Graduate Team: Pam and Usher
About the Team: Usher, a male black & tan German Shepherd; Pam’s 6th Guiding Eyes dog
Hometown: New Market, Alabama
Training: September 2026 On-Campus
Pam, a returning graduate, has received her sixth guide dog from Guiding Eyes. Legally blind since birth due to Retinitis Pigmentosa, she has become a strong self-advocate. Her advocacy focuses particularly on the challenges guide dog handlers encounter with rideshare transportation, such as unjustified denials of service. A lifelong animal lover, Pam grew up raising and showing Great Danes and later went on to raise horses. She married a military serviceman and, in 1975, moved to Germany, where she received her first guide dog. Upon returning to the United States, she became involved with Guiding Eyes. Today, Pam continues to explore the world, especially through cruises, and she enjoys attending local music festivals.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Usher is a big, loving teddy bear. I fell in love with the dog and he has my heart. He just loves to cuddle and sleep in bed with me. He loves hugging and always wants to touch me. He just wants to sleep in bed with me. Usher is just a great dog and so different from the other guide dogs I’ve had.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I got my first guide dog in Germany when I became pregnant with my daughter. Growing up with Great Danes, I knew how helpful a guide dog could be. I have loved each of my eight guides. Alex, who was my last guide from Germany, sadly passed away at 8 years old from cancer. When we moved to the States, I started working with Guiding Eyes for the Blind and welcomed Kate, Ramsy, Marigold, Paprika, Elvy and now Usher into my family.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Each guide dog I have had has been my everything. They have brought me confidence and have been a part of my family. Not all people accept dogs, even service dogs. At the time when I was in Germany, anyone could bring their dog anywhere – bakeries, the meat market, restaurants – whether a guide dog or not.”
Were there any training highlights: “Guiding Eyes is my home away from home. I love the school. Instructors Shannon and Michelle make you feel so comfortable. I am not scared to make a mistake around them. You come to the school knowing you will make mistakes and be corrected. It’s all good. Chef Rob and Greg are so outgoing and just crazy good people.”
DOB: 11/28/2023
Litter ID: 1U323
Color/Breed: Black & Tan/ German Shepherd
Gender: Male
Brood: Rosie
Stud: Flynn
Littermates: Ultra, Utah, Unity
Region: Richmond Puppy Raising Region
Regional Puppy Instructor: Madeline Bruggeman
Puppy Raiser: Missi Sanders, Karen Mersereau
Facebook: Richmond Puppy Raisers
Usher is the life of the party. He loves canines and humans, and even if they don’t appreciate his awesomeness, he will never give up trying to be their best friend. There was not a ball he didn’t chase or a disc he didn’t catch. As hard as he played, he worked harder. What I enjoy most about Usher is that he does everything with complete commitment and gusto. I cannot remember one time he was nervous or scared. Instead he was up for any opportunity the day provided. He made every outing, training, cuddle, game, and road trip fun. Usher will be the most loyal teammate and he will always give you everything he’s got. Love you so much my Ushie Boo Boo Kitty(special nickname), and I miss you everyday. Go do Big Things, My Guy❤ ~ Missi Sanders
