Ramsina and Arizona

Meet Graduate Ramsina

Graduate Team: Ramsina and Arizona
About the Team: Arizona: female, yellow Lab;  Ramsina’s 4th guide dog
Location:  California
Training:   October 2024 On-Campus

Ramsina is Assyrian and was born and raised in Iran. She is a certified health coach and the Director of Client Success at Create Health with Dr. Benulis, an autoimmune disorder specialist. She initially sought medical assistance from him, and after experiencing significant improvement, she became an intern and eventually a coach, dedicated to helping individuals with autoimmune disorders without the use of medication. Ramsina suffered from childhood glaucoma, which ultimately led to blindness following her last surgery at age ten. Throughout this challenging time, her grandmother and mother became her “bridge to life”, teaching her she would simply be learning in a different way than her classmates, and she has never felt that there was something wrong with her. Now a mother herself, Ramsina has an adult daughter in California, a son and grandbaby in Idaho, and her mother also lives in California. Ramsina enjoys knitting and is a musician and singer who enjoys playing piano. She performed at her and Arizona’s Guiding Eyes graduation.

How would you describe your guide dog?  “She is sensitive and 100% with me.  Born August 26^th, she is a Virgo, so she may be soft, but also has a mind of her own.  She has a light-hearted side and likes to race and jump.  She is cute, loving, and beautiful.  I’ve learned so much from her; she is teaching me as we learn to get around together. I absolutely and gladly put my life in her four paws each day.  In harness she is great.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “I was so blessed to have found Guiding Eyes for my fourth guide dog. Guiding Eyes is a beacon of hope, and when I came here, I didn’t have hope. I have multiple issues – arthritis and fibromyalgia, plus, I’m short and need a soft-pull dog. When I listed my health issues, they were kind and real people who said they would have a dog for me. They made me feel that I was OK. From the very start, I was accepted and didn’t feel that I was too broken to use a guide dog. They accept you as you are. When Guiding Eyes promises you something, they come through.”

How has a guide dog impacted your life? “I was craving the safety of a guide dog, but it was more than that.  I want the world to know that Guiding Eyes gives you back your dignity. There is life there; there is hope there. They know each dog and student and make great matches. The instructors were great. I had the pleasure of meeting CEO Mr. Panek, who sat with us in the dining room, and also Gerald, who talked and laughed and ate with us. Mr. Panek wants people to know that as blind individuals, we still think, and we have a voice.  I love him for that.  He shines a light on the blind community.  I call Guiding Eyes my holy land.

Were there any training highlights? “My trainer was Shannon, and in my eyes, she walks on water.  She walked with me through the storms of my life.  She was my anchor.  With my diet restrictions, Chef Rob obtained the food that I needed while I was there.  We went to White Plains and New York City and Arizona walked me around everything marvelously.  It was an awesome highlight. The school gives you a sample of what your dog is capable of doing for you. They know the dogs individually. Shannon told me which harness Arizona preferred.  What was pivotal for me was when Shannon brought Arizona to my room. I sat on the floor and she laid down, rolled on her back, gave me her tummy, and I gave her my heart. 

Meet Guide Dog Arizona

DOB:  8/26/2022
Litter ID: 3A322
Color/Breed:  Yellow/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Female
Brood: Demi
Stud: Clay
Littermates: Almond, Ambrosia, Albert, Abilene, Alban, Arthur
Region:  Bay
Regional Puppy Instructor:  Cindy Tait
Puppy Raiser:  Chris Leitch
Facebook: Bay Puppy Raisers

Photos of the Team…