Graduate Team: Christian and Fudge
About the Team: Fudge, a male black Lab; Christian’s 1st guide dog
Hometown: Woodstock, Georgia
Training: October 2025 On-Campus
Christian is a sophomore at Kennesaw State University, majoring in history with a minor in criminal justice. He aspires to attend law school and pursue a career in the criminal justice field. Born in rural Gwinnett County, Georgia, he currently resides with his family in Woodstock, northwest of Atlanta. Christian was born with retinitis pigmentosa. He was declared legally blind in 2014, before his teenage years, and now has approximately 10% to 15% of his vision remaining. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar and spending time with his family playing board games.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Fudge is a very calm and sweet boy. He loves to socialize and adores being with people.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I applied to several guide dog schools, and in 2024, I reapplied to Guiding Eyes. I had heard about Guiding Eyes through friends who had gone to them for their guide dogs. They were much more responsive and quicker in getting back to me than other schools.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Fudge is my first guide dog. He provides me with a lot of companionship, even while I am still getting to know him. He has helped me tremendously in getting around. I feel more confident, especially when crossing streets. He escorts me to all my college classes. I have received a very positive response from classmates and my professors. I love the independence he has brought and the support he has brought to my life. It has also made me feel that I have achieved a large goal in my life.”
Were there any training highlights? “My Guiding Eyes class consisted of six students, including myself. During training, we bonded with each other quickly and developed friendships. Since Fudge is my first guide dog, the instructor’s techniques were new to me. Our instructors took us to Beacon, White Plains, and Mt. Kisco as part of our training. I really enjoyed the training as well as the train ride up to Beacon. Also, Chef Rob and Peter served us food that was excellent.”
DOB: 5/8/2023
Litter ID: 6FF23
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Dawn
Stud: Ralphie
Littermates: Fawn, Floral, Finesse, Future, Fable, Filbert, Fenlon, Fran, Finnegan
Region: Wayne County
Regional Puppy Instructor: MeKalea Chambliss
Puppy Raiser: Colleen Kolb
Facebook: Wayne County Puppy Raisers
From a young age, Fudge was endlessly curious and up to any challenge. He pushed me as a puppy raiser and allowed me to grow with him. In addition to growing up on a college campus where he would come to work with me daily, Fudge was able to partake in many adventures with us and always rolled with the punches. Towards the end of his time with me, Fudge joined me for a conference in Chicago, where he flew on an airplane for the first time, stayed in a hotel, and took on the Windy City with me. I think of that experience as Fudge’s “capstone” for his time on Puppy Program; he showed off his skills like a pro during travel, politely met (and charmed!) people from around the world, settled during long conference sessions, and didn’t let the buzz of the busy city prevent him from doing his best work. I am so excited for Fudge and Christian’s partnership, and I wish them great adventures together in the years to come! ~ Colleen Kolb
