Anthony and Lindsey

Meet Graduate Anthony

Graduate Team:   Anthony and Lindsey
About the Team:  Lindsey, a female yellow Lab, is Anthony’s 1^st Guiding Eyes dog.
Location:  North Tonawanda, New York
Training:  August 2024 On-Campus

Anthony returned to his parent’s home with his first guide dog, Lindsey, and thought, “This is a new world that starts now!”. Born prematurely, Anthony was diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity and cerebral palsy, which affects his balance. Growing up, he dealt with a myriad of medical issues requiring many surgeries. Anthony sought out a residential training program at the Louisiana Center for the Blind, an experience made possible by the NYS Commission for the Blind and Anthony’s determination. Throughout his life, Anthony has experienced an impressive array of activities: playing drums and guitar, cycling, bowling, rock climbing, horseback riding, golfing, flying in small aircraft, and even serving as a volunteer firefighter. However, Anthony’s passion is trucking. He enjoys the feeling of riding in a semi-truck and was even President of Outta Site Trucking. With his newfound mobility, Anthony carries a foldable stool in a backpack to assist him in getting back up, should he fall. As part of her training, Lindsey was desensitized to a handler falling. This team is doing things Anthony never thought possible, and they will no doubt have many adventures ahead of them.

How would you describe your guide dog?  “Lindsey has been life-changing. She is a relaxed and chilled-out dog, and nothing bothers her.  At home, she rests on her bed and regularly checks in on me.  In harness she is great. I am an appliance specialist at a Home Depot store, and she is a rock star, knowing how to get me to my work spot, the break room to clock in, and my locker, within her first 2 days.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “In 2020, I consulted with a former Orientation and Mobility instructor, and we agreed that I needed a dog. My balance is bad due to the CP, and I walk veering to the left. She recommended Guiding Eyes. I also heard a presentation at Canisius College by Guiding Eyes Remote GDMI, Lisa. I wanted to be sure that having a guide dog was right for me. I didn’t want to take a guide dog from someone else who was more in need than I was. This past May, I was in class but became ill, and my training was paused for a time while I recovered at home without Lindsey. It was so hard to leave her, but I appreciated that Susan got me back home to western NY.”

How has a guide dog impacted your life?  “I fall a lot due to the CP and Guiding Eyes trained Lindsey to guide from the right, which keeps me walking straighter. She builds my confidence and allows me to do things on my own.”

Were there any training highlights?  “It was the first time in my life I didn’t have to walk holding someone else’s arm.  Susan, my Specialized Training instructor, taught Lindsey and me how to navigate the mall, Starbucks, and the supermarket, and our class ate at an Italian restaurant. She was amazing in helping us reach our goal. Susan noticed that when I fell, it was difficult for me to get up.  She talked with the maintenance staff, and they weighed down a dolly that would hold me while stepping off or onto the curb when taking Lindsey outside from my dorm room. Susan had an idea, and the school let her try it.  I love that about Guiding Eyes.  The nurses, Donna and Kathy, were great, and with Chef Rob, Peter, and Miss Margaret, the meals and service couldn’t have been better. Thanks Guiding Eyes.”

Meet Guide Dog Lindsey

DOB:  4/15/2021
Litter ID: 4L21
Color/Breed:  Yellow/Labrador
Gender: Female
Brood: Helen
Stud: Barlow
Littermates: Lucy, Loki, Louie, Laredo, Lorraine, Laramie
Region:  Northern CT
Regional Puppy Instructor:  Maureen Hollis
Puppy Raiser:  Lynn Alleva-Bevins
Facebook: Northern CT Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

While raising her, Lindsey always kept us entertained with her playfulness, always carrying a toy in her mouth and even helping to make the bed in the morning! In other words, snuggling into any blanket or sheeting that was near the floor that she could roll herself into. Lindsey was a perfect puppy to begin our raising journey with Guiding Eyes for the Blind because she had such an easygoing and fun disposition. In her time with us, she became a part of family and we would like to thank Guiding Eyes for the Blind for giving us the opportunity to raise such a wonderful puppy and very much look forward to hearing of her progress as a guide dog!  ~ Lynn Alleva-Bevins

Photos of the Team…