Graduate Team:  Rachel and Vic
About the Team: Vic, a male black Labrador; Rachel’s 1st guide dog
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Training:  July 2026 On-Campus

Rachel is licensed Marriage and Family therapist, (LMFT), who works with both children and adults living with mental illness. She lives with her husband and their adopted teenage daughter. Growing up, Rachel’s father was a pilot who inspired her lifelong love of travel. She has visited five of the world’s seven continents and looks forward to exploring even more destinations with her new guide dog, Vic. Next year, she plans to take a cruise with him as they continue their travels together.

How would you describe your guide dog? “Vic is a very sweet dog. He rarely barks and likes to sit and observe people. I like to think he wants to be everybody’s friend, from animals to people. He is a 70lb lap dog. He likes to sit on my lap whether I am on the floor or on the couch. He loves to work and his walking pace is nice and fast. Elephants are my favorite animal, so I got him a stuffed elephant. I am working on teaching him to play fetch.  Sometimes he will bring it back and sometimes he enjoys throwing it in the air and playing by himself.

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I love animals and had always wanted a dog, but my mom and sister were very allergic to all furry creatures, so for many years it was not possible. I felt anxious wandering around my neighborhood by myself. I felt a dog might help me feel a little safer. I did a google search for guide dog organizations and reached out to some of the ones listed. I applied to Guiding Eyes – the only school that responded to me.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “It is really nice having Vic when I go on doctor visits. Previously, I might go to the office, and people would be wandering around but I couldn’t see them. Now even though they are not allowed to pet him they are engaging and speaking to me. He is a good conversation starter. I also feel a lot more confident walking in my neighborhood. One day I went out walking with him and got lost. I didn’t have the fear that I would have had if I were alone. I knew with his help I could figure my way back.”

Were there any training highlights?  “The cafeteria was amazing. I enjoyed being pampered with good food and they asked us what food we preferred. We were very well taken care of. It was nice that the Alumni Hall had musical instruments. I also quite liked the Nature Path on campus. Vic and I would sit on the bench beside the pond every night.”

DOB: 5/10/24
Litter ID: 5V24
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Roxy
Stud: Henry
Littermates: Vader, Vander, Vaughn (Quiddick), Vinny, Vernon
Region: Fingerlakes Puppy Raising Region
Regional Puppy Instructor: Cassie Houghton
Puppy Raiser:  Sasha Theder, Julia Ryan
Facebook: Fingerlakes Puppy Raisers

Vic was the perfect combination of goofy, loving, and endlessly happy. He greeted people with a toy in his mouth because he couldn’t contain his excitement, wiggling his whole body and giving little snorts with his happy ears on. He entertained himself by throwing toys around the room, chasing after them, and getting wild zoomies. If given the chance, he’d squeeze between your legs or try to climb into your lap for comfort. Vic always wanted to make his person happy. He was my best friend and constant companion, and I’m so excited for him to be that for Rachel. Watching him grow from a silly puppy into the amazing dog he is today has been beyond special, and I couldn’t be prouder of him. ~ Sasha Theder