Mattie
is a male Yellow Lab, born 2 May 2006. He was the 8th puppy raised by Stu and Cindy of
North Chili. Mattie hopped in the GEB transport van without a backward glance and passed his IFT
on 8 January, 2008. Mattie breezed through training and graduated on 21
June 2008 with his new partner, Jessica, from Ohio.Mattie was named in memory of
Mattie Stepanek, a poet, peace maker and Goodwill Ambassador for the
MDA.
Click HERE
to see more pictures of Mattie!
Cindy writes:
Mattie came to us in July 2006. He was such a happy, bouncy little puppy. Mattie never
lacked for enthusiasm and a curiosity for life.
He loved playing hide and seek with us as well as the fun of finding a toy that we
had hidden for him. He was a very smart puppy, always
ready to learn something new. Mattie was eager to go out socializing when he
heard his leash. He would go to the door and sit patiently while I
put his puppy coat on. Learning about the world was an exciting adventure for
him.
I raised Guiding Eyes “Mattie” in memory of a very special young man who
touched so many hearts. Mattie Stepanek shared his gift of poetry with all of us. In our time of tragedy when
the World Trade Center was hit by the planes, it was Mattie’s poems that helped so many
through a difficult time showing all of us a need for peace in our world. I know that
Guiding Eyes “Mattie” will bring to someone the love, joy, and peace that Mattie
Stepanek brought to all of us.
We will miss Guiding Eyes “Mattie” but know he has something special to do for someone
who really needs him. What a special gift Mattie will be!
Good luck, Mattie, on IFT day. An angel will be watching over you!
From the GEB website:
Jessica, 22, came to Guiding Eyes for the Blind from Ohio for her first
guide dog, Mattie. Jessica’s vision loss is the result of retinopathy of
prematurity, which became apparent when she was eight years of age. Jessica had
firsthand knowledge of Guiding Eyes: she had observed a number of Guiding Eyes’
puppy raisers in her home state and liked what she both saw and heard of Guiding
Eyes’ training requirements and general philosophy.
Jessica earned her B.S. in Psychology from Lake Erie College. She takes
her education seriously, and sets high standards for herself. However, she
enjoys many close friendships with colleagues, is an amateur equestrian and an
avid admirer of “all creatures great and small.” In her more quiet moments, she
loves to read mysteries and books on psychology. In speaking of Mattie, Jessica
particularly admires the apparent depth of his affection for her and his
consistent obedience. She also appreciates that he is a fast walker who
instinctively matches her own stride. Mattie will have a few cat “roomies” when
he arrives home, but Jessica is sure they will acclimate to one another. “I
really like it here. The instruction, atmosphere and program is professional and
firmly administered but still it’s like we’re one big family.”
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GEB Puppies or Dogs
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