Name Guide Dogs in Memory of Swannee

Swannee Nardandrea was One of a Kind. She loved her family, friends, a good thrill, and especially animals. She spent her time helping others, improving the lives of so many of us.

Swannee trained puppies for the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind. Her family will remember her by naming Guide Dog puppies — including "Swan” — to continue her legacy of improving lives.

During her time with the Guide Dog Foundation, Swannee raised three incredible dogs. Her first was “Batzy”, a noble black lab with a gentle temperament who loved jumping after tennis balls into the pool. Swannee would always say Batzy was special and deeply dedicated. He went on to graduate the program and become a humble servant and generous companion of two owners who loved him just as much, and thanked Swannee for training an amazing dog.

Caroline, her second, was deeply nurturing, a big cuddler, and loved to hold hands… but the girl loathed a hard day at work. You could often find her trying not to nod off in her vest. Swannee knew she would be happiest sleeping away her days, and advocated her to be a mother to future puppies. Caroline had 3 litters of top-tier guide dog trainees.

Driggers, a nephew of Caroline, and Janie were named after Jane Proctor (nee Driggers) who got Swannee involved in the program. When Jane was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, Swannee rallied the troops to name a guide dog in her friend’s honor, and she ended up naming two! This was one of Swannee’s proudest achievements, to know there were two chances for her friend to live on in the work she loved.

Though Swannee would insist Driggers could’ve gone all the way, she was secretly thrilled when he turned out to be too allergic for the program! After saying painful goodbyes to two of her incredible charges, Swannee finally got to keep one. Driggers stayed by her side (and on her lap), enjoying his daily dips in the pool, rub-downs, and booty scritches. He was by her side until the end.

We know wherever “Swan” & the other puppies go, they will do amazing things. Please help us carry on Swannee’s vivacious spirit with a donation to The Guide Dog Foundation.

Swannee’s Celebration of Life will be held on January 19, 11am at the Country Club of Ocala.