“In memory of Aunt Maxine, a life-long animal lover, who cherished all the animals she knew, but most of all, was in awe of Jada, Cindy Lou Altman’s Guiding Eyes guide dog, and the freedom and confidence Cindy Lou gained. Maxine would be beaming knowing this graduation was sponsored in her memory.”
– Cris and Cindy Lou Altman
“In memory of Joe Hilton, and wishing Guiding Eyes Moseley good luck!”
– Tina Shevetone and Judy Eisele
Graduate Team: Terence and Cruiser
About the Team: Cruiser, a male yellow Lab, is Terry’s 2nd Guiding Eyes dog
Hometown: Grand Junction, Colorado
Guide Dog Mobility Instructor: Melissa Smith
Terry, originally from Los Angeles, California, is a former industrial real estate broker turned author, who now lives in Grand Junction, Colorado. The bond with his first guide, Kirby, inspired him to publish his first book, a thriller, in 2019. The next book in this installment is set to be released in the near future. Terry also loves hiking the outdoors and staying active. Exercise and physical fitness are very important to him and getting a guide dog has broadened the spectrum of things he is able to do. Terry and Cruiser have explored many places in their area already, including a trip to Grand Mesa in Colorado. They are both looking forward to more explorations and strengthening their bond as a team.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Cruiser is so engaged, responsive, exuberant; and he’s highly intelligent. We’ve really begun the bonding process. I’m awfully happy and think that he is too.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I came to the realization that I’m a dog person, and less comfortable with a cane. I thought the dog would be a wonderful addition to my life, in a lot of ways. When I started researching schools, I applied to a few places, but felt that Guiding Eyes was one of the best. I was accepted and here we are many years later!”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “I would say that I have a far better life with a guide dog; probably in almost every way. The companionship is wonderful, it’s a far better way of getting around, and having a guide dog allows me to do things I couldn’t do otherwise.”
Were there any training highlights? “Just getting back with a dog and having the harness handle in my hand was a wonderful thing. Our trainer Melissa is absolutely incredible. She knows so much about these dogs and her expertise has been invaluable. One of my favorite moments was being able to get him out to a state park nearby where we can just go and go fast. I really enjoyed that moment and I think he did too.”
“As a Guiding Eyes volunteer for almost 27 years, it was an absolute pleasure to foster Cruiser and sponsor his training in Grand Junction. When he arrived in Colorado, I knew he was very special and would do his job well. I fostered him for six weeks (seems like only six days!), until he was matched with Terrence in Grand Junction – how wonderful that he will remain local!”
-A very proud foster mom
Meet our other recent guide dog team graduates. Click here!
Friends and Family: Watch this video to learn more about Working with a Guide Dog Team.
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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