Graduates 1998

Delora

Catarina Farrow and her sisters Palmira and Maria did an outstanding job raising female Golden Retriever, Delora. With the help of mom and dad, Catarina developed Delora's confidence and poise. Delora was the first guide dog the family raised.

After the August 11, 1998 graduation ceremony, Delora and her partner returned to Dallas, Texas for a very active life.

Acme

When it is the first guide dog puppy you have raised, being part of a graduation is a very special experience. Tori Wentworth and her family raised male Yellow Labrador, Acme. This was very much a family project. Acme would go with dad to the pharmacy. with Tori to school and with mom to her classroom. Acme got around quite well. He was a wonderful dog to share with other members of the club. He was well known at several state offices for being a very gentle easygoing puppy.

Tori is proof that middle school students can make a significant contribution to their community and to the lives of others. Together with his partner from Springfield, Missouri, Acme will have a very active lifestyle in the halls of the Illinois State Legislature.

Graduation August 11, 1998

Virgil

Graduation day July 18, 1998 was a joyous event for Katina Walters and her special guide dog puppy, Virgil. Look at the smile on Virgil's face. He certainly knew that he had completed a tremendous achivement. Between being an honor roll student taking college prepatory classes, playing in the Carson High marching band and competing in interscholastic swimming, Katina raised a guide dog puppy in her "spare" time. With the help of mom and dad, Virgil got lots of office experience at the New Life Bakery in Carson City.

After graduation, Virgil and his new partner headed back to Illinois and the beginning of a life as a guide on the Illinois State University campus.

Kia

July 18, 1998 was a proud day for raiser Jamie Hanselman. Kia, the guide dog puppy she raised graduated as a working guide dog. Jamie proudly poses with Kia's new partner from San Diego, CA. Kia is the second guide dog puppy Jamie has raised and the second to have graduated.