Graduate Team: Rebecca and Bud
About the Team: Bud, a male yellow Lab, is Rebecca’s first guide dog
Hometown: Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Guide Dog Mobility Instructor: Alyssa David
March On-Campus Training
Rebecca earned her bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. She continued her education at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, earning a master’s degree in counseling. Rebecca is employed as a Human Resource Generalist at Beyond Vision. Rebecca enjoys travel and is also a runner, having run several marathons and half marathons. Her parents have a pet Brittany Spaniel named Buddy, and it was Rebecca who selected his name years ago. It is only fitting that her guide dog is named Bud and the two dogs have become good buddies!
How would you describe your guide dog? “Bud will be three in July, and although he is young, he is mellow when he is not working. When he is working, he is very quick, and we can travel at a fast pace. Bud is very social and enjoys meeting people and other dogs. He is a yellow Lab, but he has a beautiful reddish coat like a fox.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I was familiar with the Running Guides program at Guiding Eyes. Since I am a runner, I wanted a dog that could run with me. I also know some other people with guide dogs from Guiding Eyes and I followed their recommendation. I am looking forward to the independence and companionship Bud provides me.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “In just the short time I’ve had Bud, I have become more confident when it comes to travel. I commute to work by walking or taking the bus. I can do either with Bud and enjoy how much more quickly and efficiently I get around with him. I appreciate how accepting people are of guide dogs. Bud and I went for a run this past weekend and passed someone unloading groceries from her car. She immediately greeted Bud, then realized he was working and apologized. The people in my apartment building have enjoyed getting to know Bud, but also made it clear that they will follow my guidance when it comes to interacting with him.”
Were there any training highlights? “There were many highlights during training! Our class took the train to New York City and we were able to witness our dogs’ expert skills as guides. I have virtually no vision at night. The night walk was very cool and demonstrated to me that, with Bud, I can travel at night again. My favorite highlight was our training run. It was great to see what Bud is capable of and get a glimpse of what we will be able to enjoy together.”
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