It is with great pride and humility that I pen this introduction to you in my capacity as Interim President & CEO. As you may know, I assumed this temporary role about six weeks ago to bridge this interim period as we search for the next leader of our great school.
While I have served on the Board of Directors for the last ten years and as such, have had a good level of familiarity of our school, I would describe my six weeks thus far as a whirlwind filled with learning and listening to you, the amazing graduates, interacting with your great graduate council, watching our outstanding trainers and staff first hand, and of course, greeting (and giving as many belly rubs as it takes to) our intrepid canines. In other words, while I would not call it necessarily drinking from a fire hose but would at least call it drinking from say, a garden hose. Put yet another way, it has been wonderful.
It is also probably appropriate for me to describe to you what I view as my priorities during this interim period. First and foremost, I want to ensure a continuity of operations whereby we continue to pair and team as many graduates and guide dogs as we can, while never sacrificing the quality and service that we are known for. Second, I want to ensure that our campaign and construction of our world class Canine Health and Wellness Center stays on course to allow for our next generation of evolution and growth. Third, I want to ensure that the connection between you, the graduates, and the school and our amazing staff remains strong and that we continue to be here for you.
I get it that a bunch of that may sound like corporate CEO speak but please know that in its simplest terms, I am driven by devotion to you and our mission.
So, with that said, I thank you for giving me some of your time to proudly introduce this edition of Embark: The Handler’s Herald.
Yours,
Eduardo
Welcome to this issue of Embark: The Handler’s Herald
As the weather warms and the days stretch a little longer, we hope you’re finding moments of ease and joy wherever life has you right now. In this issue, you’ll find a collection of articles, updates, and resources created to support both you and your guide, while helping you stay connected to the broader Guiding Eyes community.
You’ll find an update on evening activities for those heading to campus, along with a look at a thoughtful new project involving seedlings and hands-on care. We also take a moment to share hellos and goodbyes as we recognize those moving on to new chapters and welcome new individuals to the staff.
This edition also includes timely health tips for warmer weather, a cozy recipe from Chef’s Cupboard, and a feature on travel with your guide dog, especially as convention season approaches. You’ll also find important information about preventatives in Vets’ Corner, details on upcoming events, and an opportunity to share your thoughts in our health survey.
We’re so glad you’re here and connected with this community.
However you engage with Guiding Eyes, we hope you find these articles meaningful. As always, thank you for reading and we’ll see you in July!
For those heading to campus in the next few months, we continue to offer a variety of evening activities. These include, but are not limited to: yoga, trivia night and live music.
To join in on the fun, we would like to share the following trivia question: How many pounds of dog food does the Training School Kennel go through each year? (answer at the end of the newsletter).
In addition to our incredibly dedicated volunteers that make these evening activities possible, we also have Corporate volunteers that come to our campuses to work on various projects. This month, a group from Mastercard volunteered at the Training School for a “Student Garden & Seedling project”. They will be prepping the garden, preparing indoor seedlings and planting over 20 different varieties of lettuce, kale, tomatoes, cucumbers and beautiful flowers. Once ready for harvest, our kitchen staff will use these wonderful, fresh vegetables and herbs for student meals during on-campus training and flowers will brighten Rosie’s dining tables and student rooms. Students are welcome to enjoy the garden while on campus as well!
Since its inception in 1978, the Guiding Eyes Golf Classic has become a prestigious event in Mount Kisco, New York, drawing the world’s top blind golfers to compete in what is affectionately known as the “Masters” of Blind Golf. In 2018, the tournament was renamed The Pat W. Browne, Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament to honor the legacy of Pat W. Browne, Jr., one of the most successful blind golfers in history.
In June, the event welcomes Guiding Eyes graduate Megan and her guide dog, Woodstock, from Marietta, Georgia. Megan, who recently joined the United States Blind Golf Association, is making strides in the blind golfing community. She has co-founded the Flying Golf Gurus, a group dedicated to enhancing the skills of blind and visually impaired golfers, with the help of retired professionals and coaches. This initiative not only honors the spirit of Pat W. Browne, Jr., but also fosters a supportive and inclusive environment for aspiring blind golfers.
On the course as well will be Dick Pomo and his guide dog, Presley, from Green Valley, Arizona. Dick has participated in this event for many years and won the Corcoran Cup B1 Trophy with Bill Totten as his Coach in 2023.
If you’ve come for training on campus in New York this past year, chances are you’ve made some memories at Rosie’s Café. More than just a place to grab a bite, it’s where classmates refuel, unwind, and connect. The heartwarming vibe is no accident—Chef Rob, along with Peter, Patricio, Margaret, and Jackie, brings not just meals but a sense of community to the table. And true to form, Chef Rob remains ever-ready to dish out a few culinary secrets for the curious.
Ingredients:
1 pound bag dry lentils
2 carrots, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 yellow squash, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 white onion, diced
1 eggplant, peeled and diced
2 ears of fresh corn (frozen is OK)
1 small can black beans
1 bunch fresh cilantro
Juice from 1 lime
½ jalapeno (a whole one for more spice)
1 small red onion, diced
1oz package of taco seasoning
1TBSP cumin
1 tsp salt
1tsp cayenne (optional, for more heat)
1 avocado
Directions
For the taco lentil bowl:
Add ¼ cup vegetable oil to a large pot (at least 6-quart size) and heat over medium-high. Once hot, add all the chopped vegetables—except for the corn and jalapeño, sauteing until they soften and turn translucent.
Stir in the lentils, then add 1 oz of taco seasoning, 1 tablespoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of salt. If you prefer extra heat, add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Cook everything together for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to toast the lentils and bring out their nutty flavor.
Next, pour in just enough water to cover the lentils. For extra flavor, use vegetable or chicken stock. The lentils will absorb most of the liquid as they cook, so give them a stir every so often to keep them from sticking to the pan. Depending on your stove, the lentils take about 30 to 40 minutes to soften. Taste as you go, and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
For the corn and black bean salsa:
Take the kernels off the fresh corn, or place frozen corn in water with 1 tsp of salt and cook until tender. After the corn has cooled down, mix in the strained and rinsed black beans, diced jalapeño, red onion, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Presentation:
Place the lentils on the bottom of the bowl, top with corn and bean salsa and a freshly sliced avocado. ENJOY!.
By guest graduate contributor, DeAnna Moore
I enjoyed cruising prior to losing most of my vision. However, after vision loss, I became much more uncomfortable with crowds and noise, which is often the norm on a cruise ship. I wondered if I could ever enjoy cruising again.
In 2019, I learned about a guide dog cruise opportunity, aptly called, “All Paws on Deck.” I figured this would be the perfect way to give cruising with a guide dog a try. My experience was an incredibly positive one! I will be going on my third cruise with my guide dog, Whimsey, in 2026. Here are some tips I can offer when cruising with your guide dog.
The planning phase:
Packing for your trip:
Relieving your guide dog while on board a ship:
In conclusion, for anyone who wants to try cruising with their guide, there is a third, “All Paws on Deck” cruise coming up in February 2026! In my opinion, traveling with other teams is the best way to give cruising with your guide dog a try! Hope to see you out there! Details below:
All Paws on Deck 2026
If you are interested in cruising, Carnival Celebration offers its next All Paws on Deck trip February 15th through 22nd, 2026, departing from Miami for 7 nights, sailing to Cozumel Mexico, Mahogany Bay Honduras, and Celebration Key Bahamas. Book early for best rates!
Please email melanie@creativetaveler.com or brandy@creativetraveler.com for deposits and cruise rates.
For additional tips and tricks for cruising with your guide dog, check out our latest resource in the Grad Center: All Aboard! Cruising With Your Guide Dog This guide was put together in collaboration with Graduate Council member Mariana Canalizo, DeAnna Moore, Anthony Slate and other graduates – thank you all!
Olivia Miller, GDMI Trainee
Olivia developed her love for guide dogs, and dog training, when she started puppy raising at the University of Delaware in 2018. She obtained her BS in Animal Science from the University of Delaware in 2020 and started raising for Guiding Eyes a few months prior to moving back to New Jersey to pursue a career in Equine Medicine. Not far into her career as an Equine Veterinary Technician, Olivia realized that her true passion was training dogs and working with people with various disabilities.
With the hope that one day she could become a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, Olivia started working in the pet dog industry as a trainer, utilizing clicker training and positive reinforcement methods, and acquired her CPDT-KA from the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers in 2022. In 2023, Olivia relocated to Orlando, Florida, to work as an Apprentice Instructor at a service dog school. She knew she couldn’t stay away for long, and made her return to Guiding Eyes, this time as an employee, in the Fall of 2024. Olivia is thrilled to be back with Guiding Eyes and is so excited to see what the future holds.
Kelly Duggan
We’d like to share that Kelly Duggan, our Training Programs Associate, has left the organization to pursue other opportunities. Over the past 4 years, Kelly has been an integral part of the Training Department – providing support, answering questions, and helping countless students navigate their graduate journey with care and dedication. She played a key role in supporting the team and helping ensure a positive experience for our students and graduates across the board. Her commitment, organization, and friendly presence will be greatly missed. While we’re sad to see her go, we wish her all the best for what lies ahead in her next chapter.
By Mike Goehring, RGDMI
As summer temperatures rise, it’s important to keep your guide dog’s health and safety top of mind. Unlike us, dogs don’t sweat to cool off – they rely on panting and limited areas of sweat glands (primarily on their paw pads), which means they’re much more susceptible to overheating. Whether you’re running errands, heading to work, or attending a busy event, here are some practical tips, tricks, and key considerations to keep your guide safe when working in the heat.
Know the Risks of Heat Exposure
Dogs can suffer from heat exhaustion and heatstroke much faster than people, especially breeds we use as guides like Labs and Shepherds. Signs of overheating include:
If you notice any of these signs, stop immediately, get your dog to a cooler location, and after some time to cool down, offer small amounts of water, and contact a vet.
Surface Temperature Matters
Pavement, asphalt, and sand can reach dangerously hot temperatures in the sun – much hotter than the air temperature. To test the surface, place your hand or bare foot on the ground for a short period of time. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your guide dog’s paws! It’s time to pull out your Ruffwear boots that you were issued in class. Make sure your guide is accustomed to using them in advance. It’s a good idea to practice before the time comes when you may need them.
Timing is Everything
Ideally, you will plan your outings during the coolest parts of the day – early morning or later evening. Midday heat can be brutal, especially in places without much shade or green space. If your trip can’t be avoided, seek shady routes and try to minimize time on hot surfaces and make plans for cooling breaks from guide work.
Hydration and Cooling
A collapsible bowl and a bottle of water in your bag can make a significant difference on a hot day. Dogs need more water in warm weather, especially when working. Avoid using public water bowls set out for pet dogs. PetMD recommends one fluid ounce of water per pound of body weight per day:
Cooling gear like Ruffwear’s Swamp Cooler vest or a damp cooling towel placed over your dog during breaks can help regulate temperature. Never leave your guide in a hot car, even for a few minutes – temps can spike rapidly, even with windows cracked.
When Is It Too Hot to Work?
Every dog is different, but generally, if the air temperature exceeds 85°F (29°C) with high humidity, it’s time to seriously assess the conditions. If the heat index is in the 90s or above, or if you can’t walk barefoot on the ground, it is not safe to work your dog outdoors. Consider using your white cane as a temporary substitute if conditions are unsafe for your guide dog.
Remember: Your guide dog relies on you to make the call when conditions become unsafe.
Crowd Work in the Heat
Crowded environments can become even more intense in warm weather. Here are a few extra tips:
Final Thoughts
Hot weather doesn’t mean you have to press pause on getting out and about – but it does mean you need to plan ahead and adapt. Watch your guide closely, adjust your schedule when needed, and prioritize comfort and safety over convenience. With a little prep and awareness, you and your guide dog can enjoy a safe and active summer together.
By Kim Costello, Administrative Assistant-Vet Team
Spring has sprung! Let’s talk about Heartworm and Tick prevention.
First off, it’s important to note, these preventatives should be used year-round, regardless of location. Mosquitos are vectors of heartworm disease, a potentially fatal infection of parasitic roundworms that target the heart and surrounding vessels, eventually leading to heart failure. While treatable, treatment is both expensive, painful, and can still leave long term damage.
Heartworm prevention works by killing heartworms at an early stage before they can cause damage. Most heartworm preventatives also have a general de-wormer associated, which helps prevent your dog from getting sick from common intestinal parasites that can also be transmitted to their humans. Heartworm preventatives come in a variety of forms to fit anyone’s lifestyle- oral chews, topical applications, and injectable options. Most veterinarians carry medication with coverage ranging from monthly to an entire year.
Ticks are vectors to a plethora of gnarly diseases, including Lyme, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis. These diseases are transmitted through bites and require a certain amount of time after contact to transmit infection (some 6 hours, others 24-48). Each tick-borne disease will have different effects that range from lethargy, pain, stiffness or lameness, neurological deficits, and blood-related issues associated with low platelets- bruising, nosebleeds, etc. Often, they can be treated with antibiotics and supportive care but sometimes require extensive hospitalization. Tick prevention works by either repelling a tick before it can latch, or killing the tick when it bites, but before it has time to transmit disease. Tick preventatives are also available in similar varieties as heartworm prevention, including oral chews/tablets, topical solutions, and collars.
Lastly, while prevention is always our first line of defense, the Lyme vaccine is an annual vaccine that supports your dog’s health, should your guide be exposed to infection. Just like a flu vaccine for humans, the Lyme vaccine readies the immune system ahead of sickness and will help the body fight infection and lessen the intensity of associated symptoms.
There is no definitive way of avoiding tick-borne disease, just as some of us are destined for the flu this year, but we have a little more protection on board to help the ones that we love and who love us so much.
By Clover Williams, Reproduction and Cryogenics Manager
The Genetics Department is thrilled to announce that a newly refreshed Health Survey will be launched soon. Guiding Eyes has been a leader in tracking the health and longevity of all our dogs for almost 2 decades through our extensive health surveys. This data capture allows us to monitor health trends and select dogs with the highest genetic merit to join our breeding colony based on the ever-changing Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs).
If you are a Guiding Eyes graduate, sharing health information is invaluable to our genetics team and helps us further our mission of providing healthy guide dogs to those with vision loss. You should receive a Health Survey annually, typically during the dog’s birth month. Please update your contact information whenever it changes so we can be sure the survey reaches you.
If you have any questions regarding the Health Survey process or would like to send our genetics team health information on your guide dog between surveys, please email us at HealthSurveys@guidingeyes.org.
Be sure to check out the Graduate Center – Guiding Eyes for the Blind on the website for various resource guides and important information.
Our recently updated Addressing Rideshare Denials resource guide is back on the website as well: GEB-Addressing-Rideshare-Denials-April-2025.docx
Summer is fast approaching, and with it, the time of year many of us like to call “convention season.” Whether you plan to attend either the national NFB or ACB conventions, or another conference of your choosing in the future, we would like to provide you with several important reminders for navigating the convention environment safely and successfully with your guides.
1: If traveling by plane, fill out the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form.
The DOT form is universally required for all airlines to fly with your guide dog. However, each airline’s process to submit the form is a bit different. Be aware of your airline’s specific submission requirements and plan accordingly. If your trip entails multiple airlines, make sure you follow each submission process. We recommend checking out our Guide to Airline Travel – Guiding Eyes for the Blind on the Graduate Center for more information. Carry physical copies of your form with you to the airport as backup.
2: Pack adequate supplies for your dog.
Bring a few extra cups of food in case of emergency, and of course, extra treats. There is no such thing as too many poop bags. Pack your Cane for outings that are too hot or not appropriate for your dog, or at times when you leave your dog behind to take a break. Save room for booties, a cooling vest (if you have one), portable water bottle/bowl, and other equipment to keep your guide happy and hydrated. All these essential items should be packed in your carry-on bag in case your checked luggage is lost by the airline. Do not forget to throw in a favorite toy to help your dog relieve stress.
3: Locate the relief area shortly after you arrive at the hotel.
It may be tempting to take a nap after a long flight and grueling travels. However, the relief area is perhaps the most important landmark to locate and a top priority. Whether on schedule or emergent, your dog must have a designated location that you are both comfortable and confident navigating to. By making the relief area your first objective, you are eliminating some of the chaos of finding it down the road when it is needed.
4: Identify appropriate times to pattern your dogs to valuable routes and landmarks.
As more people arrive at the conference site and meetings/activities kick off, hallways, elevators, doorways, and pathways become exceedingly crowded. Maximize the opportunity to learn key areas and target locations with your guide at quieter times. In this way, you can practice and re-work without feeling rushed in a condensed space. If you cannot take advantage of arriving at a conference ahead of time, designate early mornings for patterning routes.
5: Provide extra support for your guides.
If large conferences are a bit overwhelming to us, they are certainly overwhelming to our dogs. Proactively recognize any tendencies toward frustration before allowing them to impact the treatment of your dog. They are internalizing and problem-solving their own observations and stimuli. While you should redirect or correct them for a mistake, do not expect them to be perfect in such unpredictable spaces and traffic flows. Their level of responsibility is much higher, and therefore, more exhausting. They may be exposed to a much larger number of canes and dogs than they have ever encountered before. Avoid only correcting for inappropriate behavior, praise even more for good behavior. Always carry your treat pouch with you and incorporate a few high value treat rewards in loud, chaotic environments such as an exhibit hall. Offer consistent physical and verbal praise. Let them know you are in this together.
6: Give your guides periodic breaks.
The level of sustained accuracy and responsibility required of a guide dog at conferences is understandably draining. Just as you enjoy a trip up to your hotel room to freshen up, regroup, and take a few deep breaths, your dog relishes the same downtime. It is strongly encouraged to let your dog rest in your hotel room, if able to be left alone, while you take your cane out for a spin. If for whatever reason you cannot visit your room throughout the day, make sure your guide has the chance to settle at various points. Find a quieter space to allow your guide to lie down at mealtimes or extend your relief breaks.
7: Be mindful of the weather outside.
Check the forecast ahead of time to be aware of excessive heat and thunderstorms. If your dog has already had a long day dodging canes and learning meeting spaces, they may be more sensitive to higher temperatures and adverse weather conditions, as their stamina was tested prior to any outdoor travel. You will also need to know if you should carry a pair of booties, cooling gear, water, etc., if you cannot return to your hotel room throughout the day. Plan around your schedule and activities. Think about your dog’s needs in addition to your own.
8: Build in playtime.
Guide dogs often internalize their emotions, and it is helpful to offer them healthy energy outlets. Your guide may enjoy solo playing with you in your room, or the company of other dogs. You know their personality traits best and which scenarios they prefer. Some conventions have designated areas for guide dogs to blow off some steam. Please use your discretion to determine if this is a good option for your guide and be aware of the dynamic between dogs to keep play safe and fun.
9: Seek out your guide dog school for guidance.
If you have never traveled to a conference before, are interested in a refresher, or simply want some friendly advice on how to address a particular situation that arises before or during the event, please reach out to us. Email the client Experience Team at clientexperience@guidingeyes.org or call 888-987-2188. Additionally, Guiding Eyes has a significant presence at both NFB and ACB national conferences each year. You can find us in the exhibit hall most hours of the day. See the listing of convention exhibitors for more details and booth locations.
With the support of Graduate Council members and additional Graduate facilitators, the Retirement and Bereavement calls continue to be held monthly. Upcoming dates are listed below:
Retirement Group – May 20, June 17
Bereavement Group – May 27, June 24
*Meeting information will be shared in a separate email.
Book Club
The Club’s next book is a life story and memoir, Follow Your Dog: A Story of Love and Trust © 2017. The book is written by our friend and fellow GEB graduate Annie (Ann) Chiappetta.
All are welcome to join us for a special discussion with Ann on Thursday, June 5, at 7 p.m. Eastern. Below are Zoom details. The GEB Graduate Council is pleased to collaborate with the book club volunteers and Guiding Eyes for the Blind to bring the community together for meaningful and engaging events.
About the book
What, exactly, does it mean to share one’s life with a guide dog? The person and guide dog are interdependent, and the bond of mutual trust is what makes the partnership successful and fulfilling for both. To be sure, guide dogs have performed many heroic tasks and have saved handlers from innumerable dangers. However, there are smaller and subtler things that can mean so very much: the feel of your dog’s head on a foot while riding the bus, the whimpers and doggie dreaming, the way you and the dog move in sync when walking down the street, and countless other tokens of trust and affection.
With this book, I hope to take the reader on a journey of understanding: learning what it’s like to overcome the darker side of disability by walking the path of independence with a canine partner.
We hope you join us on June 5 as we dive into another informative and heartwarming discussion. Whether you’ve read the book or are simply curious to learn more, all are welcome to drop by. Ann has been a wonderful friend to the guide dog community, and we look forward to discussing her book and life’s journey.
Happy Reading and Wagging,
The Guide Dog Book Club Team
Zoom Details:
Topic: Guide Dog Book Club with Ann Chiappetta
Time: Jun 5, 2025, 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
If you have an idea or story to share for a future issue, we’d love to hear from you! Send your ideas to gradnewsletter@guidingeyes.org, and we’ll be in touch if we’re able to feature your piece.
This edition’s trivia question:
How many pounds of dog food does the Training School Kennel go through each year?
Answer: 54,750 pounds
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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