While I was in combat I was exposed to serin and cycloserin nerve gas, which has affected my cognitive function and damaged my nervous system. I am mobile and fairly high functioning, but I have difficulty with too much stimulation, … Read more
Category: Graduate Tales
Orbit Brought Me Back to Life
December 10, 2019“I am a combat veteran with chronic PTSD and I have secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). My brain and spinal cord have dozens of areas of damage that affect all aspects of my daily life. TLCAD matched Orbit and me … Read more
Laurel Hilbert is living the American Dream with his guide dog by his side
October 23, 2019When Laurel Hilbert, who has been blind since birth, made up his mind that his next step in life was to move to the United States, his friends and family were skeptical. He had no contacts, spoke no English and … Read more
Achieving Goals — Michelle Plunkett, Guide Dogs of America Alumni
September 17, 2019Having a guide dog has helped me do so much… Michelle Plunkett may have only five percent of her vision, but she puts 100 percent into everything she does… and she does a lot. At her side is Jasper, her … Read more
Adam Bailey and His Dog Mica
July 16, 2019Adam Bailey, who lives in Lake Stevens, echoes those sentiments in gaining friends at GDA, as well as the tremendous difference his Guide Dog, Mica, has made in his life. “Before I had Mica, I used a white cane so … Read more
Antonio Fotualii and His Dog Ted
July 16, 2019Since receiving his golden lab “Ted” in May, Antonio Fotualii (age 29) has fewer restrictions and more choices. Antonio lives on Capitol Hill in Seattle, is a Type 1 diabetic who was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy at the age of … Read more
Wesley and Mully, 8 years in the Making
April 12, 2019Wesley has been with his service dog, Mully, for 8 years!
Team Jirby: Viva Las Vegas!
January 10, 2019Recently Kirby and I made a trip to Las Vegas to visit family. Seeing the family was fun and of course they loved meeting Kirby, but the best part was how excited Kirby and I were about experiencing this adventure … Read more
“I just want to show everyone what we can do when we have faith.” – Derek Rabelo, Guide Dogs of America Graduate Class #405
January 7, 2019by Zachary Gittlen GDA graduate Derek Rabelo has always been close with his father. “I may make fun of his big belly now, but we are best friends. He’s my hero and he has always encouraged me to do anything.” … Read more
Team Jirby: A Trip to the Dentist
September 20, 2018As you can imagine, a flood of questions bombarded my mind. What will I do with Kirby when I am getting my teeth cleaned or while I am having x-rays? Where will he sit? Will he be worried? Then I … Read more
