As the world's only professional flute and tuba duo, Patrick Sciannella and his wife, Amy Ridings, travel across America, entertaining audiences of all ages while Patrick's Guiding Eyes dog, Mustang, sits quietly by his side.

Their music ranges from Bach to Broadway to newly-composed works. They play in recital halls, schools, nursing homes, hospitals, libraries, retirement communities, and houses of worship -- enriching each performance with humorous and historical anecdotes.

Patrick has come a long way since he was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) when he was nine years old. This condition causes progressive loss of sight. With his profound love of music, Patrick was fortunate that he was able to read and study music through his 20's, aided by high-intensity light. But by 1990, he lost that ability and had to memorize musical compositions.

Patrick moves at a fast pace, so he grew tired of traveling with a cane. In 1995, he came to our Training Center in New York -- all the way from Arizona -- because he believed that our guide dogs were worth the trip. His sister Gina, who also has RP, had received a Guiding Eyes dog the previous year, and he was impressed with the bond between them and how well her dog was trained.

His first Guiding Eyes dog, Omni, demonstrated the amazing difference a guide dog companion can make. Patrick found that he could travel much faster, and that his dog would take him around obstacles he didn't even know existed! He enjoyed social benefits as well. He says, "Many people are uncomfortable with those who are disabled or handicapped, but they are warmer to a dog than to a cane. Best of all, I rarely need to ask anyone for help on the street. My dog and I are very self-sufficient."


When Omni was retired in 2002, Patrick returned to Guiding Eyes and was matched with Mustang. Mustang goes everywhere with Patrick and his wife. They say that he's a great traveler and that his help on the road is essential. The couple can't remember room numbers in hotels, but Mustang guides them back to the right room! During performances, audiences are impressed by how well the dog behaves. His yawning during certain musical sections brings even more humor to the show.

Patrick stays in touch with Guiding Eyes and enjoys reading the newsletters we send to all our graduates, which are available in Braille, large print, and on audio cassette. He appreciates the financial assistance he receives from our special fund that helps graduates pay for their dogs' annual healthcare expenses. He shows his gratitude by participating in our annual Walkathon to help raise money for our work.

He is also grateful to the supporters of Guiding Eyes. He says, "Most blind people could not pay even a small portion of what it takes to afford a guide dog. Without people who send donations, we could never receive this great gift."

It is your generosity that enables us to give blind men and women the priceless gift of a loving guide dog companion. On their behalf, I thank you for your much-needed support and appeal to you to send a contribution so we can help even more blind individuals in the months ahead.

May this year bring all the best of everything to you and your family.

With many thanks,
William D. Badger
President
Guiding Eyes For the Blind


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