Graduate Team: Rebecca and Cowboy
About the Team: Cowboy, a male yellow Lab; Rebecca’s 1st guide dog
Location: Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Training: June 2025 Home Training
Rebecca makes her home in the coastal New England city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Here she shares her apartment with her new guide dog, Cowboy. Rebecca works at Marshall’s, assisting in the fitting rooms by counting and sorting merchandise. She enjoys walking, and with her increased mobility and confidence, she and Cowboy can walk up to six miles a day. Taught to knit by her Nana as a child, Rebecca has begun putting that skill to good use by knitting cozy scarves, which she donates to bring warmth and comfort to the homeless. She also enjoys listening to music, especially country, worship songs, and golden oldies.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Cowboy is so playful and has so many toys. He loves to play fetch and tug. He has learned the route to and from work, and when I am working, he lies down on a bed under my desk. I’ve been enjoying getting him themed accessories. For Halloween, he has a ghost pillow and blanket, and I am looking forward to getting him some with Christmas designs soon. Cowboy is awesome. If I get up at night, he follows me to make sure I’m OK. In the past, I have experienced dizzy spells. When this happens, I need to lie down. He always checks on me, licking me and bringing me one of his toys to help me feel better.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I have some friends who have guide dogs. They told me that Guiding Eyes is the best school for learning how to handle a guide dog. They teach you using a leash and a harness.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Cowboy brings so much joy to my life. He makes me laugh every day. Walking with him is much easier than with my cane. As my vision was deteriorating, I was finding it more difficult to get around. With my cane, I would occasionally miss obstacles. People seem to leave shopping carts in the most unlikely places, and it hurts to bump into one. I am also loving the companionship he provides.”
Were there any training highlights? “I had such a good time getting to know Cowboy. My trainer, Kathy, brought Cowboy to me, and he was so excited to meet me at his new home. She taught me how to have him sit nicely and stay when I have a visitor. At times, if someone was coming, he would prevent me from walking into them. I had never worked with a guide dog, so I was amazed at the difference.”
DOB: 4/18/2023
Litter ID: 7CC23
Color/Breed: Yellow/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Gibby
Stud: Carbon
Littermates: Chili, Cobalt, Chip, Cici, Captain
Region: New Hampshire
Regional Puppy Instructor: Lisa Bumbalo
Puppy Raiser: Michelle Sickles & Turner Pecen, The Family of Courtney Fernandez, Ms. Chelley, Lisa Faust
Facebook: New Hampshire Puppy Raisers
Cowboy is the sweetest boy I have ever raised. He is full of love for everyone. Cowboy will be the best partner ever. Those deep brown eyes will serve you well. ~ Lisa Faust
Starting Cowboy was an absolute joy. He was a sweet, loving and fun puppy. We were so lucky to be a part of his journey and are immensely proud of the dog he has become! Congratulations Rebecca and Cowboy, we wish you both all the best together! ~Michelle Sickles/Turner Pecen
