Graduate Team: Sonia and Petal
About the Team: Petal: female, black Lab; Sonia’s 3rd Guiding Eyes dog
Location: Austin, Texas
Training: September 2024 On-Campus
Sonia returns to Guiding Eyes for her third Guiding Eyes guide dog. She is an employee of Travis Association for the Blind, also known as Austin Lighthouse. She is a warehouse specialist and has worked there for 17 years. She enjoys the variety of tasks in her role, ranging from assigning work to colleagues to packing an order. She says her new favorite hobby is playing with Petal. When working together, they enjoy shopping, walks in the mall, and going out to eat with friends. Besides Petal, Sonia’s family includes her three adult children and a granddaughter.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Petal is wonderful! She is just 2 years old and very spunky and spirited. She is an excellent dog and guide. Just like my first two guides from Guiding Eyes, Pez and Larry, I can rely on her to safely guide me.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I have gotten such high-quality, wonderful guides from Guiding Eyes over the years, I cannot imagine working with another school. Petal is my 3rd guide dog, and I am certain that when it is time for my 4th, I will return to Guiding Eyes. There is no need for me to explore other schools.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “I’m not sure there are enough words to describe the impact! Petal is my source of confidence and freedom. I love having a dog to guide me safely around obstacles. An additional benefit is her companionship. Life is better with a dog, especially one that provides security and independence!”
Were there any training highlights? “The skilled staff and family-like atmosphere of the Guiding Eyes campus is always a highlight! I find going down an escalator especially challenging. I attended training with the goal of not only getting comfortable with escalators but mastering them. My trainer, Kat, spent a lot of time at the mall with Petal and me doing just that! I achieved my goal thanks to Kat’s knowledge, encouragement, and patience. Now that we are back in Texas, Petal and I practice our skills at our local mall. Kat, as well as Petal’s puppy raisers, and the other students in my class, all expanded my Guiding Eyes family. My classmates and I get together a few times a month virtually. We share challenges and successes, but we mostly share a bond created by our wonderful guide dogs. Each dog and each handler have their own personalities, but together they form a special community.”
DOB: 10/31/2022
Litter ID: 2P322
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Female
Brood: Orchid
Stud: Elton
Littermates: Prairie, Pembroke, Pria, Paisley, Primrose, Patti
Region: Columbus
Regional Puppy Instructor: Leslie Stephens
Puppy Raiser: Janet Newcity, Olivia Jones
Facebook: Columbus Puppy Raisers
Petal was an absolute joy to raise. She was stoic and reliable and could take her anyway. This is my first dog that I have raised for Guiding Eyes and will always hold a special place in my heart. I am so proud of how she has grown and I can’t wait to see how much this dog will accomplish with her funky, loving, loyal, and intelligent nature. Love you Bean!! ~ Olivia Jones
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