Chloe and Odette

Meet Graduate Chloe

Graduate Team:  Chloe and Odette
About the Team:  Odette, female yellow Lab; Chloe’s 2^nd Guiding Eyes dog
Location:  Austin, Texas
Training:  February 2025 On-Campus

Chloe works as an Assistive Technology Instructor at the Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center, a residential training facility in Austin, Texas. Chloe is married and has a toddler-aged son. Her family also includes her retired guide dog and her husband’s guide dog. She loves spending time with family and friends and is a huge Harry Potter fan! Chloe enjoys traveling, especially with a guide dog by her side. She became a member of the Guiding Eyes community in 2016 when she received her first guide dog, Kinley. In addition to her vision loss, Chloe struggles with sensory sensitivities and has been diagnosed with AUDHD (autistic/ADHD). She is thankful that having guide dogs in her life has been an asset in managing this challenge as well. Chloe runs a blog called Neurodiversity Unleashed. This blog focuses on advocacy, parenting with a disability, guide dog life and travel, and the day to day life of a person with AUDHD in addition to blindness.

How would you describe your guide dog? “Odette, affectionately known as Odie or Odie-girl, is my little powerhouse! She has a compact and athletic build. She is full of confidence, energy, and heart. She’s always ready to work and eager to explore the world with me. Odette is smart as a whip, constantly thinking a step ahead. Her initiative is incredible, and I know she is already problem-solving before I’ve given her direction. Odette guides me through complex situations with confidence and practically radiates pride when she knows she was successful.  When she is not working, she is a cuddle bug and happiest curled up next to me or getting a belly rub. She makes every day brighter with her enthusiasm, intelligence, and endless love.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “Guiding Eyes has a wonderful reputation due to their exceptional dogs and thoughtful matching process. Each client is treated as an individual.  As my guide Kinley was nearing retirement, there was no question I would return to Guiding Eyes for my next guide dog. The flexibility in training options and ongoing support made the decision to return here even easier. Guiding Eyes understands and supports the bond between handler and guide.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life?  “My guide dogs have completely transformed how I travel. Kinley, and now Odette, allowed me to travel with confidence, efficiency, and independence. I move more fluidly through the world, whether I’m commuting to work, navigating crowded spaces, or just taking a walk with my family. Odette reduces my cognitive load while traveling, making it less exhausting. Beyond mobility, emotional support is a secondary but not surprising benefit I have gotten from my guide dogs. I often struggle with loud or overly stimulating environments. With my dog, I can ignore much of the environmental feedback required when using a cane. Petting my dog is also a great way to refocus myself. Odette is a constant and reassuring presence in my life. I am so excited for our future as a team.”

Were there any training highlights? “Absolutely! The moment I set foot on the Guiding Eyes campus, it felt like coming home.  The warmth, the sense of community, and the dedication of everyone at Guiding Eyes contribute to the feeling of homecoming.  During traffic training, we had a staged traffic check. Mere seconds later, an actual car unexpectedly cut in front of Odette and me. Without hesitation, Odette responded perfectly, stopping me well before I was in danger. That moment really showed me that Odette is very aware of our surroundings and, therefore, how much I can trust her. Another standout moment occurred when we were walking a route, and two dogs passed on the opposite side of the street. Odette stayed completely focused on guiding without slowing down or getting distracted. It was amazing to see her work with such confidence and dedication.”

Meet Guide Dog Odette

DOB:  2/14/2023
Litter ID: 12O23
Color/Breed: Yellow/Labrador
Gender: Female
Brood: Jane
Stud: Loki
Littermates: Orson, Orion, Odyssey, Orleans, Omaha, Ohio, Othello, Ozark, Okie
Region:  Northern NJ
Regional Puppy Instructor: Monika Conrad/Elizabeth Vacchiano
Puppy Raiser:  Stephanie Serra
Facebook: Northernn NJ Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

Odette is the definition of “slow and steady wins the race!” She came into the world as the sweetest, smallest, and snuggliest puppy I’ve ever met. Odette grew into my “steady eddy” dog who could go anywhere and do anything, so long as we did it at her pace. From attending my M-F office job with me, to running errands, to even visiting the Museum of Natural History, Odette was a constant companion in my everyday life. Odette was the second dog I raised for Guiding Eyes and raising her was truly smooth sailing. I wish the best to her and Chloe, and hope she brings as much love and joy into her life as she did to mine. Yay for you, Odie! ~ Stephanie Serra

Photos of the Team…