Graduate Team: Christine and Vader
About the Team: Vader, a male black Lab; Christine’s 1st guide dog
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Training: April 2026, On-Campus
Christine lives in Quebec with her husband, son, and Vader, her first guide dog. Christine is a human rights attorney balancing a hybrid work schedule between downtown Montreal and working remotely. Vader has been a wonderful addition to the family, helping her drop her son off at day care and navigate the subway system. Christine has always had a talent for languages, and theirs is a multilingual household. French was her first language, but she is also fluent in English and Spanish. She and her husband communicate in Spanish, but she speaks French with her son. She jokes that Vader speaks English, as this is the language he knows all his commands in. Christine continues to challenge herself by learning Mandarin. She also enjoys running. In the past, she would run on her treadmill, but now, with Vader, a running guide, she is able to run outside. In the evenings, she and her family enjoy playing in one of the local parks with Vader.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Vader is the perfect dog. From the first time I met him, it was obvious he was such a happy boy. He is very respectful and joyful. When working, he is very serious, but when we are home, he loves to play. One of his favorite things to do is play hide and seek with my son. A few days ago, my son said our home is perfect. I asked what made it perfect, and he responded that it’s because he can play with Vader and Stuffy the cat.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I had been using a cane for three years, but was under the impression that a person needed to be totally blind to receive a guide dog. Once I realized I would be eligible, I had what seemed like a crazy thought. If I could walk with a guide dog, could I even run with one? I started my research, and this is how I found Guiding Eyes! Then, knowing that the running guide dog program existed helped me tremendously in my grieving process when my vision decreased significantly. I remember walking with my white cane along the sidewalk when someone ran past me. I thought to myself, wow, I won’t have to grieve that part!”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Vader helps me and changes my life in so many ways. First and most importantly, he keeps me safe. Under his watch, I am not in danger of turning into a pancake at a busy crosswalk. He also helps keep me healthy mentally and physically. He is the best anti-anxiety medicine. Before I got a guide dog, I would go out if I had to, but I would not choose to go out for the sake of going out, as it was not pleasurable. Now I am the girl who can go for a walk independently. My walking gait is so much better. I can walk much faster at a more natural pace. The ability to run with him is the amazing cherry on top. I can run better now than I have in years, even though my eyesight is significantly worse. I am so lucky that I get to spend every day with him. The other big thing when I am out with Vader is the difference in public interactions. In the past, I had situations where I was approaching stairs, and bystanders shouted, ‘Careful!’ I never knew if it was because of the stairs or something else. With Vader, they understand that I am safe and know where I am going.”
Were there any training highlights? “There were so many. I was so excited to meet Vader on the first day. By the second day, I knew he was the perfect dog for me. Then there was our first walk with him in harness. It felt like it was the closest I could get to getting my vision back and walking on a sidewalk with my dog. The freedom felt amazing. Running with him felt like a dream come true. We ran in one of the parks, and I could hear the wind and the birds. It was so freeing. Meeting Vader’s puppy raiser was another big highlight. One of them drove over four hours to spend time with us. I enjoyed hearing about his favorite things and sharing pictures and stories.”
DOB: 5/10/2024
Litter ID: 2V24
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Roxy
Stud: Henry
Littermates: Vander, Vaughn, Vinny, Vernon, Vic
Region: Bay
Regional Puppy Instructor: Cindy Tait
Puppy Raiser: Terry Cohen & Marcia Bondroff, Ashlyn & Tom Pagano
Facebook: Bay Puppy Raisers
Since he was a young Padawan, it was always clear the force was strong with Vader! Despite his “Dark Side” tendencies, he was a joy to raise, with his infectious happiness and energy. I am confident his intelligence and loyalty will make him an excellent companion for Christine – always two there are. As a running team, they can explore the galaxy together. I wish them the best of luck as they launch into a new life together, and hope that Vader can bring a new hope to their family. May the force be with you! ~ Ashlyn Pagano
