Graduate Team: Charles and Nitro
About the Team: Nitro: male yellow Lab; Charles’ 1st guide dog
Location: Augusta, Georgia
Training: November 2024 On-Campus
Charles has worked as an information technologist at Fort Eisenhower, a United States Army Base in Augusta, Georgia, for the past five years as a civilian employee. Before this position, he was employed in information systems at Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Charles was born in North Carolina and spent much of his life there. He was declared legally blind as an infant due to optic atrophy and currently has limited light perception. During his journey, he earned a bachelor’s degree in information technology from the University of South Carolina. Following that, he obtained a master’s degree in cyber security by taking online classes through Bellevue University. Charles and his wife, Selena, met at BC/BS, where she still works as an information systems team leader. They have two adult daughters, Morgan and Gabrielle. Charles enjoys various board games, exploring new locations he’d like to visit, and studying for work even when he is not working. Their home includes three dogs and four cats, who have welcomed his first guide dog, Nitro, into their family. Charles is grateful for how incredibly supportive his wife has been of his decision to apply for a guide dog and notes that she loves Nitro as much as he does.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Nitro is very strong and always willing to work. When he is not working, he enjoys just being a dog. He clearly knows when it is time to work and when it is playtime.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I had heard about Guiding Eyes but didn’t think about applying for a guide dog until I met a representative at the National Federation for the Blind (NFB) convention in Houston in 2023. She conducted a Juno Walk to simulate guide dog work, and I was instantly sold. I thought I would be disqualified because I had several pets living with my family, but I was informed that nevertheless, they would consider me a strong candidate for a guide dog.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Life is great now because I can walk around, not only faster but more accurately. I have learned about errors that I make when walking around, which are not Nitro’s fault. I am learning to trust him more as he always keeps me safe. Looking ahead, Nitro will keep me safe if my job requires traveling to various places by plane.”
Were there any training highlights? “My on-campus experience was great. Guiding Eyes treated the other class members and me wonderfully. I was shocked at all the amenities offered outside of the actual training. We received three top-notch meals each day, plus the living quarters were very nice and included cable TV, Alexa, and refrigerator/freezers in each dorm room. They really go above and beyond by offering these extras. Susan, my instructor, was excellent. She is very uplifting and helps you believe early on that you can do new things you didn’t think you could. I had been on the fence as to whether a guide dog could benefit me, but Nitro and Susan changed my mind and attitude. I got the eyes I previously never had.”
DOB: 12/2/2021
Litter ID: 2N321
Color/Breed: Yellow/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Goldie
Stud: Eduardo
Littermates: Noodle, Natasha, Nemo, Norris, Noel
Region: Monroe NY
Regional Puppy Instructor: MeKalea Chambliss
Puppy Raiser: Avor Szostak, Madison Malanowski
Facebook: Monroe Puppy Raisers
Nitro was the first dog I co-raised, and he is truly special. He is a steady, confident dog who took on every challenge thrown at him with ease- attending senior year of high school with me, walking the stage at graduation, going on flights and vacations, and much more. He made a huge impact on students and staff at school, and everyone he met. We always knew Nitro was destined for great things, and we are so proud of our “chunky monkey”. On behalf of everyone who loves him, we wish Nitro and Charles a long and successful partnership together! Keep doing good, Nitro. <3 ~ Madison Malanowski
Nitro was our first pup we raised for Guiding eyes for the Blind. He was an absolute joy to have. Nitro was a calm, cool, and collected pup that brought happiness to everyone he met. We will never forget his handsome face and beautiful soul. Best of luck in your journey together. ~ Avor Szostak
Guiding Eyes for the Blind is approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (C) (3) tax-exempt organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind Federal Identification Number (EIN) is 13-1854606.
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