Nacho: A Gentle Soul Who Guided More Than One Heart
Wednesday January 08, 2025
Guide dogs touch more lives than we often realize – not just those they guide. Nacho, a soulful black Labrador Retriever is a testament to this. His loyalty, compassion, and empathy were felt by everyone who met him, leaving a lasting imprint on the hearts of those around him.
In August 2011, Nacho came into the lives of Amanda Stephens and her husband, Patrick Mahoney, when Amanda was paired with him during guide dog training on our California campus. When Patrick first met Nacho before Amanda’s graduation ceremony, something extraordinary happened. Patrick recalls, “Nacho sensed that I was important to Amanda and immediately approached me to say hello, his gaze calm and wise. I knew right then – Nacho was special.”
Their journey home to Massachusetts, however, proved to be anything but ordinary. A powerful hurricane named Irene wreaked havoc on their travel plans. What should have been a simple flight from California to Massachusetts turned into an ordeal. The trio was rerouted through Georgia and Ohio, and then Patrick had to drive Amanda and Nacho across the country, navigating detours caused by flooding. Throughout it all, Nacho remained a pillar of calm.
As the years passed, Nacho became a fixture not just in Amanda’s life, but in the lives of everyone he encountered. He traveled extensively with Amanda, Patrick, and their family, but there was one place that became his heaven – the coast of Maine, which they visited several times a year. “He was never happier than to sniff the sea, wander the shore, and rest in the sun after a full helping of fresh fish,” says Patrick.
It wasn’t just on vacations that Nacho’s presence was felt. When Amanda underwent treatment for an autoimmune disease Nacho’s unwavering support and loyalty became a beacon of hope not just for her, but for the medical staff at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, Massachusetts. Patrick shares, “Nacho was there for Amanda, but the nurses and even patients just delighted to see him.”
One unforgettable moment occurred when a medical assistant from Haiti, initially terrified of dogs, encountered Nacho. Raised in a culture where dogs were feared, she was hesitant at first. But over time, Nacho’s gentle nature broke down her walls. One day, she finally asked if she could pet him. He had the softest ears so we encouraged her to pet them,” says Patrick. “She was thrilled and couldn’t contain her excitement. Much later she shared that she planned to get a puppy for her daughter – all because of Nacho.”
When Nacho retired from guide work, Amanda and Patrick decided to move to a new home in Groton, where they could offer him a large yard to enjoy his golden years. Patrick describes their new property: “It became Nacho’s domain – a one-acre space shared with us, three cats, and a dozen chickens who would often surround him as he napped in the sun.”
In 2017, Amanda welcomed her new guide dog, Galette, but Nacho remained an integral part of their lives. Over the years, as Patrick’s bond with Nacho deepened, Amanda transferred his ownership to Patrick, saying, “He chose you to be his daddy.” And it was true. Patrick and Nacho shared many adventures – walks, laughs, and perhaps too many donuts. Patrick reflects, “He was a close friend and confidant. We grew older together, always supporting each other.”
When Nacho passed away in November 2024, Patrick felt the weight of the loss deeply. He wrote a heartfelt letter to GDB President and CEO Christine Benninger, sharing the news and recounting the immense impact Nacho had on so many lives. Patrick wrote, “We know that sustaining GDB programs takes a lot of support. We want donors to know about the impact of one gentle, yet courageous black Labrador, who touched so many hearts and lives in the very best of ways.”
Nacho’s professional work was remarkable, but it was his emotional intelligence that made him truly unforgettable. "Nacho was truly unique," says Amanda. "His love, loyalty, and service lasted long after his harness was removed for the last time. We were truly honored to have him in our lives and he will forever be in our hearts."
