We thank our generous sponsors: Vickia and Bubbles’ class training was sponsored by the Somers Car Show honoring the veterans. The DeMarco family has coordinated this event for the past nine years, in memory of Louis DeMarco, their beloved family member who was a Korean War vet. The family shares: “We host a non-profit show and donate 100% of the proceeds to Guiding Eyes for the Blind. It brings us so much joy to know that we can support our veterans each and every year.”
Graduate Team: Vickia and Bubbles
About the Team: Bubbles, a female yellow Lab; Vickia’s 4th guide dog
Hometown: Darien, Connecticut
Training: January 2026 On Campus
Vickia recently graduated with Bubbles, her first guide dog from Guiding Eyes, but fourth overall. Vickia is a retired military veteran who served sixteen years as a JAG officer, an attorney practicing military law for the United States Air Force. She earned both her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of California, Berkeley. During her career, she served as a JAG for the Air Force in Okinawa, Japan, and South Korea, and at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. She also taught at the Air Force Judge Advocate General School at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. In 2002, while stationed in Hawaii, she retired from the Air Force and remained there for 15 years. It was around that time that she was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa. Her vision loss was a steady yet slow process, allowing her the opportunity to adjust her life accordingly. During her retirement, she was an avid outrigger canoe paddler with the Waikiki Yacht Club and the Pure Light organization, a club for paddlers with disabilities. She has affectionately nicknamed her guide dog, Bubbles, “Bijou”, which means “precious jewel” in French, and they reside in a senior living center in Connecticut. Nowadays, she enjoys church activities, walks, restaurants, and socializing with friends. She has one daughter who has eleven-year-old twin girls, which keeps her busy as well.
How would you describe your guide dog? “She is the sweetest and smartest guide dog I have had. She has been an absolute delight in my life and to others who meet her. She loves people, and people love her. She is extremely well trained and unlike any previous guide dog I have experienced.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I had always heard very good things about Guiding Eyes, but was offered and accepted dogs from other nearby schools. The obstacles I encountered with these previous guide dogs led me to Guiding Eyes. It was a very positive outcome, for which I am grateful.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “She is a social bridge. She invites people to come to me due to her friendliness. She contributes to my social existence and enables me to avoid isolation. She makes a huge difference in my life. Although she attracts others to me and wants to befriend other dogs, she knows her strict limits and will look to me for approval. By doing so, she asks me when she wants to interact with people and dogs.”
Were there any training highlights? “The number one highlight of my training experience is the Guiding Eyes staff and the campus environment. Everyone is so friendly and down-to-earth, contributing to this being an amazing place. There were just five people in my class, so there was little time wasted. Kat, my trainer, was definitely an A-plus instructor. Her experience and big heart contributed to my feeling like I was a fellow human being.”
DOB: 12/16/2023
Litter ID: 5B423
Color/Breed: Yellow/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Female
Brood: Jacklyn
Stud: Soldier
Littermates: Blizzard, Betsy, Bobbi, Bono, Bulut, Brioche, Bevy
Region: Richmond
Regional Puppy Instructor: Madeline Bruggeman
Puppy Raiser: The Mohr Family
Facebook: Richmond Puppy Raisers
Special Recognition: Bubbles was special named by Jennifer Firestone in memory of her beloved pet, Bubbles. We are happy Bubbles’ legacy continues through this team.
As soon as we found out her name, we knew she would be special. Her moments of suckling her blanket to her massive zoomies in the backyard always brought a smile. Bubbles impressed us with her sensitivity in situations and keen awareness of her surroundings. She became a favorite with our customers at our art shows. A true companion and wise beyond compare. Raising her was a true pleasure! ~ Karri Mohr
