[Image: The Vision Guide Dogs logo features a winding road with a guide dog standing in the center and "Vision Guide Dogs" printed in the upper-right corner. Next to the logo it reads "Navigate the World."]

New Year, New Adventures

Star Shines Bright

🦮 ✨ With each new year comes new possibilities. The beginning of 2026 is especially exciting for VGD as we prepare to graduate another guide dog team. Guide dog-in-training Star and her forever person are expected to complete their training within the next month or two.

Every time a new guide dog partnership steps out into the world, we celebrate the independence, companionship, and increased mobility it brings. It marks another life changed for the better—opening the door to new adventures, greater confidence, and more opportunities for an individual who is blind or visually impaired.

Getting to this point is no small feat. Star’s journey represents more than a year and a half of dedication from volunteers, trainers, supporters, and the community. Along the way, there have been countless shared moments of joy. We can’t wait to see where life takes Star and her new partner—what possibilities will become reality because of this life-changing partnership.

We never miss a chance to thank everyone who played a role in this journey. Infinite thanks to those who volunteered, donated, and supported our mission in any way. These partnerships are only possible because of YOU. May your new year be healthy, happy, and filled with hope and promise. 💛 🎉

[Image: VGD guide dog-in-training Star walks next to GDMI Mark Hartridge during an advanced training session. Star is a black Labrador retriever and wears a guide dog harness with leash attached. She and Mark stand on a neighborhood sidewalk, facing the curb.]

Upcoming Events

[Image: Children participate in the Easter egg hunt—some utilize a white cane to navigate the grassy area filled with Easter eggs that emit a beeping sound, while others rely on assistance from their parents. Photo shared by Vibrant Works.]

[Image: VGD Board member Lou Ann Williams stands with her guide dog Keller at the finish line of last year's Stride for Sight Run/Walk. Keller is a fox red Labrador retriever and wears a guide dog harness with handle and a leash attached.]

That's Interesting

[Image 1: A John Jay HS student in the club practices walking guide dog-in-training Luke in the library. Luke is on his left side and wears his navy blue VGD training vest. The pair navigates around tables, chairs, and bookcases.

Image 2: A student in the club gives Luke a cue to sit and wait while he opens a door.

Image 3: Luke sits patiently next to a student in the library while she talks to another student.]

Volunteer

[Image: Guide dog-in-training Luke sits between volunteer Vanessa Eichler’s legs while she is seated on a public bus. Luke is a yellow Labrador retriever and wears a navy blue VGD training vest.]

Announcement

[Image: Digital announcement that reads, “Raffle Winner: Lana Reynolds. Congrats.” Lana’s name is written on a gold plaque. The background is a deep red color with gold stars scattered along the bottom and upper right corner.]

Photos

[Image: VGD guide dog-in-training Bexar is in a sitting position in front of a La Panadería food cart that rests on a sidewalk outside of the bakery café.]

[Image: VGD guide dog-in-training Luke is lying down looking up at two students from the John Jay HS Guide Dog Puppy Training Club.]

[Image: Guide dogs-in-training Elroy and Luke sit calmly while looking at the penguin encounter exhibit during a visit to SeaWorld San Antonio.]

[Image: VGD GDMI Mark Hartridge addresses students during a meeting of the John Jay HS Guide Dog Puppy Training Club. VGD advanced training dog Star is standing on his left side.]

[Image: VGD Board member Lou Ann Williams stands in the John Jay HS library while speaking to students in the Guide Dog Puppy Training Club. Her guide dog Keller is lying down in front of her.]

[Image: Guide dog-in-training Luke sits beside VGD volunteer Vanessa Eichler as she views artwork by VGD client John Bramblitt at the Greller Gallery. Luke is looking directly at the camera.]

[Image: VGD Advisory Council member and volunteer Jeana Orman stands next to VGD board member Jennifer Masucci at a reception following a ceremony for the grant recipients of Baptist Health Foundation of SA. There is a festive Christmas tree behind them.]

[Image: Guide dog-in-training Bexar is lying down in front of a decorated Christmas tree with presents arranged beneath it.]

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Vision Guide Dogs is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

Federal Tax ID 92-0898185