Jule Ann and Stitch

Meet Graduate Jule Anne

Graduate Team:  Jule Ann and Stitch
About the Team:  Stitch: male black Labrador Retriever; Jule Ann’s 4th Guiding Eyes dog
Hometown:  Devon, Pennsylvania
Training: November 2024 On-Campus

Jule Ann works full-time for the Institute on Disabilities based at Temple University within their College of Education and Human Development. Her work supports individuals with blindness and low vision by educating them about the availability of assistive technology and providing opportunities for exploration through a lending library of equipment and demonstration centers. Jule Ann earned a master’s degree from Salus University and is certified as a low vision therapist and an assistive technology instructional specialist, a field she’s worked in for over 25 years.  She is adjunct faculty at Salus at Drexel University teaching Assistive Technology for Blindness and Low Vision for pre-professional training.  She presents and participates in national conferences on technology for individuals with disabilities, engaging with vendors and professionals showcasing new technological advancements. Jule Ann lives with her husband and two sons and has a daughter who lives in New York.  She has a retired guide and two other dogs who all get along well with Stitch.  For fun she enjoys audio books, especially detective novels and mysteries.

How would you describe your guide dog?  “I’d describe Stitch as loveable, cuddly, very intelligent, and an all-around great guy.  He is the right size for me, has a good temperament, a great pace for our walks, and is very responsive.  This is a great match. We are in the suburbs of Philadelphia, in an area with no sidewalks and few traffic signals, so I am reliant on Stitch. Guiding Eyes dogs are trained to determine that it is safe to go around a car before proceeding when walking without sidewalks.  This is much safer for me, as I often don’t even realize a car is parked there.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “In 1999, I read the book, Planet of the Blind by Stephen Kuusisto, and it turned out that he provided graduate support at Guiding Eyes.  I liked it so much that I got a print copy for my husband to read, and he called Stephen at Guiding Eyes, asking if we could come up and meet him.  Stephen was so great and asked if I ever thought about getting a guide dog. He is currently a professor at Syracuse University.  After checking into several schools, I went with Guiding Eyes, and I’m so glad I did.  I was told there might be a wait because I needed a dog trained for working in the city, as well as where we lived. My wait turned out to be short, and I appreciated that Guiding Eyes thoroughly evaluated my needs and the dog’s skills. They are patient as you learn and are thoughtful with each student’s work and progress. I cannot speak more highly about my experience with the instructors there and the whole process.”

How has a guide dog impacted your life? “Having a dog makes me more approachable to people and serves as a conversation starter in my role as a teacher, as well as an icebreaker with new co-workers. My dogs have been helpful socially. I can also walk faster with a guide dog. I can avoid an obstacle more easily, and I have a smoother sense of travel.  When I am in an urban environment, I am not alone, and I am much more confident, because there is a living being beside me who cares about me.”

Were there any training highlights? “Mik was great as my instructor and had previously worked with Stitch.  I liked the experience of riding a train with Stitch when we went to Beacon. We practiced multiple lane crossings in White Plains, and our class went as a group to a restaurant where our dogs did so well.  The whole experience was great, and Stitch got along well with the other dogs.”

Meet Guide Dog Stitch

DOB:  3/26/2022
Litter ID: S-5S22
Color/Breed:  Black/Labrador
Gender: Male
Brood: Terri
Stud: Midnight
Littermates: Sierra, Sandra, Sherman, Suzanne, Sonic
Region:  Wayne County, Leatherstocking NY
Regional Puppy Instructor: MeKalea Chambliss
Puppy Raiser:  Mrs. Rebecca Reinhardt, Serinah Palafox, Joelle Ocheltree
Facebook: Wayne Cty Puppy Raisers
Facebook: Leatherstocking Puppy Raisers

Special Recognition: Stitch was special named by Thimble Pleasures Quilt Guild. Thank you to all the members of the guild for your support! 

From the Puppy Raiser…

Raising Stitch was an indescribable joy. His easy-going nature and infectious smile made it impossible not to fall in love with him. One of the best parts of raising him was watching everyone in the room light up as soon as they saw him. Stitch’s adaptable personality led us on countless adventures, from attending college classes to exploring the bustling streets of NYC, visiting Maryland, and taking his first flight. Stitch grew into a mature boy who took his work seriously, quickly mastering new skills and always striving to please his handler. Despite his hard-working nature, Stitch never failed to bring joy to everyone with his endearing wiggle butt, charming personality, and infectious smile. It was a privilege to raise this sweet boy. Guide on Stitchy Pooh! ~ Serinah Palafox 

 I’m very glad that Stitch is ready for a new partner. It’s been a long time since Stitch was with me. Thank you for giving me the chance to raise him and wish him and his partner well. ~ Becky Reinhardt 

Photos of the Team…