“The University of Rhode Island Puppy Raisers Club wishes the graduate teams good luck in their new partnerships!”
Graduate Team: Yvette and Brooklyn
About the Team: Brooklyn, a female yellow Lab, is Yvette’s 1st guide dog
Hometown: Mount Vernon, New York
Guide Dog Mobility Instructor: Ben Cawley
Yvette comes to Guiding Eyes through the Home Training Program for her first guide dog. She is enjoying the independence and security that Brooklyn provides to her, as well as the love and companionship she brings to the family. Yvette gratefully acknowledges the support she has received from her husband over the years and looks forward to their future adventures with her guide dog, Brooklyn, beside them.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Brooklyn is pure love! We are getting to know each other and bonding. Brooklyn has beautiful, warm and loving eyes. She enjoys playing with a ball and putting on her harness when it is time to work. She is quickly becoming part of the family and my husband loves her too. He is always anxious to join us on walks. Brooklyn is very sweet and attentive and has us ‘wrapped around her paws’.“
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I applied for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes based on the recommendation of my primary care doctor. It took me a few years to feel prepared for this step, but I’m so glad I did! I can do much more with Brooklyn than I could with my cane. I feel that she protects me by guiding me safely.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Brooklyn has given me peace-of-mind and independence. I trust her 1000% and am totally confident in her ability to lead me. We are one, not two!”
Were there any training highlights? “During training we visited stores and navigated parking lots. Together we have mastered the 4-way intersection! Brooklyn does everything and more!”
I brought Brooklyn to college with me, not knowing what to expect. Living in a small dorm room with a roommate and a dog was sure to be a challenge, but to my surprise it could not have worked out better. Brooklyn’s greatest strength is her ability to adapt. Adapting to the college environment was a tough switch, but she did it quickly and loved it. When she was little, I knew she was a superstar, but she exceeded my expectations. She was the star of my college dorm. All of my classes in Fall 2019, were huge lecture halls stuffed with hundreds of students. UMASS also has a service dog program of their own, which brought other dogs into the lecture hall. I was so proud of what she achieved and how much progress she made in that challenging situation. She made my college year a very special one and I knew she would be a great guide. She has a wonderful temperament, all while being the goofy girl who made me laugh. I can’t wait to see what she does in her adventure as a guide.
Dillon Hicks, Puppy Raiser of Brooklyn
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