Graduate Team: Joyce and Sherbert
About the Team: Sherbert, a female black Lab, is Joyce’s 1st guide dog
Hometown: Acton, Massachusetts
Guide Dog Mobility Instructor: Alyssa David and Stephanie Koret
February Home Training
Joyce participated in Guiding Eyes’ Home Training Program for her first guide dog. Having earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and her MBA, Joyce worked as a computer programmer for many years, before shifting her focus to raising her two children. She enjoys the outdoors and being active, especially running and biking, two of her favorite sports. Joyce is passionate about running and looks forward to participating in the Boston Marathon in April – her 10th marathon. Last year, Joyce ran the new Para Athlete Division at the Boston Marathon and placed an impressive 2nd in the Women’s T11/T12 Division.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Sherbert is very happy and energetic. She is also attentive, smart, and loyal. She constantly checks on me! She is really a joy and so excited to see everyone. Sherbet is my very first dog, so she and I are learning together.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I became interested in Guiding Eyes because of their Running Guides Program. Running anywhere besides my treadmill, requires me to rely on others, including a sighted guide. I saw other athletes with their guide dogs at running events and realized a dog will allow me to reduce my dependence on others, while I continue to pursue running as a passion.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “In the short time I’ve had Sherbert, I have already noticed the social benefits. Being blind can be isolating. I’ve been amazed at how drawn people are to Sherbert, and therefore are more likely to approach and engage with me. Sherbert is an ambassador to the whole dog-loving population! I am looking forward to being more independent with her.”
Were there any training highlights? “I participated in the Home Training program. Sherbert has the distinct honor of being my first dog. Guiding Eyes has been wonderful in training me to work with her as a guide, while teaching me to care for her as a dog. Teaching her routes and helping her to continue developing as a guide, is a whole new challenge for me, with a variety of dimensions. I look forward to what we will accomplish together as a team.”
Raising Sherbert was one of the greatest achievements we have experienced. She was outgoing, happy, funny, and overall a pleasure to be around. Sherbert was raised with our family dog, Dune, a 4 year old female Labrador -they quickly became best buddies after just a few short days together! From trips to Cape Cod, runs on the beaches, swimming in friend’s pools; there wasn’t an activity that she wasn’t up for! We hope that the dedication, love, and passion we put into raising her shines through with her personality; she truly does smile at you!
Lauren Rugh, Puppy Raiser of Sherbert
Guiding Eyes for the Blind is approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (C) (3) tax-exempt organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind Federal Identification Number (EIN) is 13-1854606.
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