Terri, an avid ultramarathon runner, has achieved a remarkable feat with her guide dog, Trinket: running the NYCHalf. This accomplishment showcases not only Terri’s incredible determination but also the extraordinary bond between a blind runner and her specially trained guide dog.
Terri, a mother of two and a passionate advocate for the blind community as Blind Mother Runner, didn’t let her vision impairment hold her back from pursuing her love of running. She actively participates in tandem cycling with her husband and has found a unique companion in Trinket, a black Labrador Retriever from Guiding Eyes for the Blind.
The Journey to the NYCHalf with a Guide Dog
Terri’s journey with Trinket began with a desire for independence and the freedom to run without relying solely on sighted guides. Inspired by Thomas Panek, President & CEO of Guiding Eyes, who has famously run races with guide dogs, Terri sought a canine partner specifically trained for running.
“I am a runner and was excited by the possibility of having a specially trained guide dog to run with me,” Terri explains. “I followed Thomas Panek’s journey of running the NYC Half-Marathon and other races with guide dogs. I was able to meet with Thomas and hear about his experience firsthand. It was the Guiding Eyes Running Guides program that distinguished the school from others, and I knew it was exactly what I was looking for – a guide dog specially trained to suit my active lifestyle.”
The Guiding Eyes Running Guides program proved to be the perfect fit, providing Terri with Trinket, a dog with a natural love for running and an eagerness to learn.
Trinket: More Than Just a Guide Dog
Trinket is more than just a guide dog; she’s a running partner, a cuddler, and a playful companion. “Trinket is wonderful and lovable! She loves to run with me, so running is a happy place for both of us,” Terri shares. “When she runs, she has what we have come to call her ‘happy pace face’.”
Beyond running, Trinket enjoys cuddling and even helping with laundry. This playful and affectionate nature makes her an integral part of Terri’s life and family.
The Impact of a Guide Dog on Independence
Having Trinket has profoundly impacted Terri’s life, granting her newfound independence and freedom. She now runs 3 to 5 miles several times a week, enjoying the liberty of running on the streets outside her development without needing a sighted guide.
“It has only been a couple of months that Trinket and I have been working together and she has already had a significant impact on me! Together we run 3 to 5 miles several times a week. I love the independence of being able to run with her and not having to depend on the availability of a sighted guide. I am experiencing newfound freedom. I can now run on the streets outside of my development.”
Training Highlights: Building a Strong Bond
Terri’s training at the Guiding Eyes campus was filled with memorable moments. One standout experience was running with Trinket for the first time, which felt natural and seamless. Another highlight was hiking with Trinket in a nearby state park.
“Trinket and I were in the front. It was a beautiful fall day; leaves were practically raining down on us, and it felt like a magical three miles. Trinket easily kept me on the trail despite it being covered in leaves.”
These experiences solidified the bond between Terri and Trinket, proving that they were a perfect team.
Meet Guide Dog Trinket: A Profile
Trinket is a female black Labrador Retriever, born on August 3, 2022. She comes from the Winter brood and is the littermate of Tina, Tory, Tanya, Timothy, Tremaine, Trixie, and Tammy. Raised by puppy raiser Bryan Carolin, Trinket was described as an energetic and adventurous puppy, eager to learn and explore.
According to Carolin, “Raising Trinket as a pup was like having a furry little shadow. She was an energetic puppy, eager to learn and explore. An adventurous dog whose favorite place was next to your side.”
An Inspiration to All
Terri’s story of running the NYCHalf with Trinket serves as an inspiration to all, demonstrating that with determination, training, and the support of a loving guide dog, anything is possible. Their journey showcases the power of the human-animal bond and the incredible abilities of guide dogs to enhance the lives of individuals with vision impairment.
Terri and Trinket’s story highlights the importance of organizations like Guiding Eyes for the Blind, which provide invaluable services to the visually impaired community. Through their Running Guides program, they are empowering individuals like Terri to pursue their passions and achieve their goals.
