Jamie Leigh and Louisa

Meet Graduate Jamie Leigh

Graduate Team: Jamie Leigh and Louisa
About the Team: Louisa: female yellow Lab; Jamie Leigh’s 2nd guide dog
Location: Harrisonburg, Virginia
Training: November 2024 On-Campus

Jamie Leigh has been working as an Exam Accommodations Assistant in the Office of Disability Services at James Madison University for the past two years. She is eager to return to school to pursue her graduate degree, as she aspires to teach the sociology of disability at the undergraduate level. Jamie earned her undergraduate degree in sociology from Shepherd University, with a minor in gender and women’s studies. She has a business as a legally blind photographer and also enjoys realism using charcoals, creating portraits or hybrids of subjects. In addition to her artistic endeavors, Jamie Leigh is an athlete. She plays goalball recreationally and is a nationally classified para swimmer. She enjoys taking walks in nature with her dogs, her 14-month-old son, and her boyfriend, as well as hiking. Jamie Leigh watches sunsets daily in honor of the tradition set by her and her grandma before she passed. Her family includes her first guide Isla and her cat Phantom.

How would you describe your guide dog? “She can get very goofy out of harness, and whenever she has the zoomies, she goes around in circles, like she’s about to pounce on something. She’s usually chill and plays with my first guide dog Isla. When she’s working, especially at night when my vision’s the worst, I have full confidence in her. With Louisa, I can tell her let’s go home or to the mailbox. She’s a fast learner. She’s good at knowing when I am able to see and when I can’t. She doesn’t bark or anything, but if I tell her to lie down and she doesn’t want to lie down, you can see the sass on her face instantly. Before she does it, she’ll give you the eyebrow or side eye then lie down.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I’m adventurous and I wanted to try something new. My best friend received her guide dog from Guiding Eyes and enjoyed her time on campus, so she recommended I apply here for my next dog. I was home-trained by another school with my first dog when I was a freshman in college. I loved training on campus this time. The other graduates and I have a group chat where we talk every single day, and they truly made the experience amazing. Guiding Eyes was accommodating to my needs and any concerns I had about myself or Louisa.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “The past seven years that I’ve been a handler has taught me not only the responsibility of taking care of myself, but to slow down and take a moment to breathe, relax, and enjoy the moment. We have those moments where life takes over and you get overwhelmed. Having a guide dog has given me so much independence. It’s not only a mobility device but also a companion. Louisa’s primary purpose is to be my eyes, but she’s so comforting that it helps with everything. If you’re having a bad day, the dog’s going to make it better. The love I’ve found isn’t like anything else in my life, not even my pet dog. This is so much stronger and different. You’re with them 24/7 and they see and experience so many more things than the average pet would. It’s trust, loyalty, and unconditional love, no matter what.”

Were there any training highlights? “I enjoyed going into Manhattan and appreciated having that experience. I loved the Guiding Eyes campus too. I appreciate that they asked what we do at home and how they could accommodate that. Like, ‘What would you enjoy doing that would also benefit you at home?’ During training, everyone was so welcoming – the chefs, the nurses, and the trainers. The food was so good, that I requested recipes so I could replicate dishes at home. I liked the training ratios as well. There were two students for each trainer, but it was often one-on-one, and I liked having time with the trainer to work on things. We also did team walks, which I enjoyed.”

Meet Guide Dog Louisa

DOB:  10/15/2022
Litter ID: 4L322
Color/Breed:  Yellow/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Female
Brood: Ellen
Stud: Yarmouth
Littermates: Landon, Lincoln, Lotto, Lucky, Liv
Region:  Richmond
Regional Puppy Instructor: Madeline Bruggeman
Puppy Raiser:  The Mohr Family
Facebook: Richmond Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

Oh Miss Louisa – she was such a joy to raise. Louisa just wanted to please and love! She had lots of hikes in the woods and was a water lover. Trips on our pontoon boat and a great companion on the paddle board. She loved being our shadow and was as loyal as they come. Her real adventure begins with you and her love will forever be true. Enjoy Miss Louisa!  ~ Karri Mohr

Photos of the Team…