Commencement Class 301

Sponsored by welcome

Dear Friend,

To our newest graduates: Our supporters, volunteers, and staff members have invested time and resources in your dogs, because we believe in the power of independence—and we believe in you. Do all you can do with your dogs. Be who you want to be. Learn what you want to learn. Go where you want to go. As you enjoy the company of your new best friends, please remember that we’ll support you throughout your journey, and we’re wishing you all the best.

To our donors and volunteers: Your support makes this possible! We appreciate your continued kindness as we celebrate this newest graduating class. Your involvement creates tangible, tail-wagging results, and we are thankful.

Warm regards,

Titus Herman Chief Executive Officer

3 About Southeastern Guide Dogs

outheastern Guide Dogs transforms lives Sby creating and nurturing extraordinary partnerships between people and dogs. Our organization operates the most advanced training facilities of any service dog organization in the world. Our experts breed, raise, and train elite working dogs—including guide dogs, service dogs, and skilled companion dogs—and provide life-changing services for people with vision loss, veterans with disabilities, and children with significant challenges such as vision loss or the loss of a parent in the military. Southeastern Guide Dogs has successfully created thousands of guide dog and service dog teams throughout the United States since its inception in 1982.

All of our services—which include state-of-the- art research on canine health and development; selective breeding; expert dog training; comprehensive on-campus student instruction; and the most robust alumni support program in North America—are provided at no cost to recipients. We rely 100% on private donations. Southeastern Guide Dogs has the distinction of being dually accredited by the two premier, global accreditation bodies: the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International. GuideDogs.org 4 Learn more at . 5 About our Programs

For people with vision loss For children and teens Guide Dogs help people with vision loss navigate Guide Dogs help teens with vision loss— independently; trained in over 40 cues. ages 15 and up—navigate independently.

Kids Companion Dogs are skilled companion Kids Companion Dogs are skilled companion dogs that enhance independence for children dogs that enhance independence for children with vision loss, preparing the way for a future with vision loss, preparing the way for a future guide dog. guide dog.

Gold Star Family Dogs comfort military family For veterans members who have lost a loved one in active Guide Dogs help veterans with vision loss service to the nation. navigate independently; trained in over 40 cues. Kids Therapy Dogs are matched with Service Dogs help veterans with post-traumatic adults who assist children and families in stress disorder (PTSD) and other disabilities; adverse circumstances, providing therapeutic trained in 15–20 cues. reassurance to children in need. Facility Therapy Dogs provide comfort in military our medical facilities nationwide. offer Emotional Support Dogs benefit veterans and dogs help restore a more active lifestyle. freedom Gold Star Family Dogs comfort military family members who have lost a loved one in active service to the nation.

6 7 GRADUATE

Cassandra Erps | Guide Dog Clarence ELMHURST, ILLINOIS

Cassie Erps’ first guide dog passed away right before the pandemic. Tears spring to her eyes when she remembers Bentley, but then Cassie smiles as she talks about her new guide dog, Clarence, a sweet yellow Lab. “I’ll have a new best friend in Clarence, but Bentley will never be forgotten,” she says. “I never wanted to give him up; he was my eyes.” Clarence will now fill those paw- steps, with his shy yet spunky personality.

At age 20, Cassie lost her vision from the effects of a brain tumor. After recovering from surgery, she struggled to adapt to life without vision and hated how people seemed to stare at her white cane. After a Chicago bus driver told her about Southeastern Guide Dogs—his wife had a guide—Cassie felt a new sense of hope and applied for a dog of her own. Now, she can’t imagine life without a guide.

“I’ll have independence again,” she shares, with Clarence by her side. “It’s freedom and it’s a blessing! When I used my cane this past year, it felt like there was something missing. Now, having a guide dog, I feel whole again. It makes me so happy, to get up with Clarence. It’s like he’s saying, “Let’s go conquer the world together!”

Robert and Caroline Reich named Clarence to honor the late Clarence Clemons, a great saxophone player and Bruce Springsteen’s lifelong best friend and band mate. As Clarence was indispensable to Bruce, guide dog Clarence will be for his handler.

8 9 GRADUATE

Annabell | Guide Dog Barry GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA

Annabell knew she wanted a guide dog since elementary school. Born with a rare, inherited eye condition called achromatopsia, she is blinded by bright lights, has no color vision, and everything more than a few feet away becomes blurry shapes and outlines. She also has nystagmus, or repetitive, uncontrolled eye movements.

Since the age of 2, Annabell has navigated with a white cane. After being one of the first to attend our Guide Dog Camp two years ago, this self-composed teen applied for a dog of her own. Now she’s been matched with Barry, a “very happy, very mellow, full of puppy energy” black Lab.

When other 16-year-olds get their driver’s licenses this year, Annabell will celebrate a different kind of freedom with Barry, who she refers to as “my new, good pair of eyes.” She has already gained confidence and a sense of normalcy. “I feel like I can be more of myself and be a lot more independent,” Annabell says. She looks forward to doing everyday things with Barry, such as shopping and hiking.

After high school, Annabell plans to pursue a degree in cultural and social anthropology, then a law degree so she can advocate and educate people about disabilities. Her experience with Barry has been so excellent that she feels motivated to do absolutely anything!

Barry is sponsored thanks to longtime supporters the Calendar Girls and named in loving memory of a member’s brother.

10 11 GRADUATE

Cheryl Sytsma | Guide Dog Hero ENGLEWOOD, FLORIDA

Amblyopia or “lazy eye” gave Cheri Sytsma abnormal vision development at birth, leading to double vision, dizziness, headaches, and depth perception problems. She struggled with reading and overcompensated for her poor peripheral vision by favoring her left eye. Over time, the symptoms worsened and she stopped driving, left her job as a massage therapist, and began falling more frequently.

Meanwhile, Cheri served as a relief volunteer for a local Southeastern Guide Dogs puppy raising group and attended several dog training classes. About two years ago, it became harder to get out and about and enjoy life, and she felt too dependent on other people. Cheri decided to apply for a guide dog, and now she’s been matched with a lovely yellow Lab named Hero.

“Hero is very much a go-getter, and she wants to learn and to teach me to do the right things,” she says. Cheri and Hero are both friendly and observant ladies who like being in the middle of things, and now they have each other. “Hero will make me feel a lot more secure, independent, and just happy to go out and engage in life again,” Cheri adds. “She is my hero. I have been looking forward to this time for nearly two years now, and it’s finally here!”

Hero is sponsored by the Moss Foundation. They work closely with veteran organizations and chose to honor their sacrifices by selecting the name Hero.

12 13 GRADUATE

Ethan Dixon | Guide Dog Buster HENDERSON, KENTUCKY

When he was only 11, Ethan Dixon de- veloped a tumor on his optic nerve and pituitary gland that had to be surgically removed. Instead of improving his vision, however, the procedure resulted in total blindness. Now a junior in high school, Ethan has been looking for a new source of independence and found Southeastern Guide Dogs.

Now he’s been matched with Buster, a playful and friendly yellow goldador who quickly won Ethan’s heart. Buster is a silly guy who is happiest when having his belly rubbed during “T-time,” short for “tummy massage” time. He is a good listener who will help Ethan safely navigate his senior year in his large high school. They will take walks in the park and go fishing together at a lake near Ethan’s home. Later, if he decides to pursue a degree in massage therapy or physical therapy, Buster will be right there with him.

To other teens who might not be sure about getting a guide dog, Ethan has some advice. “These dogs are really great and they help you a lot. And there's nothing to be scared about with them. With my experience so far, they make sure that you are safe. And they give you a lot of company. Buster—he is my best friend now.”

Roxzene Hunter and Michael Kneeland sponsored and named Buster after their beloved family dog, a soft coated wheaten terrier.

14 15 GRADUATE

Michael Facyson | Guide Dog Tommy ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA

Michael Facyson suffered two major strokes that left him walking with a limp and a cane, and later he discovered that his eyesight was also failing rapidly. After a third, undetected stroke, he began to go blind. Following the advice of his VA counselor and the Lighthouse for the Blind, he applied for a guide dog.

While training on our campus, Michael discovered abundant friendship, camaraderie—and the best part—Tommy, a guide dog who is so smart and skilled that his handler jokingly expects him to be able to speak. “Is this dog part human?” Michael quips. “People look at them as dogs, but they are a bigger help than you think they are.”

After serving three years in the Marines and seven in the Army with deployments throughout the world, Michael left the military in 1986 to go to school. He earned an MBA and enjoyed a career at Citi Bank until vision loss forced him to give up driving, his career, and his self-reliance, which was difficult.

Today, Michael serves as a minister and enjoys singing and socializing. Living in a high-rise building, he walks everywhere and will now have Tommy’s help to get out even more. Tommy’s emotional support, love, and guidance give Michael a greater sense of independence and companionship.

Tommy was sponsored and named as a thank you to veterinary ophthalmologist Dr. Tom Miller, DVM, MS, DACVO, with Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialists. For years, Dr. Miller has unselfishly cared for our dogs and supported our mission.

16 17 GRADUATE

Bruce Locke | Guide Dog Murphy NEW PORT RICHEY, FLORIDA

When part-time Elvis impersonator Bruce Locke serenades his new yellow Lab guide dog Murphy, he sings: “You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog!” In fact, Murphy is much more than just a hound dog. “Let me just say she's amazing,” Bruce says with emotion. “She’s a very intelligent, lovable dog. She knows so many things and I've learned so much from her. We have bonded, real close, and we work as a team together. She has just changed my life drastically.”

Glaucoma and macular degeneration have left Bruce blind in his left eye and with only five percent vision in the right. As his sight diminished, he’s tried to squeeze in as many gigs as The King as possible, performing all over the country. Bruce is an interior designer and a self-taught fine portrait artist, as well, but when he’s on stage, he transforms into Elvis. Murphy is transforming Bruce’s future, becoming his eyes and giving him a vision of renewed independence and confidence. These other Elvis lyrics say it all:

And you're always there to lend a hand in everything I do, That’s the wonder, the wonder of you. (The Wonder of You)

Murphy is sponsored by the Bradenton Puppy Raisers and named in memory of a beloved therapy dog.

18 19 GRADUATE

John Knope | Guide Dog Indy GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA

John Knope hesitated before applying for his first guide dog in 2012. Family members encouraged him, but a dream gave the final push. In the dream, a church usher directed a visually impaired man toward John’s pew. “Move over,” said the man, who had a golden retriever guide dog. After that, John decided he was ready for a guide of his own.

Born with no light perception in his right eye, John later lost vision in his left eye from undiagnosed glaucoma. Navigating with a cane brought extra challenges because scoliosis and spinal stenosis cause him to drift to the right. “Without my guide dog, it takes way too long to get places,” John explains.

After earning a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University, his first guide, Frenchy, helped John navigate his job teaching computer skills to people with vision loss. After Frenchie retired, he now has independence again with his new guide, energetic Indy, a sweet yellow Lab. “With Indy, I’ll be able to move more fluidly again,” he says. “Indy is focused and alert on what’s going on around her.” Back home, Indy will have an instant playmate in Rosie, a service dog belonging to John’s wife. “Indy and Rosie’s personalities are identical,” he explains. John enjoys playing guitar, so Indy is in for a musical future.

Indy, short for independence, is sponsored thanks to the Walkathon fundraising of BMC Software. Her name is a nod to the independence she brings her handler. Indy is also short for Industrious, the name of the downtown Tampa co-work space where team captain Connie Hunt and others work.

20 21 Puppy Raisers Class Supporters Thank you for your contribution in developing Thank you for your thoughtful and compassionate gifts. We recognize these amazing dogs. We recognize the hard work, your desire to make a difference and your ability to create a lasting dedication, commitment, and patience that helped impact through meaningful giving. This commencement represents to create the incredible dogs now graduating. a welcome return on your investment!

Joan Voorhees & Annette Bell Puppy Naming Sponsors Carmen Croy BMC Software Misty & Kassidi Davis Bradenton Puppy Raisers Robert Palmer Calendar Girls, Inc. Miguel Reyes Roxzene Hunter & Michael Kneeland Mary Ullrich Moss Foundation Genesis Vazquez Robert & Caroline Reich Meghan Watson Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialists thank Scholarship Supporters you Alert Today Florida Clearwater Kennel Club Integrity Home Companions The Zenith

22 23 Leave a Legacy That Lasts

The Heritage Society is a No will? There’s a way... group of caring individuals committed to Remembering Southeastern Guide Dogs in your ensuring the long-term stability of our school will creates a legacy of kindness, and gifts of through wills and bequests. To join, simply any size impact our extraordinary dogs. Don’t notify us that you have included Southeastern have a will? We’ve partnered with Freewill to Guide Dogs in your will by emailing give you a simple, convenient way to write a [email protected], legally valid will, at no cost. Get started on your and find out more atGuidedogs.org/HS . will today by visiting Guidedogs.org/will.

Consult your tax professional for advice, and thanks for giving! 24 25 Enrollment form

Name(s): �������������������������������������������� ustaining dollars are the bedrock of our Sfinancial strength, and our Cornerstone I/We would like to commit: Society is an important program for like-minded $ ���������� per year for: 3 years 5 years Ongoing members of our community who believe in our mission. Your commitment to make a lasting Enclosed is my/our first gift of: $______difference ensures that we can provide our OR extraordinary dogs to the people we serve. I/We will make our first gift on:______We invite you to join the Cornerstone Society, I/We would like to be recognized in the donor honor roll as: an exceptional group of donors who pledge a ______recurring gift. With your multi-year commitment, I/We would like to remain anonymous you will receive the following benefits: please I/We would like my/our name(s) to be displayed • E xclusive invitation to our as follows on my/our nametag(s): Cornerstone Society events Nametag 1:______jointoday • An engraved nametag identifying you as a member Nametag 2:______• S pecial listing on our donor recognition wall and in our donor honor roll Signature:______

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS Date:______Partner _| $1,200 – $4,999 per year Mail this form to: Benefactor _| $5,000 – $9,999 per year Southeastern Guide Dogs Visionary_ | $10,000 – $49,999 per year 4210 77th Street E, Palmetto, FL 34221

Guardian_ | $50,000 – $99,999 per year You can also join by filling out our easy, online commitment Founder _| $100,000+ per year form at guidedogs.org/cs, or call 941.729.5665. 26 27 SBU_SE Guidedog_Commencment_FullPG_Ad_FINAL_Layout 1 5/10/21 3:23 PM Page 1 SBU_SE Guidedog_Commencment_FullPG_Ad_FINAL_Layout 1 5/10/21 3:23 PM Page 1