David and Woody

Meet Graduate David

Graduate Team:  David and Woody
About the Team: Woody – a male German Shepherd; David’s third guide dog
Location: Denver, Colorado
Training: February/March 2025 On-Campus

David is a musician about to graduate with a Master of Science in Recording Arts from the University of Colorado, Denver. David is an accomplished singer and guitar player, with hopes of touring in the future. He is also working on a collection of music set for release as an EP, (extended play), in late May. David, a Guiding Eyes graduate since his teens, recently received his third guide dog, Woody, who is also his first running guide dog and a perfect fit for his active lifestyle. His first two guide dogs were Dean and Rambo, who, like Woody, were German Shepherds from Guiding Eyes. David looks forward to their future adventures as he and Woody embark on their next chapter together.

How would you describe your guide dog? “Woody is a playful and loving German Shepherd. He’s also very protective in a good way! He is super sweet and can also be attention-seeking when he wants affection or to play. When he’s out of harness, he is so playful and will even throw toys at you to ask to be played with. However, when he’s in harness, he is all about working and has no interest in playing. He even ignored my friend, who had been playing with him the other day, once I put his harness on! He’s also very sensitive, like a sensitive giant.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “I originally heard about Guiding Eyes when I was 16. I decided to apply for a guide dog and was accepted. Ever since then, Guiding Eyes has been like family. I love their program, they are a great school, and their dogs are so high-quality in terms of their ability to do their job. In the beginning, it was a little challenging to adjust to trusting a guide dog, but I’ve gotten progressively better at handling my dogs. We learn together and keep going. I’ve been so happy with my guide dogs and love walking with them.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life?  “Having a guide dog has impacted my life in several ways. First, it has led to my having greater independence and autonomy. I can get up and go much more easily without worrying about specifics, like which direction is the door. Having a guide dog from such a young age has also taught me to think about another creature besides myself. It has given me a much greater sense of responsibility, which has impacted my life in a very positive way. It has also led to some interesting meetings with people. I actually met Quincy Jones at a conference when my last dog was lying down in his path. He ended up getting my dog a bowl of water! Having a guide dog is a two-way experience: you give them experiences, and they get to see things out in the world, but they also bring the world to you and allow you to interact with it more.”

Were there any training highlights? “I remember during training figuring out that Woody was going to be fun. When he’s playing, he can have a very silly personality, and early on I experienced some of his antics! I realized he had a little bit of an attitude when we were playing tug of war, and he let go and surprised me! This was when I knew he would keep me on my toes. He can just be so silly, and I love it!! He has a very big personality.”

Meet Guide Dog Woody

DOB:  3/14/2023
Litter ID: S-P-2W23
Color/Breed:  Black & Tan German Shepherd
Gender: Male
Brood: Emery
Stud: Hobie
Littermates: Whitney, Waltz, Waverly, Worthy, Wonder, Walker, Whispy
Region:  Richmond
Regional Puppy Instructor: Madeline Bruggeman
Puppy Raiser:  Julie & David Albany
Facebook: Richmond Puppy Raisers

Special Recognition: Woody was special named by Ruth Sidorowicz in honor of her son’s nickname, Woody. Woody’s progress was also followed by a member of our Pathfinder Society. 

From the Puppy Raiser…

The number one question Puppy Raisers get is “How can you give them up?” My answer is always the same . . . .it never gets any easier, but seeing the difference a guide dog can make in the life of a blind or visually impaired person makes it all worth it! This day. This Graduation Day where Woody will begin the next chapter of his life with a new person, partners in new adventures big and small, this is what makes being a Puppy Raiser such an incredibly rewarding experience. In our homes for a year, in our hearts forever! ~Julie & David Albany 

Photos of the Team…