Graduate Team: Pamela and Elvy
About the Team: Elvy, a female black & tan German Shepherd; Pam’s 5th Guiding Eyes dog
Location: New Market, Alabama
Training: February 2026 On-Campus
Pam, a returning graduate, has received her fifth 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? “Elvy is a handful, a trip, and very soulful. She seems to love men, even making friends with the deliveryman. I’ve never had a German Shepherd act so social – only when the harness is off, of course. When the harness goes on, she is fantastic, especially in her guidance and patience.”
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, and now Elvy 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? “I was at the Yorktown campus in winter twice, with Marigold and now with Elvy, and both times there were big snowstorms. I loved it. Shannon and Michelle were such great instructors, telling me what I needed to do to get around the snow and puddles, and they were so good about teaching Elvy how to handle those conditions. We laughed so much, especially when I was so sure I knew where I was going and I clearly did not. No matter how long you’ve been a handler, you’ll make a mistake. The instructors keep a close eye on you. I even told my classmates, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Chef Rob and Greg were fantastic. The kitchen crew is very thoughtful and always accommodating, and the food was fantastic. I love Guiding Eyes, and it felt like home away from home again.”
NAME Elvy
DOB: 12/24/2023
Litter ID: 3X24
Color/Breed: Black & Tan/German Shepherd
Gender: Female
Brood: Jazz GDA
Stud: Rookie
Littermates: Elm, Elite
Region: Dutchess NY
Regional Puppy Instructor: Monika Conrad
Puppy Raiser: Monika Conrad & Ian McGregor
Facebook: Dutchess NY Puppy Raisers
