Meet Guide Dog Mobility Instructor Hannah Pettit

Congratulations to Hannah Pettit who recently completed Guide Dogs for the Blind's apprenticeship program to become our newest qualified guide dog mobility instructor (GDMI). Her achievement is the culmination of a years-long course of academic study as well as hands-on experience in training guide dogs and instructing guide dog clients. 

 

Hannah grew up in San Antonio, Texas where she raised four puppies for GDB. It was her time as a puppy raising volunteer that cemented her desire to become a guide dog mobility instructor. 

 

"I fell in love with the organization from puppy raising," Hannah said. "As soon as I started working with my first puppy, Jacinto, I knew wanted to end up working here." In addition to raising puppies, Hannah came to GDB with experience working with horses at RISE Therapeutic Equestrian Center, where she not only trained the horses, but led horses for therapeutic riding lessons and hippotherapy as well (hippotherapy is a type of physical or occupational therapy that uses a horse's movement to help people improve strength, balance, coordination, and other motor skills).

 

"My original passion was for dog training, and I have now found a love for working with clients, especially out in the field with clients in their home areas," she said. "I adore that my job is different every single day, and that every dog gives me something different to work on and learn. I think my absolute favorite part of my job, however, is handing off the dogs to the clients - it’s the most heartwarming feeling! I also love to see the dogs reunite with their puppy raisers!"

 

Outside of work, Hannah stays active with her horse, Cherry, ("She’s the most adorable girl!" Hannah said), and enjoys photography, with her favorite subjects to photograph being concerts, wildlife, sports, and portraits. She also strives to do something that’s creative every week. "Whether it's painting, embroidery, punch needle, I just change it up every time," she said. "I also love to hike and try to get out every weekend - Oregon has the best trails!" She also has a pet betta fish: "I love to sit in front of his tank watch him swim around!"