Graduate Team: Shelby and Angel
About the Team: Angel – a male, black German Shepherd; Shelby’s 2nd Guiding Eyes dog
Location: Laramie, Wyoming
Training: September 2025 On-Campus
Shelby currently works with the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND) and Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources (WATR) programs as an Assistive Technology Program Specialist, providing access to assistive technology and resources to individuals with disabilities. Shelby helps recommend technologies that support independent living, as well as ensures that children with print disabilities across the state receive Accessible Educational Materials (AEM). She values this role because she can give back to students like her. When Shelby was eight years old, she lost a portion of her vision to Stargardt’s Disease, a juvenile form of macular degeneration. At eighteen, she moved from her home and family in Washington state to Laramie, Wyoming, to pursue her education. At the University of Wyoming, she earned degrees in International Studies and Spanish with minors in Anthropology and Disability Studies. She continues to live in the small college town, where she and Angel walk to work each day. Shelby, Angel, and her retired guide, Olana, play at a nearby park daily. Shelby enjoys hiking, kayaking, exploring, and simply being outside, although activities may be limited by an extended season of winter-like weather. Shelby also likes audiobooks and having friends over for dinner or game nights.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Angel is true to his name. He is a lover, sweet, and affectionate. At home or at work, he checks in with me and rests his chin on my lap to let me know he’s there for me. When working, he is focused, cautious, and wants to do the right thing. After work, Angel has a one-track mind for toys like a squeaky ball or a frisbee. He will play as long as I keep throwing the toy, then ask for more. He is silly, vocal, and makes me smile every day.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I had a friend who got her guide dog from Guiding Eyes for the Blind, and she highly recommended that I go there. As I researched Guiding Eyes for myself, I felt it would be a good fit, and after I had my first dog, Olana, I found their training, interactions, and follow-up support to be amazing. I was so happy with Olana, I never questioned going back for my next dog. Now, I couldn’t be happier with Angel.”
How has a guide dog impacted your life? “I can walk more confidently with a guide dog, with my shoulders back and head up. It feels safer to have a dog by my side. I feel better about traveling independently, exploring new places, and navigating social interactions. Having a guide dog makes me more approachable to others and breaks the ice for a conversation, where a white cane would not. People make comments about Angel’s size and color, and frequently ask what breed he is, commenting that he is beautiful and unique.
Were there any training highlights? “There was a funny incident when we went to the mall, and a couple of children looked at my big, black dog and said, ‘Look, it’s a werewolf!’ The instructors and I laughed and looked at my calm and focused working dog. Another day, we took a train ride to Beacon, NY, and I enjoyed walking around the cute town and stopping for custom donuts. Overall, the entire training experience was incredible. The staff and instructors are amazing, and the food was great. Chef Rob even made us brownies upon request and shared some of his recipes.”
DOB: 7/18/2023
Litter ID: 3SS23
Color/Breed: Black/German Shepherd
Gender: Male
Brood: Hexa
Stud: Griffin FGDF
Littermates: Seuss, Stephen, Sweeney, Sunny
Region: Central NY
Regional Puppy Instructor: MeKalea Chambliss
Puppy Raiser: Sarah Riester
Facebook: Central NY Puppy Raisers
Special Recognition: Angel was special named in memory of Angel Rodriguez, long-time Guiding Eyes graduate who loved Guiding Eyes and all his guide dogs. We are glad Angel’s legacy continues through this special dog.
I have always felt honored to be a volunteer for Guiding Eyes but raising a pup named in memory of my friend and Guiding Eyes graduate, Angel Rodriguez, has been a gift and privilege beyond words. Raising Angel filled my life with happiness and love, and lots of adventures to visit those who knew his namesake. With each trip we took, his time on pup program become more and more representative of the life of independence and achievement lived by the remarkable man he was named after. I am so proud that the time has come for puppy Angel to spread his fluffy wings and change someone’s life, just as he changed mine! All the best to Angel and his new partner! ~Sarah Riester
