Philip and Jayla

Meet Graduate Philip

Graduate Team: Philip and Jayla
About the Team: Jayla: female Black Lab; Philip’s 1^st guide dog
Location: Rio Hondo, Texas
Training: October 2024 On-Campus

Philip was born and raised in Texas and currently resides in Rio Hondo, a city on the Gulf Coast, near the border of Mexico and the SpaceX launch site. He retired as a patrol sergeant from the local police force after seventeen years of service due to worsening vision caused by retinitis pigmentosa. Philip was diagnosed with this condition in 1997 and declared legally blind in 2005. He can currently only distinguish between light and dark. Although he could no longer work as a police officer, Philip felt a strong desire to continue giving back to his community. He founded the White Cane Project, a charity dedicated to providing canes to visually impaired individuals who cannot afford them. The majority of student recipients live outside the United States and do not have access to the services for the visually impaired that are available in the U.S. This start-up charity has supported over 100 individuals in Mexico and around the world. As the charity’s director, Philip is responsible for fundraising and outreach efforts.  His personal experience with vision loss strengthens his commitment to helping others with similar challenges. His wife, Mary, a nurse for twenty years, was forced to retire due to blindness resulting from an adverse reaction to a prescribed antibiotic. Philip and Mary have three adult children. Philip’s personal goals include expanding the White Cane Project and learning to build and sell custom-designed dog houses. The funds will support this charity that is so close to his heart.

How would you describe your guide dog? “She is just so much fun to be around. She still acts like a puppy and loves to play. There are toys strewn all over our house. However, when asked to work she is all business.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “I reached out to other guide dog schools and could not secure services because of the location of our home. Neither school had the resources to provide services as we lived a distance from any population center. When I called Guiding Eyes, they didn’t hesitate for a second. Thank goodness.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “It is hard to put the impact into words. After twenty years I gained even more freedom and confidence having a guide dog by my side.”

Were there any training highlights?  “Kat, my trainer, is an amazing teacher and person. She made it fun to train and work with Jayla. She knew when to be firm with Jayla, and me, but also brought laughter to the experience.”

Meet Guide Dog Jayla

DOB: 10/08/2022
Litter ID: 2J322
Color/Breed:  Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Female
Brood: Oksana
Stud: Nash
Littermates: Jett, Jazzy, Jubilee, Joy, Jones, Junior, Jamaica
Region:  NoVA – North
Regional Puppy Instructor: Katie Meuer
Puppy Raiser:  Cheryl & David De Falco
Facebook: NoVA – North Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

Jayla started her mornings with wet nose kisses and tail wags! Loved digging around in her toy bin and pulling out the day’s favorites to collect on her bed. She came to recognize the cues for Saturday playdates at our house and took it upon herself to spread the yard toys out, then would sit and watch the gate eagerly for her friends to arrive. It’s been a joy to see Jayla grow and mature into the guide dog she is now. We’re so proud of the great work she has done and are happy that she has found a match with you, Philip! We’re so glad to celebrate this milestone with you both. We wish you the best on your journey together! —Cheryl & David De Falco 

Photos of the Team…