Tisha and Satya

Meet Graduate Tisha

Graduate Team: Tisha and Satya
About the Team: Satya – a female black Lab; Tisha’s 3^rd Guiding Eyes dog
Location: Kokomo, Indiana
Training: February/March 2025 On-Campus

Tisha was born and raised in Indiana. At the age of sixteen, she was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, gradually losing her sight throughout adulthood. Tisha holds an associate’s degree in applied sciences and completed her Bachelor’s degree in general studies at Indiana University’s Kokomo campus. Her oldest daughter and five-year-old granddaughter, Armoni, live with her, and Tisha proudly describes herself as a stay-at-home grandma. Before losing her sight, Tisha enjoyed horseback riding and had horses of her own. She remains active and loves outdoor activities like swimming, kayaking, camping, boating, and long walks with her granddaughter. Tisha also participates in Pilates and yoga and shared that “Satya” is a yoga term. It speaks to acting in a way that helps others see things as they are and encourages compassion. She is very thankful to the individual who chose Satya’s name, as well as Guiding Eyes, who matched them together. Satya is Tisha’s third guide dog from Guiding Eyes.

How would you describe your guide dog? “Satya is graceful, smooth, and self-confident. She is always very patient with me. She is just a wonderful guide dog. I can’t say enough good things about her.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “I was researching guide dog programs when I came across Guiding Eyes. I liked Guiding Eyes’ program. After applying for a guide dog, the first Guiding Eyes person I met arrived at my home to assess my needs. He was amazing. He observed my routine and interest in the outdoors and didn’t hesitate to make arrangements to train me for my jogging and long walks.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “I have more freedom and can move faster now. My guide dogs provided me with my first taste of independence and pure freedom. Satya, especially, has rocked my world. Satya is a running guide and is great at it. She really enjoys our faster-paced walks and jogs. When I am passing by them with Satya, people tell me I have a smile on my face. When I hold the handle to her harness, I can feel right away that working with her is easier and a real blessing.”

Were there any training highlights? “I loved training on campus. They told me not to worry if I made a mistake because they had taught me how to correct my mistakes. I sensed that my instructor, Izzy, always had a smile in her voice during training, and I absolutely loved how it made me feel. Michelle was a trainer with other students, and she was awesome, and Stephanie did my jog with me. I couldn’t ask for a better team to work with. I also enjoyed going to a Starbucks for the first time and visiting the local mall as part of my training. I never realized how great these guide dogs are at working outdoors in the wintertime. I really appreciated the experience of training during that season. On top of all this, Chef Rob made a fabulous cheesecake, and his homemade blueberry muffins were the world’s best.”

Meet Guide Dog Satya

DOB:  11/19/2022
Litter ID: S-4S322
Color/Breed:  Black/Labrador
Gender: Female
Brood: Okemo
Stud: Watts
Littermates: Scorpio, Snoopy, Storm, Skye, Simba
Region:  Southern CT, Remote
Regional Puppy Instructor: Maureen Hollis, Leslie Stephens
Puppy Raiser:  The Westcott Family
Facebook: Southern CT Puppy Raisers

Special Recognition: Satya was special named by Pamela Wilson in honor of a milestone birthday. The term Satya is related to yoga practice and means truthfulness. 

From the Puppy Raiser…

Satya is the best girl. Calm. Incredibly sweet. Gentle. Always wants to please. Smart. Learns quickly. Understands your emotions. She is the perfect dog. Every attribute you hope for when you adopt a dog. We raised her alongside her mother Okemo who has the same attributes. We knew right away that Satya had all the attributes she would need to make an exceptional guide dog except for confidence in herself. She looked for us when she was unsure. We worked with her to help her gain that confidence, pushing her out of her comfort zone and rewarding her when she pushed forward. Miles and miles of hiking the beautiful trails of Connecticut woods. She loves to run but always stay close. Congratulations on your graduation and know that Satya holds a special place in our hearts. We know she will make such a difference in your life. Take good care of her as she will always strive to take good care of you! ~ Carmela and David Westcott 

Photos of the Team…