Nicole and Glenda

Meet Graduate Nicole

Graduate Team:  Nicole and Glenda
About the Team: Glenda – female, yellow Lab; Nicole’s 7^th guide dog, (4th Guiding Eyes)
Location:  Sonoma, California
Training:  April 2025 On-Campus

Nicole is deeply passionate about children’s literacy and education. She is the Outbound Marketing Specialist of an organization that publishes Kids Scoop News, a colorful and engaging educational booklet for elementary students, filled with interactive and engaging reading activities. Employed there for 14 years, Nicole focuses on community outreach, seeking funding from organizations, businesses, and individuals to support the free distribution of this resource to children and teachers in Sonoma and Marin Counties, and the East Bay area. Nicole, a lifelong resident of California, has a sister living nearby with her family, as well as her daughter, Michelle, a successful attorney, of whom she takes great pride. For fun, Nicole enjoys exercising, walking, healthy eating, and singing in Sonoma’s only Rock and Roll chorus. She also does background singing.

How would you describe your guide dog?  “Glenda is calm, gentle, very mellow and easy going, just perfect. In harness, she knows her job and she does it well.  She is a sweetheart and loves my friends and community and is acclimating well to this area.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I previously went to another school, and my first dogs were Labradors and a German Shepherd. I’ve now had two Shepherds and two yellow Labs from Guiding Eyes, and I love the school. My wonderful, petite Labrador Retriever, Glenda, is such a sweetheart and a great guide. I want to mention Nikki Wentz, the Admissions Manager, who helped me through the entire process of getting a new dog. She took care of everything, was great to talk to, and was just amazing.”

How has a guide dog impacted your life?  “Glenda and I bonded very quickly, and I feel more independent and safer. Glenda and I walk about two blocks to reach the Town Square in Sonoma, where we have shops and boutiques, and we walk around the square every morning. She does a beautiful job getting me to the curb and crossing the streets. She is very visually alert. We also walk on nearby walking trails and bike paths. She is just perfect. I can’t thank the school enough. She is fantastic.”

Were there any training highlights?  “ I loved going to the school.  Everyone is so warm, kind, and friendly.  It feels like a family. Allie, Dan, and Kat were wonderful trainers, and they have the greatest respect for the students. I adore them. We went to a mall, stores, a thrift shop, a department store, even a toy store where we could buy a toy for our dog, and booties for the California heat.  We took a train to Beacon, and Glenda did so well on the train, when we walked around town and went to a restaurant.  At the school, the food was excellent, and I appreciated Chef Rob calling me at home before I came to the school to ask about my food preferences and allergies. All the kitchen staff were very responsive. I loved coming to Guiding Eyes. I love the school for its quaintness. People are respectful, and the staff are amazing and warm.  Hands down, Guiding Eyes is the perfect school for me!”

Meet Guide Dog Glenda

DOB:  5/8/2023
Litter ID: 3GG23
Color/Breed:  Yellow/Labrador
Gender: Female
Brood: Taylor
Stud: Elton
Littermates: Gia, Garfield, Ginger, Gladys, Gino, Giorgio
Region:  Capital NY
Regional Puppy Instructor: Kate Gardner
Puppy Raiser:  Kristopher & Alexandrea Matott Moseley; Michaella Paonessa
Facebook: Capital Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

The day we met Glenda, we described her as spunky, fun, and ready for all of the adventures she would have on Puppy Program. We didn’t know what her future would hold, but we knew it would be bright. Glenda is the type of dog that never cared where we were going as long as she got to go too. We are lucky to have had the opportunity to love Glenda and she was such a light in our life during our time together. Glenda is a loyal, committed partner and we are so excited for her lifetime of spectacular adventures as a Guide Dog. ~ Kristopher and Alexandrea Moseley 

Glenda was such a special puppy – so smart, so sweet, and always ready for anything. I always called her a ray of sunshine because that’s exactly what she was. She lit up every room and was always up for an adventure. I wish Glenda and Nicole many wonderful years together, and I hope Glenda brings Nicole just as much love and joy as she brought me. ~Michaella Paonessa 

Photos of the Team…