Osoluchukwu and Cliff

Meet Graduate Osoluchukwu

Graduate Team: Osoluchukwu and Cliff
About the Team: Cliff, a male black lab; Osoluchukwu’s 1st guide dog
Location: Parkville, Maryland
Training:  February 2025 On-Campus

Osolu is currently in her sophomore year at the University of Delaware, where she is double majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology, focusing on law and society. After graduating, she plans to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology with a specialization in forensics. Osolu works as a behavioral technician with students who have autism. Originally from Nigeria, she immigrated to the United States with her family as a child. Recently, she took a month-long trip back to Nigeria, where she spent time in the capital and stayed in the village her father had come from. While she was visiting, she met cousins she had never met before. Osolu enjoys spending time with her family, especially during family movie nights and while cooking with her mother and sister. When she is not busy studying or working, she loves reading, swimming, cooking, and traveling. Osolu has a trip to England planned and hopes to explore more of Europe, as well as a trip to Jamaica with her mom and sister.

How would you describe your guide dog?  “He’s extremely sociable and friendly. He loves my roommate, and he’ll run to her if he hears her down the dorm hallway. He’s lovely with everyone and is a people dog. Cliff’s also an affectionate and sensitive dog. He will stand up and touch part of me if I sit down somewhere, or he’ll stretch out on top of me. Cliff has no body sensitivity and doesn’t care if I mess with his tail or paws. He’s a completely different dog in or out of harness. Once you take the harness off, he goes insane and has so much energy. With it on, he’s so focused. My friends will see us and say that he looks like he’s on a mission.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I love dogs! At a recent convention of the National Federation of the Blind, I met several Guiding Eyes graduate teams. I found each of the graduates to be friendly, articulate, and confident. The dogs were confident and good communicators, too! I visited the Guiding Eyes website and learned a lot about the organization, ranging from the mission to the impact. The staff at Guiding Eyes is attentive and responsive. I also love the trainers, who have gone above and beyond for me. I lost my suitcase, and they took me to Walmart, and one trainer brought in clothes for me, too.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “I’m taking a night class this semester, and having Cliff has been amazing because I’m completely blind at night. He’s only been on campus for a month, and he’s been flawless with it. This was a major reason for getting a guide dog because I could travel with my cane, but I was extremely anxious, and I would find myself avoiding it. My vision gets foggy, and I can’t see a foot in front of me. He’s been an angel; he instinctively angles me away from obstacles when they’re far ahead. He’s starting to learn routes and knows the way to my dorm without me telling him where to go.”

Were there any training highlights? “Training was a lot of work but was also made to be a lot of fun! The trainers, Michelle, Shannon, and Caroline, were amazing, and every single person helped. The trainers would offer their different perspectives and suggestions. The training itself was customized, and I had the opportunity to go to a college campus and focus on food distraction training. It was nice that it was customized to the environment I’d be in. I must mention how great the food is at Guiding Eyes! Chef Rob even reached out the week before I arrived, asking if I had any special menu requests. Indeed, Pop-Tarts were waiting for me when I arrived! The attention to little details (like Pop-Tarts!) was obvious throughout my Guiding Eyes experience and demonstrates the care and effort that goes into ensuring each client has the best experience possible.”

Meet Guide Dog Cliff

DOB:  12/19/2022
Litter ID: 3C422
Color/Breed:  Black/Labrador
Gender: Male
Brood: Eloise
Stud: Hamilton
Littermates: Chance, Candy, Clancey, Canyon, Crosby
Region:  Columbus
Regional Puppy Instructor: Leslie Stephens
Puppy Raiser: Haley Magenheim, Olivia Miller 
Facebook: Ohio Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

Cliff is the smartest, sweetest dog. He might be small, but he has a big personality and endless love for all of his people. Cliff accompanied me to all of my college classes and was such a good boy. Raising Cliff was such a joy and I am excited to hear about what he does in the future. ~ Olivia Miller

Photos of the Team…