Client Corner: Marcia Wick talks with Ann Gelles

GDB Client Marcia Wick, (pictured top left with guide dog Bowser), recently sat down with fellow Alum Ann Gelles, (pictured top right with guide dog Earhart), for an engaging talk about Ann’s GDB experience and her many guide dogs through the years. Client Corner is a GDB series where clients interview one another about their lived experiences. 

For half her lifetime, Ann Gelles has walked up to eight miles a day with a guide dog. At 70, she’s anxiously awaiting her sixth canine partner from GDB. Ann and her twin sister were born prematurely; her sight gradually declined due to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Ann holds a master’s degree in special education and teaches students who are visually impaired at the California School for the Blind in Fremont. She was the first graduate to serve on the GDB board of directors in the early 1990s. She’ll soon celebrate her 50th anniversary as a Catholic nun with Holy Family Sisters. Let’s get to know Annie, as she is known to family and friends.

Marcia:  How long have you been part of the GDB family?

Ann:  I can’t believe I’ve been following in the footsteps of a guide dog since 1988. I knew it was time to apply for a guide dog when crossing the busy streets of San Francisco became uncomfortable with my white cane. 

Marcia:  Tell us a little about your furry friends.

Ann: Each one of my girls has become one with me in her own way.  They’ve taught me the joy of independence, confidence, courage, and trust.

Honey, a sweet Golden Retriever, was my first partner. She was my soulmate. My trainers weren’t very pleased when she made a nest of my nightgown and blankets during my first week of training, but I was so touched. I’ll never forget when we had just exited the BART train in San Francisco when the 1989 earthquake hit. Despite the chaos and confusion on the streets of San Francisco, Honey guided me back home safely. It’s “an everyday miracle” when we arrive home safely with our guide dogs. 

My second guide, a yellow Lab named Nina, was born to be a guide dog. Nina wasn’t flashy like Honey, but she attracted lots of attention. Unfortunately, she passed early due to cancer. 

After Nina, I had to wait for Desiree, which means “one who is wished for.” She had big shoes to fill. My students loved her calm spirit. She was faithful and kind.

Noelani, True to her name, was “a gift from Heaven.” We went through a lot together. My father died soon after we were paired. Her happy tongue and spirit made me laugh when I needed it the most. 

My current guide Earhart, a female black Lab, is high-octane. When her trainer told me, “We call her our little flier,” I knew she was the right dog for me. Even the pandemic didn’t slow her down. She is full of enthusiasm, energy, love, and joy.  

Marcia:  What changes have you experienced at GDB over the years?

Ann:  My first class included 18 students and lasted four weeks. Classes today are smaller and shorter. There are advantages to both. Over time, GDB has evolved to focus more individually on the health and well-being of its grads, dogs, and staff. Our dogs seem to be living and working longer.

Marcia: Why did you choose GDB over another guide dog school?

Ann: Living in the Bay Area, it made sense to attend the GDB campus in San Rafael. The fact that GDB provides veterinarian support at no cost to graduates is invaluable. Every one of my guides has experienced some kind of medical issue during their lifetime, and GDB has always been there for us. I’m so grateful to the donors who make this high level of support possible.

Marcia: What more would you like to say to our awesome donors, staff, and volunteers?

Ann: You can’t say enough about the people who support Guide Dogs for the Blind--everyone involved is committed to making GDB the leader among guide dog schools. The puppy raisers, donors, trainers, housekeeping and dining staff, financial developers – they’re all the best. 

Marcia: What advice would you give others considering a guide dog?

Ann: Take advantage of opportunities that come your way. Don’t let fear, self-doubt, or hurdles prevent you from following your dreams – it’s much sweeter with a furry friend at your side.

Marcia: What are you looking forward to doing with your sixth guide dog?

Ann: I’m hoping to explore new volunteer opportunities. Perhaps we’ll travel to Washington D.C. or go on a river cruise.

Marcia:  How can graduates best support GDB?

Ann: Take good care of your dog and set a good example. Volunteer with our Alumni Association or help with fundraising. When everyone is empowered to participate, our community is stronger. 

Marcia: Thanks for your time, Ann.  I should note that PAWSitive Impact, GDB’s online peer fundraising platform, provides all the tools needed to inspire others to support GDB’s mission to empower people who are blind or visually impaired to live the life they want to live. Visit fundraise.guidedogs.com.