Ventura Charter School Celebrates Guide Dog Graduate

Tenny, a black Labrador retriever, completes training and is matched with a new handler

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Ventura Charter School is proud to announce that Tenny, a male black Labrador retriever, has graduated from his program at Guide Dogs for the Blind and is now a certified guide dog. Tenny was fostered by the school's Executive Director, Lisa Hildebrand, who served as his puppy raiser for 12 months. During the 2024–2025 school year, Tenny spent every day on campus, becoming a beloved presence among students and staff.

Why it matters

The graduation of Tenny as a guide dog highlights the important work of organizations like Guide Dogs for the Blind in providing life-changing partnerships between people who are blind or visually impaired and expertly trained guide dogs. Ventura Charter School's involvement in the program also demonstrates the positive impact that having a campus companion can have on both students and staff.

The details

Tenny has officially completed his training and is now paired with his new handler, Sarah Diaz, who is blind and is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in social work at Texas State University. The graduation ceremony took place in December at the Guide Dogs for the Blind California campus in San Rafael. Ventura Charter School's involvement with Guide Dogs for the Blind continues, as Lisa Hildebrand is currently raising another black Labrador Retriever puppy in training, Hawthorne, who can be seen around the school wearing his bright green puppy-in-training vest.

  • Tenny spent the 2024–2025 school year on the Ventura Charter School campus.
  • Tenny's graduation ceremony took place in December at the Guide Dogs for the Blind California campus in San Rafael.

The players

Tenny

A male black Labrador retriever who has graduated from the Guide Dogs for the Blind program and is now a certified guide dog.

Lisa Hildebrand

The Executive Director of Ventura Charter School, who served as Tenny's official puppy raiser for 12 months.

Sarah Diaz

Tenny's new handler, who is blind and is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in social work at Texas State University.

Hawthorne

A black Labrador Retriever puppy in training who is currently being raised by Lisa Hildebrand at Ventura Charter School.

Guide Dogs for the Blind

An organization dedicated to matching people who are blind or visually impaired in the United States and Canada with expertly trained guide dogs at no cost, providing ongoing support, including assistance with veterinary care.

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What they’re saying

“He came to work with me every single day. The students adored him. But what surprised me most was how much the staff needed him. They would come to my office after a hard moment, ask for a few minutes with Tenny and leave feeling much better. He was a strong presence, a stress reliever, and a source of joy.”

— Lisa Hildebrand, Executive Director, Ventura Charter School

“Thank you, Lisa, for raising such an amazing dog; a big part of that is you. Thank you to everyone who trained him. It's magic. There were so many surprises along the way – I didn't think we would make it, but it's here, we did it, Tenny.”

— Sarah Diaz

The takeaway

Ventura Charter School's involvement with Guide Dogs for the Blind demonstrates the positive impact that having a campus companion can have on both students and staff, as well as the important work of organizations like Guide Dogs for the Blind in providing life-changing partnerships between people who are blind or visually impaired and expertly trained guide dogs.