Poncho Updates
April 30, 2026
Poncho Became a Guide Dog!
By Jen Danish, Head of School
Early in my journey with Poncho, I met another raiser and her puppy for an afternoon playdate. Sensing my nerves about raising a future guide dog for the first time, she asked me a simple question: “Do you love him?”
I told her I did—very much.
“Then you can’t mess this up.”
It has been nearly two years since that moment with my friend Karoline—who, as Grace families know, also teaches crochet after school—and her words proved true. With her steady mentoring, the support of the Guiding Eyes community and our faculty, and most of all the daily love of 101 Grace students, Poncho has graduated as a certified guide dog.
On April 14, I traveled to Yorktown Heights to meet Poncho’s new handler, Elnora, and his trainer, Olivia. When I was brought into a room to see them before the ceremony, Poncho greeted me with five full minutes of joyful, stand-up hugs and enthusiastic licking. The bond we built together was unmistakable—and so was the new, growing bond between Poncho and Elnora.
Just before the ceremony, I learned something remarkable: Elnora had attended college with Pastor Sarah’s sister. One of those small, almost improbable connections that makes the world feel both intimate and, somehow, guided. It made Poncho’s journey through Grace feel even more meaningful—almost as if it had unfolded exactly as it was meant to.
And then Elnora spoke.
“When I first reached out to Guiding Eyes, I was simply looking for a tool or a companion… Guiding Eyes provided me with the gift of freedom… Poncho will allow me to walk through this world with my head held high, knowing I am safe, supported, and never alone.”
There was not a dry eye in the room.
In the weeks after Poncho left for training, I told our students that they were part of a story that might truly change someone’s life. To witness that story come full circle—to see Elnora and Poncho together—was both humbling and inspiring. What once felt like a possibility is now a reality.
At the ceremony, Guiding Eyes President Christopher Perry shared that the success of each guide dog comes down to one essential ingredient. From the moment these puppies are born, through every stage of raising and training, that ingredient is present.
It is love.
Given freely. Consistently. Without reservation.
I hope that in raising Poncho, our entire Grace community caught a glimpse of the power of that kind of love. Not just in the joy it brings, but in the courage it requires—to give fully, and then to let go.
Because that is the harder truth: we only feel deep loss when we have allowed ourselves to love deeply.
And we did love Poncho—every single day.
That love shaped him. It prepared him. And now, it goes with him as he becomes Elnora’s eyes and an extension of her independence in the world.
We will miss him. But what a gift it is to know that the love we gave now lives on in work that truly changes a life.
March 26, 2026
Congratulations, Poncho!
Poncho has reached an exciting milestone in his journey with Guiding Eyes for the Blind—he has successfully completed his blindfold training and is now officially placement ready. Described by his evaluator as a “stable, willing, and methodical dog,” Poncho has demonstrated the skill, focus, and temperament needed for his future role as a guide dog. His training team has already begun the process of identifying the right match for him.
From his earliest days at Grace to his advanced training in busy environments, Poncho has continued to grow in confidence and ability. Along the way, he has learned to navigate obstacles, respond to complex environments, and make thoughtful decisions to keep his future handler safe.
March 8, 2026
Poncho's Training Update: Phase Three
Poncho continues to make strong progress in Phase Three of his training with Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Working primarily in Peekskill and soon expanding to White Plains, he is practicing guiding in increasingly busy environments with more distractions.
A major milestone this month was Poncho’s preliminary blindfold evaluation, which he passed successfully. Evaluators described him as a thoughtful dog with intuitive guide work who continues to build confidence as he gains experience.
Poncho has also begun escalator training, completed platform safety training to help keep a handler safely away from platform edges, and successfully finished the first two phases of traffic training. His trainer reports steady improvement in his guiding skills, including navigating obstacles, maintaining a strong pace in harness, and making safe decisions for his handler.
With many milestone trainings ahead, Poncho is continuing to build the confidence and skills needed for his future role as a guide dog.
March 5, 2026
Poncho is Progressing!
We are delighted to share this recent video posted by Poncho’s trainer, Olivia. Poncho is growing more confident with guiding and has learned how to stop at street crossings and curbs—important milestones for a future guide dog!
As he moves through Phase 3 of his training, it’s wonderful to see his confidence and comfort leading on a busy city street.
The whole Grace community—especially our students—should feel incredibly proud of the love and care they gave him. That early foundation has played an important role in helping Poncho grow into the capable guide dog he is becoming.
Stay tuned for news about his next chapter, which we hope will include a successful match with his forever person.
