HOUSTON – Lisa Batist lost her vision 14 years ago but, thanks to the Guide Dogs of Texas, she's still able to see through her new companion, Gino.
"I can see things that move, but I couldn't tell you what color it was or if it's a person. Unless they spoke and I was familiar with the voice, I wouldn't be able to tell you who they are," Batist said.
But that doesn't mean her life is limited.
"We fly. We take the train. We take the bus. The independence alone is amazing," Batist said.
It's all because of the training Gino has received over the last two years.
"Gino's training actually started at birth," Peggy Cervera, director of development with Guide Dogs of Texas, said.
He was taught to be comfortable with city sounds and to use his eyes rather than his nose. Then, at eight weeks, he was sent to a puppy trainer.
VIDEO: Gino the guide dog in downtown San Antonio
"They actually raise them for a year and a half, year to year and a half, and they're raising someone who will give sight to someone for eight years. After that, they go back to Guide Dogs of Texas to go through the final training for six months," Cervera said.
Finally, the dog is matched with its new owner, but the learning never stops.
"It's not just the dog working by itself and the person working by themselves, it's how they work together," Cervera said.
VIDEO: Gino the guide dog says goodbye to San Antonio
"Without them, I mean, what situation, me personally, I would be in, I don't know," Batist said.
It takes roughly $50,000 to fully train a dog such as Gino. If you believe in the mission of Guide Dogs of Texas they will happily accept your help on this Giving Tuesday by clicking here.