“You Are Strong” Donnell is a Navy Veteran who served as an Intelligence Specialist. He deployed to Bosnia as a part of the PFIWC team (Persons Formerly Indicted For War Crimes), where he provided Intelligence support to bring war criminals … Read more
Category: Students
Kennelside Chats
October 12, 2020Check out our Kennelside Chats series, Guide Dogs of America and Tender Loving Canines graduates discuss their personal experiences and journeys with their service dog partners. Our GDA Kennelside Chat series offers an in-depth look at assorted topics of interest … Read more
OFFICIAL STATEMENT REGARDING CORONAVIRUS
March 12, 2020The safety of our Guide Dogs of America family has, and always will be, our top priority. Our administration is closely monitoring Coronavirus (COVID-19) and is taking action to limit the public’s access to campus. We ask that anyone who … Read more
I am an Army veteran that served near the Kuwaiti border during the Gulf War.
January 10, 2020While 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
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
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
Team Jirby’s Miracle Journey: The day I met Kirby
June 7, 2018What is it like to receive a guide dog? Well, it is like nothing that has ever happened to me before. I arrived at Guide Dogs of America on a Sunday and moved into the dorms. Instantly I developed a … Read more
It’s More Than Puppy Love
November 6, 2017Guide Dogs of America is extremely fortunate to have, and is grateful for, our puppy raisers, a dedicated group of 200-plus volunteers actively raising puppies at any given time. In addition, the many more volunteers who have previously raised one … Read more
GDA’s “It” Factor
August 20, 2017What is it that makes someone choose Guide Dogs of America for their first guide dog and what keeps others coming back time after time? We asked our graduates to tell us, in their own words and through their personal … Read more