Allen and Rex

Meet Graduate Allen

Graduate Team:  Allen and Rex
About the Team:  Rex – a male, black Labrador Retriever; Allen’s 4^th Guiding Eyes dog
Location:  Malden, Massachusetts
Training:   May 2025 On-Campus

Allen came to the United States as a refugee from Vietnam in 1981 and settled in the Boston area, where he and his wife had three daughters and a son, and now enjoy their five grandchildren. Allen worked in a restaurant from 1982 to 1997, and after a three-year break, became a snack shop vendor at a local federal building, where he continues to work. Allen had turned to the Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton, MA, an organization that provides support to help individuals remain independent. He attended a three-month vendor training program at the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, where he learned to make good coffee, maintain a positive attitude, and effectively interact with customers. Through these interactions, he also improved his English skills. Allen cites his initial visit to Guiding Eyes in March 2001 as a life-changing event, marking the beginning of a significant journey. It was then that he received his first guide dog, Questor. He would return to Guiding Eyes three more times over the years, for Leo, then Walton, and now Rex, all male, black Labradors, and all so loved. 

How would you describe your guide dog?  “All of my dogs have had their own personalities, but some are similar.  Questor had a strong personality and was protective.  Leo was loving, always wagging his tail, and would put his paw on my lap. Walton was calm, serious, and confident, and would put his paw in the air.  Rex is playful, has good manners, and likes to toss his toys in the air.  In harness, there are times when Rex slows down a bit, but he has learned our normal routes quickly.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “I reached out to three schools, and Guiding Eyes was the first to be in touch with me. They said they would have a dog for me in about three months. I was so happy, and I did not expect it to be that fast. When I got to the school for my first dog, Questor, my instructor was waiting for me at the door, and the school felt friendly, warm, and helpful.”

How has a guide dog impacted your life?  “I am able to go out for a walk, even at night, and it feels very nice. I spent 3 years at home, then I got my first guide dog, and he changed my life. I got a job and a paycheck, and that had a big impact on my life.”

Were there any training highlights?  “I’ve worked with several trainers, and they were all great.  This time, with Rex, we did obedience exercises, went on escalators, buses, and did traffic checks in White Plains and in Yorktown.  Chef Rob is great, and the food at the school was wonderful.  We were asked what kind of food we liked, as well as the foods we can’t have. The whole school is wonderful. I appreciate everyone from the puppy raisers, cleaning staff, kitchen staff, and those who work in the kennels, as well as the vets,  instructors, assistants, the nurse, and the volunteers. Everyone was very nice, and I was treated like family.  That’s why I’ve gone back there for my other dogs.  Guiding Eyes is wonderful, and I have no complaints at all.  I thank you all from the very bottom of my heart.”

Meet Guide Dog Rex

DOB:  2/20/2023
Litter ID: 1R23
Color/Breed:  Black/Labrador
Gender: Male
Brood: Kyra
Stud: Loki
Littermates: Rocky, Racer, Powell, Ripple, Ranger, Rhonda
Region:  Capital NY
Regional Puppy Instructor: Kate Gardner
Puppy Raiser:  Colleen Martin
Facebook: Capital NY Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

From day 1 Rex was a confident and silly pup. He was so smart and eager to learn. He always impressed me with his ability to settle in busy environments (usually by laying on his back with his feet up in the air!) Some of my favorite moments with Rex were during our outdoor adventures. He joined me while hiking, camping and even on a week long road trip. He brought me such joy and made me laugh every day with his funny antics. His zoomies and endless puppy kisses were truly unbeatable. ~ Colleen Martin

Photos of the Team…