Graduate Team: Zandra and Sedona
About the Team: Sedona, a female, black & tan German Shepherd; Zandra’s 2nd Guiding Eyes dog.
Location: Olympia, Washington
Training: March 2026 Home Training
Zandra grew up in Oregon and moved north to Washington to complete her education in the 1970s. During this time, she met her husband, James. Their family includes an adult son and daughter, as well as 2 grandchildren. A retired state adjudicator, Zandra now works part-time as a website accessibility tester. She is involved with the Capital City Council of the Blind (a local affiliate of the American Council of the Blind) and has served as chapter president. An avid cook and gardener, she tends both flower and vegetable gardens. She and James enjoy vacationing on the road together in their RV.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Sedona’s personality is bigger than life! She and I have been working a lot, and she is an excellent and focused guide. Sedona has not only quickly learned my routes, but she also identifies our car just by sight in a parking lot. Very impressive! She is just 2 years old, so when the harness is off, we see her funny side, and she gets to run around the yard and work off her puppy energy.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I applied to Guiding Eyes based on the reputation of the school and because they offer German Shepherd guides. I grew up with German Shepherds, making it my breed of choice. As I was waiting to get matched with my first guide in 2020, the onset of Covid pandemic created some uncertainty. Guiding Eyes contacted me, offering Odyssey, a black Labrador Retriever. I was excited to be matched with my first guide dog and decided Odyssey was meant to be. Odyssey is now retired but still lives with us and welcomed Sedona to the family.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “It is wonderful to have a guide dog! I am more relaxed walking on my own, and the pace is faster and more efficient than with a cane. In addition to walking into town, I try to walk 30-40 minutes each day for recreation. A guide dog makes my active lifestyle and independence possible.”
Were there any training highlights? “During the pandemic, Home Training was the only option. I am thankful that it was an option this time too, as it suits my situation best. I have had the pleasure of training with the same guide dog mobility instructor, Mike, both times. His dedication and consistency have been tremendous benefits. Sedona showed me her professionalism early on in training. As we were navigating a sidewalk downtown, a flock of birds suddenly emerged from a bush onto the sidewalk in front of us. They startled me, but Sedona handled the surprise like a pro and continued to smoothly guide me on. My experience with my Guiding Eyes guides has been amazing and is a wonderful gift. I am very grateful.”
DOB: 2/23/2024
Litter ID: 6X24
Color/Breed: Black & Tan/German Shepherd
Gender: Female
Brood: Veste FGDF
Stud: Flynn
Littermates: Sammy, Sergeant, Summit
Region: North Carolina
Regional Puppy Instructor: Jennifer Thurman
Puppy Raiser: Ron & Laura Daniels
Facebook: North Carolina Puppy Raisers
Sedona is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. This pup stole my heart from the moment I picked her up. After years of raising Labs, I decided to step into the sheppy world and I am so glad I did. While the learning curve was steep, I enjoyed it so much. I am so glad she has been paired with Zandra, as I know they will be a terrific pair! Good luck, sweet girl, and it was a pleasure being in your life for the time we had together. Go and do great things and take good care of Zandra as I know you will! ~ Laura Daniels
