Meet GDB's Newest Qualified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor: Laura O'Keefe
Saturday April 05, 2025
Sometimes, childhood dreams really do come true. For GDB's newest Qualified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI) Laura O'Keefe, having a career at Guide Dogs for the Blind was something she envisioned for herself as far back as middle school.
"My family raised two puppies for GDB when I was growing up," Laura said. "I also completed my 8th grade research project on Guide Dogs for the Blind and thought it would be an awesome place to end up someday." (The throwback photo below shows Laura on GDB's campus with one of the guide dog puppies her family raised.)
Laura went on to work at a doggy daycare and pet resort while in college to earn her bachelor’s degree in animal science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Laura then joined the staff at GDB where she worked as a canine welfare training technician for four years prior to starting the GDMI apprenticeship. The GDMI apprenticeship involves a course of academic study, as well as hands-on experience training guide dogs and teaching GDB clients.
"I chose this career because I get to work with awesome dogs, coworkers, and clients," Laura said. "It combines some of my favorite things including dogs and coaching/teaching people. In dog training, I love experiencing all of the dogs’ different personalities - each dog is an individual. With our clients, I enjoy seeing people becoming more independent with their new guide dogs as the class training progresses."
In her spare time, Laura loves to read all types of books, play video games, drink coffee, and go hiking. She has a pet career change black Lab named Ranger. "I was assigned to work with him when working in the kennels and fell in love with his personality," she said.
Congratulations to Laura on her accomplishment - and for realizing her childhood dream!
