounge is close to several construction sites, including a few luxury high rise buildings nearing completion. These buildings will host retail stores on the lower level. We look forward to seeing what other places and opportunities will be available to us soon. In the meantime, we are still near to some of our favorite destinations such as the City Center, Starbucks, and CVS along Mamaroneck Ave. While the routes to travel to these destinations are a bit different, they are still close by!
As a Placement Specialist, Shannon works directly with students/graduates during their on-campus training at Guiding Eyes. Here’s a little bit about Shannon:
How did you get into the industry?
I discovered Guiding Eyes through the puppy raising region at Hartwick College while I was in school. I always wanted to be a teacher and work with animals so when I learned more about the guide dog field, I knew that was what I wanted to do. my ____ began in the kennel as an instructor’s assistant right after I graduated, and I was promoted to an apprentice one year later and now it has been 11 years.
What was one of your favorite training moments in class?
My favorite moment in class is when a team starts to gel and work cohesively.
What is your favorite place to frequent when training with students?
My favorite town to work in is Mt. Kisco. Settling in Starbucks is a great experience for the students and then the route is just the right length with a lot of opportunities for dog distraction work
If you could describe your personality in three words, what would they be?
Patient, caring & determined.
If you could instantly master any skill outside of the guide dog industry, what would it be?
Baking.
If you could only give one piece of advice to a future student, what would it be?
My advice would be to be patient with yourself and your dog.
Have you ever held a wiggly, squishy, velvety soft Labrador or German Shepherd puppy in your arms? Do you remember thinking to yourself, “Wow, was my guide dog really this small once upon a time?” as graduates of Guiding Eyes for the Blind, many of us marvel at the journey of a guide dog, from playful puppyhood to a wonderful working career. A significant chapter of every guide dog’s story includes essential volunteers. Puppy raisers welcome our dogs into their loving homes and build the foundation of basic obedience, socialization, house manners, and exposure to diverse environments. Without their hard work, hours of training, and dedication to the human/dog bond, our guide dogs would not have been prepared to enter formal harness training.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind is looking for new puppy raisers in all our regions and we hope you can spread the word. Our regions are primarily located along the east coast, from Maine to North Carolina, with additional regions in Cleveland, Akron, and Columbus, Ohio, as well as Denver, Colorado. We also have a growing group of remote puppy raisers that are supported via virtual classes.
Do you have a particular friend or family member who has been touched by your experience working with a guide dog? Do you know anyone who is interested in community service or giving their hearts and time to a worthwhile cause? If so, please send them our way! Often those who are personally connected to the mission of Guiding Eyes make the most passionate puppy raisers. We work with people of all ages in a variety of situations with a range of dog training experience and welcome them into our puppy raising community. Some people volunteer to raise a puppy from 8 weeks until their In for Training (IFT) test, while others start younger puppies, finish older puppies, or share raising duties with co-raisers. We are also actively looking for puppy sitters to take dogs when raisers are on vacation. You can find answers to frequently asked questions here, or we are happy to answer any questions that come to our Puppy Program Managers, Kerry Lemerise (klemerise@guidingeyes.org) and Leslie Stephens (lstephens@guidingeyes.org).
Thank you for helping us spread the word!
If you have an idea or story to share for a future issue, we’d love to hear from you. While space is limited, we welcome submissions and may make edits as needed. Send your ideas to gradnewsletter@guidingeyes.org, and we’ll be in touch if we’re able to feature your piece.Thank you for being part of this journey. We can’t wait to share more with you in the seasons ahead!
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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