Graduate Team: Damien and Whim
About the Team: Whim, a female black Labrador; Damien’s 1st guide dog
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Training: April 2026 On-Campus
Damien remembers when a friend, Meagan, a Guiding Eyes graduate, encouraged her to apply for a guide dog. Vision loss from retinitis pigmentosa had led her to rely on a white cane, and Usher syndrome had also caused hearing loss. That friend knew that a Guiding Eyes guide dog could provide Damien with safer travel and greater independence, and she is so glad she took that step. She prefers walking to her destinations rather than taking the city bus, and since partnering with her first guide dog, Whim, walking for leisure has become more enjoyable and frequent. She has a creative side and enjoys home improvement projects, including creating large murals. When the pandemic hit in 2020, she began doing drive-by appearances in inflatable costumes – such as a unicorn, an axolotl, and other whimsical characters – for special occasions. Damien still brings joy to others by making appearances around town now and then, and she has a growing social media presence, with over 3,000 followers on TikTok, where she performs songs in these costumes using sign language. Damien loves outdoor activities like local hiking and day trips, and she also enjoys frequent vacations that involve air travel.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Whim is the best dog. She gives plenty of attention, yet she’s a bit of a goofball. She is very kind, friendly, and especially lickable. While walking, if there is an area where I might trip, Whim remembers that and guides me accordingly.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I was involved in a program specifically for deaf and blind people. There was a woman in that program who recommended Guiding Eyes to me. I realized that I wanted to have a better quality of life and not feel so out of place. Whim and I are very well matched, and all of my classmates in training were also well matched with their guide dogs.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “It has impacted my way of life so much. I want to do things. I’m more motivated to do more, walk more. Whim and I are inseparable. My energy level has gone up. I’m much happier. We go to family gatherings together; we do so much together. I am very thankful to Guiding Eyes.”
Were there any training highlights? “I really liked my trainer. There was a funny incident where Whim was walking at a faster pace than I’m accustomed to. I could hear my trainer behind us on my microphone device, breathing hard and out of breath. When she expressed that her legs were burning from walking so fast, I told her mine were too! Then she told me about the cue word ‘steady,’ and Whim automatically went to a slower pace. I didn’t hear her breathing hard anymore, and our legs stopped burning! Whim did really well on the plane ride home. The first leg of the trip was three hours long, with a connection through Houston. She slept the entire way and took a potty break during our layover. I also had a friend on the same flight with her third guide dog – the same person who recommended Guiding Eyes to me. That was special.”
DOB: 8/13/2023
Litter ID: 8WW23
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Female
Brood: Viv
Stud: Clay
Littermates: Warwick, Widget, Willoughby, Werther, Wave, Webb, Wizard, Whispy
Region: Erie NY
Regional Puppy Instructor: Cassie Houghton
Puppy Raiser: Paula Hokaj
Facebook: Erie NY Puppy Raisers
Whim is incredibly sweet, friendly, and so eager to please. She was so sensitive as a pup; she never wanted to disappoint anyone. Whim is such a petite little girl with a big personality and well known for giving tons of kisses! Her favorite activity was long walks in the park sniffing her little heart out. I know she will be an amazing guide dog and companion. I’m so proud of all she has accomplished! We love and miss you, Whim, and we look forward to hearing about all the adventures you’re going to have with your new best friend, Damien! ~ Paula Hokaj
