Brooklynn + Sadie

Connecticut resident Brooklynn trained with her first guide dog, Sadie, as one of Guiding Eyes’ many home-trainings occurring during the Covid-19 pandemic . Now the team is experiencing Brooklynn’s senior year of high school together. “Sadie is amazing,” says Brooklynn. “She loves working and will come running when she hears the jingle of her collar, ready to put on her harness and go.”   

When Brooklynn was 13, she visited Guiding Eyes and experienced a Juno walk, or “test drive,” with a guide dog. Brooklynn recalls, “It seemed strange at first, but then I felt so confident walking!  I had always been self-conscious with the cane and realized right away that where my cane would bump into things, a dog would steer me around them. I love dogs and knew right away I wanted to apply as soon as I was able” says Brooklynn.  

Brooklynn is a chapter officer in her school’s FFA, a student organization preparing members for leadership and career success and is considering either marine biology or criminal justice for her own career path.  

Having Sadie beside her, Brooklynn feels safer. “I’m not able to see the curbs or cracks in the sidewalk, but Sadie has made walks and crossing the street so much easier. I have minimal vision inside - stairs and colors blend together, but since Sadie, I haven’t hit into anything.  At school I’ve hidden my vision loss as much as possible, hiding my cane for fear of being judged, but I’m able to accept my blindness with Sadie and now I’m not afraid.”