Graduate Team: Susan and Cara
About the Team: Cara: a female black Lab; Susan’s 2nd Guiding Eyes dog
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Training: December 2024 Home Training
Susan is a retired member of the United States Navy, where she served as an aircraft mechanic. Although she initially felt anxious about this role, she ultimately grew to love her job and had the opportunity to travel all over the world. Susan now lives in Jacksonville, Florida, and enjoys volunteering at a local rehabilitation center. She has plans to relocate to Pennsylvania in the spring to be closer to her adult daughter, who lives in that state. Susan’s current and 2nd guide dog, Cara, is a Guiding Eyes “special name” dog who was named by a generous donor. She received her first guide dog, Malone, from Guiding Eyes as well, and he was also a special name dog. Susan enjoys being an unofficial ambassador for Guiding Eyes, and whenever the opportunity arises, she is happy to introduce her guide dog and the organization’s mission to those she meets.
How would you describe your guide dog? “My first guide dog, Malone, was like me when I was in the military. I kept quiet, got my uniform on, and said let’s go! Malone was all work, no play. Cara is more opinionated and more vocal about telling me what she wants. I take Cara to the grocery store and she’s great. We also ride the bus together and she is fantastic on the bus. When she’s in her harness, she’s perfect and knows her job. She’s very smart! She’s also really helpful when we’re just walking somewhere, or when I’m going to the doctor. I have a smaller pet dog, Eddie, who weighs about 6 lbs and is 10 years old. When Cara is not working, she likes to play with my little dog! She will grab a toy and show her that she wants to play tug of war.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I applied right away for my first guide dog, Malone. I had been in Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for 18 months following my accident in the military, where I lost most of my vision. Lauren from the Veterans Administration in Jacksonville told me about Guiding Eyes and how great their guide dogs are. Malone was a great dog. After Malone died, it took me three years to decide to get another guide dog, but I knew it was time. It was very challenging to use a cane after having a guide dog. I realized I was not going out as much and decided it was time to apply again.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “It is just amazing and wonderful. These dogs help people so much! Before I had a guide dog, I was an introvert. After having guide dogs, I’m now an extrovert. I meet so many people, and I tell them all about my guide dog. If I’m sitting with Cara and someone is interested in her, I always say, ‘Let me take her harness off and let you say hello.’ If there are children who want to meet Cara, I tell their parents she is working, but I can take her harness off. I have Cara lie down, and she turns over and lets them pet her. The children have the opportunity to learn that Cara is my guide dog, and she can take me wherever I want to go, but she is also a sweet dog that they can say Hi to. I want people to understand that she’s a special dog who comes from Guiding Eyes for the Blind.”
Were there any training highlights? “Cara and I had two training sessions because, unfortunately, I had a seizure when I came to the New York campus and had to be rushed to the hospital. After I was back home in Florida, we had another training session here. The second training session worked out very well. The trainer, Dave, came down, and we trained every day starting at 9 am. Dave taught me how to encourage Cara to let me put her harness on by using a treat. I live in a condo community, and there’s a nice trail around the swimming pool. We walked all around the trail, and it has worked out wonderfully for me!”
DOB: 8/31/2022
Litter ID: S-2C322
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Female
Brood: Dusk
Stud: Perry
Littermates: Char
Region: Southwestern VT
Regional Puppy Instructor: Kate Gardner
Puppy Raiser: Beth & Dennis Smith
Facebook: Southern VT Puppy Raisers
Special Recognition: Cara was special named by Kappie Hochman, in memory of her last Golden Retriever, Cara, who was a great companion for twelve years. Cara’s progress was also followed by a Pathfinder Society member, someone who listed Guiding Eyes in their will and has received photos and updates of Cara’s progress.
Cara was a typical playful, cuddly, and happy puppy. She fell in love with a soccer ball at 10 weeks. It was so big, she would get rolled by it. She was so proud when she finally could bite it to carry it back to us. We kicked that soccer ball 30 times a day, every day. She loved paddleboard rides, to swim with us, to fetch sticks and to hike. She’s not a big wagger (great for coffee tables!), is quite vocal with lugubrious sighs and speaking on command. As our first puppy on program, we were very lucky to have such a calm and beautiful girl. We love her dearly and hope she will occupy the heart of her handler as she does for us today. ~ Beth Smith
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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