BELFAST — Guiding Eyes for the Blind welcomed the September 2017 class of graduates, a group of 17 individuals paired with guide dogs bred and raised by the nonprofit to be matched with a person with vision loss. Each member of the graduating class and their respective guide dogs received individualized training, working with expert trainers and instructors to learn to work together as a team.

Among this month's graduates is Sarah Smith, a resident of Belfast, who completed Guiding Eyes Home Training with her guide dog, Hamilton.

Through highly personalized training, Sarah and Hamilton learned to navigate the many types of settings they will encounter as a team.

Sarah, who lost her vision at age 30 due to complications of type I diabetes, participated in the Home Training program with Hamilton, a yellow Labrador. Sarah and her husband Bill live at a cohousing development in Belfast, sharing the village with 35 other families with children, dogs, cats and even a few goats. Since losing her vision, Sarah has worked as a music and dance teacher, licensed social worker, contra dance caller and farmer.

Sarah has had four other successful Guiding Eyes dogs and says of her life with them: "Having a beautiful lively dog at my side has provided a window into a joyful life of hiking and walking. I have continued to experience all the adventures of working, shopping and visiting friends which I had as a sighted person."

"We are thrilled to welcome this new class of graduates to the Guiding Eyes family," said Thomas Panek, President & CEO of Guiding Eyes for the Blind. "We are incredibly proud to provide extraordinary guide dogs to our graduates at no cost, and we ensure that each guide dog team receives a personalized training experience that prepares them to head home with more freedom, independence and confidence."

About Guiding Eyes for the Blind

Guiding Eyes for the Blind is dedicated to creating and supporting life-changing connections between people and dogs. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides superbly bred and trained dogs to people who are blind or visually impaired. Our dogs are known for their exceptional temperaments and success at helping people gain independence and to expand their horizons of opportunity.

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