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Top Dog Holiday Contest

Hi, I’m Nancy, greeting you from Huntington Beach! As someone who has always loved connecting with people and leading an active life, losing my vision due to retinitis pigmentosa hasn’t stopped me from pursuing my passions. But there came a point where I needed a guide dog to help me maintain my independence.

When Guide Dogs for the Blind approached me, they asked what type of dog I wanted. I immediately knew I wanted a yellow lab. The lightness of his fur allows me to see his eyes and nose, creating a connection that’s incredibly meaningful. Enter Frost, my guide dog, who has become my partner in life. Frost and I have these intimate moments where we get nose to nose, and at the end of a long day, I tell him, “This wouldn’t be possible without you. I love you, I love you, I love you.”

I got Frost in 2021, just as we were all coming out of the fog of the pandemic, and I was thrilled to get back to seeing friends and traveling. Meanwhile, my work as a life coach and in radio was growing, and even with my busy schedule, I felt drawn to give back to nonprofits, especially Guide Dogs for the Blind for bringing Frost into my life. So, I created Nonprofit MVP, a competition TV show for nonprofits, with Frost as my co-host. With Frost by my side, I feel like I can accomplish anything.

In my free time, I love dating and dressing up, and I have to say—Frost is a fantastic wingman. The way he reacts to my date tells me everything I need to know—whether it’s a happy lick or a not-so-subtle disapproval. Frost helps me in more ways than I can describe.

Thank you, Guide Dogs for the Blind, for giving me this incredible partner. Frost is truly my perfect match—fun, tenacious, and just as enthusiastic about beach walks as I am!

Nancy Solari

Top Dog Holiday Contest

Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) gave me courage and hope at a time in my life when my vision was rapidly decreasing. Life was becoming more challenging, and I was sinking into a mild depression. After falling on my head a few times and being hit by a car while walking with friends in Laguna Beach, I was convinced I needed a guide dog. I applied for a guide dog and was accepted. My first guide dog, Braxton, co-raised by Bay Area raisers Mary Kay Batina and Clair Lee Gardner, was a perfect fit! He loved working at the middle school where I taught. The two of us frequently traveled across the country. Braxton gave me courage. I’m happy to say at the end of his twelfth year he is enjoying his pampered retirement in our home.

My successor guide, Moto, raised by Colorado raiser Julie Andrews, is six years old and looks forward to our daily adventures. Moto is flexible and loves the lifestyle of a sixty something retiree! He is playful, eager to learn new skills, loves the outdoors, and even swims in our pool. Moto gave me hope. Every day is a new day filled with possibilities!

To show my appreciation for giving me courage and hope through two stellar Labrador retrievers, Braxton and Moto, I’ve created a fundraiser along with my team OC Guide Dogs to raise funds for Guide Dogs for the Blind. No amount of giving is too small. Every bit helps reach our goal. Your kindness and support can truly change lives. It will help GDB provide exceptional training, support, and education to amazing human and canine teams – all free of charge. Click here for the Top Dog Contest for GDB

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for considering this opportunity to make a difference. Together, we can make a PAWSitive impact for individuals who are blind or visually impaired like myself.

Mindy Wulff