Graduate Team: Tasha and Blizzard
About the Team: Blizzard, a male yellow Lab; Tasha’s 1st guide dog
Location: Atlantic, Iowa
Training: October 2026 Home Training
Tasha is a state vocational rehabilitation counselor for the blind and part-time respite worker for individuals with disabilities, with Caring Hearts of West Central Iowa. Interested in furthering her knowledge in the field of mental health, Tasha is completing her master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling. She does not know where this new degree might lead, but is open to where life may take her. Tasha lives in rural Iowa with her partner, three of her five children, and five dogs. Her two oldest children are grown, and the family’s four-legged companions include working dogs Blizzard and Benson, retired dog Ivan, and pets, Iggy, a Corgi, and Daisy, a Bichon-Shitzu. Tasha is not willing to let her retinitis pigmentosa or limb girdle muscular dystrophy slow her down. In recent years, Tasha has not had the opportunity to travel as much as she would like, but is certain that she and Blizzie, her nickname for her beloved guide, will have many journeys ahead.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Blizzie is the most loving, sensitive 70-pound lapdog who loves to snuggle and be as close to me as possible. He joined a house with four other dogs and adjusted beautifully. Whereas Benson is goofy, Blizzard is more sensitive and serious. But they all, (even Ivan), get very excited to work when the harness comes out. Being in a rural area, a lot of roads are not in great shape, and Blizzard needs to navigate me through roads without sidewalks. He loves his treats so much and he is still learning to only point out obstacles in my way. He’s opinionated, like me, so we’re a pretty good match. He is just so super sweet.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I had been resistant to orientation and mobility training. Diagnosed with RP at age 6, my vision started deteriorating early. I could manage okay during the day but at night, I relied on others. It wasn’t until I was 39, on a family trip to the Colorado Gold Mines, that I realized I needed support. I was navigating the mines when suddenly it was as if the lights went out. I couldn’t see, and no one was close by to help me. I decided to contact the Iowa Department for the Blind when we returned. As fate would have it, they reached out to me first! They provided cane training and blindness skills, and I began accepting other assistance, like screen reader software. I knew a guide dog would increase my mobility, activity, and confidence. After learning to use a cane, I applied to three guide dog schools and chose Guiding Eyes because of its specialized training program.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “It’s so great. I travel through life more confidently, especially at night. I recently went to a ‘Pumpkins in the Dark’ event that was completely dark, other than lit pumpkins, without the same fear of falling I was accustomed to. With muscular dystrophy, I am prone to falls but I walked through the event with so much more confidence. The cane would find stuff, but if I startled or jolted, I would still fall forward. Blizzard helps my balance and shows me every bump. I’ve had several people tell me that I seem calmer and at peace, and they’ve noticed how Blizzard has given me more confidence. He is an excellent guide dog and I couldn’t be happier. There is no question that being a handler, and my training with Louise, has helped me grow as a person.”
Were there any training highlights? “Even before Louise arrived, my training experience began. The instructor who interviewed me said I was a good candidate for the specialized training program with my balance and gait issues and Home Training was a wonderful option. Louise did an excellent job training us. As a new partnership, there have been times I’ve had to correct him and show him what I would have preferred him to do. Louise showed me how to correct and teach those things, and helped me to feel safe and confident traveling with him. At our first restaurant training session, she reminded me that I don’t need to raise my voice to give him a command; Blizzard has very good hearing. I realized raising my voice doesn’t get the desired response. I can change tone without getting louder. She also showed me how to step on his leash so he couldn’t keep getting up. I am very grateful that Lousie helped integrate Blizzard into our home. She explained that Iggy’s actions were her way of saying she was anxious and needed time. And now, I am not kidding you, they are the best of friends.”
DOB: 12/16/2023
Litter ID: 2B423
Color/Breed: Yellow/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Jacklyn
Stud: Soldier
Littermates: Bono, Bobbi, Bulut, Bubbles
Region: Rhode Island Puppy Raising Region
Regional Puppy Instructor: Maureen Hollis
Puppy Raiser: Ayli Nickerson, Becca Hunsicker, Loring Holden
Facebook: Rhode Island Puppy Raisers
Blizzard is one of the most friendly, easy going and sweet dogs we’ve ever known. He reads the energy in the room and easily adapts to any situation. Blizzard was always well behaved and greeted new people politely. Whenever anyone met and spent time with Blizzard, he or she would inevitably say afterward, “I love Blizzard!” He is a special dog who radiates gentle calm wherever he goes. One of our favorite memories of Blizzard was watching him play with his toys. It was so funny to watch his large body pounce on small toys like a cat. He will be an amazing partner for Tasha and we’re very, very proud of him! ~ Becca Hunsicker, Gemma Hunsicker, & Loring Holden
