Bradenton resident Jerry Wixson has done much in his life.  A veteran, who was part of the critical skills program, he also helped to build the interstate system in the U.s.. He is a husband of 55 years to his high school sweetheart, and a father of three daughters.

Jerry has always had a positive outlook.

When facing vision loss in 2000 due to retinitis pigmentosa, he quickly went through the stages of denial, anger, and acceptance to get right to doing something about it.  After completing orientation and mobility training at the Lighthouse, he next had his sights set on getting a guide dog.

Now, all these years later, Jerry came back to Southeastern Guide Dogs for his second guide and was paired with a loveable black goldador (or as Jerry says, a gold-adorable) named Harley.  With Harley by his side, Jerry plans to continue his busy schedule of meetings and outings and the best part is that he can walk beside his wife, Nancy, with his head held high and not have to be guided by her.  That’s Harley’s job now.