Gaining independence

After Lauren Stichler lost her eyesight at 25, she thought her life was over. Stichler said she feared she would spend the rest of her life just sitting inside her house.

That was until she met Patriot.

Throughout August, Stichler, 31, worked with Patriot, a 3-year-old goldador, a mix between a Labrador and a golden retriever, at Southeastern Guide Dogs, a nonprofit organization in Palmetto that helps blind men and women gain travel independence through the help of guide dogs.

A graduate of Pasco-Hernando Community College, Stichler met Patriot on the second day of training and said they have been inseparable ever since.

"He is a very mellow, kind and loving dog," she said. "He gets me around any obstacles in my way."
For 26 days, Stichler worked with Patriot, learning ways to travel around campus, malls, restaurants and shops.

"I have more independence and freedom," she said. "Places I was cautious to go to before I'm more comfortable with now."

Karen Mersereau, trainer at Southeastern, said Stichler always had a positive attitude and bonded quickly with Patriot.

"It's a skill like any other skill that takes practice to learn," Mersereau said. "He was a really good match for Lauren."

Stichler said she started having problems with her eyesight after she was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 6. She spent most of her childhood in and out of hospitals.

Even after being diagnosed, Stichler said she neglected her health and eventually developed glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy while also suffering from kidney and pancreas disease, all of which can be common side effects of diabetes.

"I didn't take my medication and didn't watch what I ate," Stichler said. "I was angry, depressed and upset with myself."

In March 2005, Stichler's glaucoma became so painful she decided to undergo a surgical procedure that would kill both her optic nerves while she was also waiting for a kidney and pancreas transplant.

After receiving her transplants in October 2005, Stichler contacted the Florida Division of Blind Services and attended the Daytona Orientation and Adjustment Center from April to December 2007, where she learned to read brail, use computers and improve her mobility.

"It prepared me to attend college while being someone who is totally blind," she said.

Stichler and Patriot returned home to Tampa last week where she will attend the University of South Florida in January to study social work with a minor in psychology. Stichler said she hopes to become a diabetic educator and counselor at a children's hospital.

"I never imagined that I'd be in college or starting a new career," she said. "Apparently, it's all happening for a reason to get me where I am today."