Christopher and Wade

Meet Graduate Chris

Graduate Team: Christopher & Wade
About the Team: Wade, a male black Lab, is Chris’ 4th Guiding Eyes dog
Location: Albany, New York
Training: August 2024 On-Campus

Chris is an attorney employed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. He is responsible for developing policies, statutes, and standards regarding hazardous waste, as well as enforcement of these regulations. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and Spanish from the College of St. Michael’s in Vermont. He then attended law school at the University of Buffalo, graduating in 2005. As an infant, Chris had total vision loss due to cancer in both eyes.  He grew up in Virginia Beach and his family relocated to the Albany, NY area when he was a teen. Chris has been married for five years to his wife, Heather, who is employed as a social worker for the Northeast Association for the Blind in Albany. His hobbies and interests include a wide range of activities, including playing the piano, saxophone, and guitar. He also enjoys pottery, bowling, and skiing. Wade is Chris’s fourth guide dog from Guiding Eyes. Two of his previous guide dogs were adopted by family and friends and his third guide dog, Darien lives with Chris and Heather. Darien, who has been a wonderful addition to Chris’s life, gets along fabulously with Wade.

How would you describe your guide dog? “Wade has a lot of energy but is calm and easy to manage. He is very playful, and happy and has adjusted well to his new home. He also plays well with my retired guide dog.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “I originally started with Guiding Eyes because of the variety of breeds they had available. My mother was always fearful of German Shepherds. Guiding Eyes also offered retrievers.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “It’s been great. They have provided me with greater independence and companionship. I can navigate routes quicker and more efficiently, avoiding obstacles and dangerous situations, especially in city travel. Guide dogs have traveled with me since I was seventeen years old.  Wade and I walk around my neighborhood, and he has started guiding me to my work in downtown Albany and work-related appointments.”

Were there any training highlights?  “Kat was my trainer although, Chrissy and Dan were there to assist, as well. She was great. After graduating with Wade, Kat has sent follow-up emails to see how we’ve been doing. She has even offered to visit me if any need arises. There were only six students, including myself in my graduating group. Much of my time was spent receiving one-on-one attention. Working with a specific trainer was very helpful and efficient.”

Meet Guide Dog Wade

DOB:  4/11/2022
Litter ID: 2W22
Color/Breed:  Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Debbie
Stud: Dasher
Littermates: Waffle, Watson, Walter, Watkins, Wes, Winette
Region:  Baltimore
Regional Puppy Instructor: Jeanyne Gembarski
Puppy Raiser:  The Giles Family
Facebook: Baltimore Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

Wade was our very first puppy that we raised for Guiding Eyes. We could not have asked for a better experience and pup. He changed our lives for the better through public service. He was an ideal public service liaison. His outgoing demeanor, gentleness with everyone he encountered, his willingness to learn, and his patience served as ideal example of what working dogs and their human partners could achieve. We came to love him and consider him a part of the family. We were extremely sad to see him leave, but he continued his journey as a working guide dog. His perseverance and dedication were demonstrated as he completed all phases of his training. We wish Chris and his family nothing but the best and hope for a long and fruitful future for him and Wade! ~ The Giles Family 

Photos of the Team…