Graduate Team: Suzanne and Paula
About the Team: Paula, a female black Lab: Suzanne’s 4th Guiding Eyes dog
Location: Lowell, Massachusetts
Training: August 2025 On-Campus
Suzanne is originally from Michigan, where she attended Hope College, earning her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and English. During college, she spent a semester in Philadelphia and has remained on the East Coast ever since. Suzanne’s career began in human services, holding various related roles until after her daughter’s birth, when she transitioned to becoming a freelance writer and editor. She now creates website content for a variety of clients. In her free time, Suzanne enjoys gym workouts, music, and reading.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Paula is an enthusiastic and smart guide. She likes to work and is very focused when she sees her target. She drives toward the goal, (and the treat)! Paula is two years old and of course, also loves to play. Anything with a ball is her favorite, especially catch.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I got my first guide dog at 24 years old and over the years have worked with a few different guide dog schools. I have had three really great guides from Guiding Eyes, so I keep returning to the school. Besides having excellent dogs, I appreciate the family atmosphere and the excellent and accessible training staff. “
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “A guide dog is my mobility tool of choice. The relationship formed between the handler and guide dog is unmatched. Each gives the other information and together they establish a mutual give and take. The partnership and synergy formed enable the team to exceed what each can do on their own.”
Were there any training highlights? “I always enjoy training on the Guiding Eyes Campus. The trainers provide a breadth of opportunities and experiences to replicate scenarios in each student’s real life. Paula and I ventured into the town of Mt. Kisco and navigated busy shops and lots of people. The challenging training environment gave me the confidence to know that Paula and I can handle anything and, with practice, will become a great team. I also enjoyed getting to know the other students in my class. Their varied backgrounds and ages provided me with new ideas and perspectives. Although I have worked with many guide dogs, new and younger handlers have fresh outlooks and viewpoints that inspire me.”
DOB: 7/11/2023
Litter ID: 5PP23
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Female
Brood: Sally
Stud: Gomer
Littermates: Poet, Peanut, Padre, Pearse, Pez
Region: Maine
Regional Puppy Instructor: Lisa Bumbalo
Puppy Raiser: Kevin & Wendy Flynn
Facebook: Maine Puppy Raisers
Special Recognition: Paula was special named by Jolanda and Marc Mandigers after Marc’s 93-year-old mother, who is very proud of Paula.
Paula is the sweetest girl. We loved the time with her and are thankful for the opportunity to raise her. She’s always happy and willing to work. We also raised her mother and the two of them look very much alike. May you and Paula enjoy a long, adventurous life together. ~ Wendy Flynn
