Graduate Team: Dillion and Alonzo
About the Team: Alonzo, a male black Lab; Dillon’s first guide dog
Location: Portland, Oregon
Training: December 2025 On-Campus
Dillon works at a sports medicine clinic, where everyone adores his new guide dog, Alonzo. He and his wife of 12 years, Alli, live in Portland, Oregon. Dillon cites listening to audiobooks while walking as one of his favorite activities – he’s especially a fan of Dungeon Crawler Carl, a science-fantasy series. Other hobbies include playing video games with friends and playing the guitar, as well as other instruments. Dillon is enjoying the new freedom and confidence that having a guide dog has brought him.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Alonzo is a big black lab. He is super loving and enjoys his work, but he is also very chill. He loves playing with his toys at home and cuddling on the couch. He can be a little bit of a goofball when off harness. He enjoys meeting new people, and I can tell he is always looking for ways to keep me safe when we are out for a walk. Alonzo loves to check himself out in any mirror or any reflective surface.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I considered a school closer to home, but ultimately decided to go with Guiding Eyes. The wait time for a dog was similar, and I used to live in upstate New York. I thought it would be fun to be back there during my training.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Having a guide dog has really helped with my confidence, knowing I can get from point A to point B whenever I want to. Whether going to the mall to buy a new hat or getting home from work in the dark, I know he will get me where I need to go. I still have some vision left in the center of my field of vision – think looking through a straw – so knowing I don’t have to stare at my feet, I get to enjoy what I can see of the world around me.”
Were there any training highlights? “The entire training experience was a highlight. This was my first time getting a guide dog, and my trainer, Caroline, was so good at her job. I remember on day two, she had me walk around a big room, and every time Alonzo would walk at my left hip, she would use the clicker. I would give him a treat and then walk away in a different direction. It took about three clicks, then he never left my left side for that whole training again. The other trainer, Michelle, would always take the time to help with anything, whether it was correcting me for not being strict enough or simply explaining how to do something differently. Both are so good at what they do, and they enjoy it, which really makes our experience better and less stressful. They really care about us and want to make sure we are prepared when we get back to our normal lives. Everything was amazing, but the food was so good! I felt spoiled with every meal. Our chef literally cooked for celebrities! He would take the time to connect with us on a personal level and seemed to really care about us. The nursing staff was phenomenal; they were always there to help with anything, and with a smile, making you feel like any request was something they wanted to do. Overall, it was just a great experience. I would recommend this school to anyone new or old to the guide dog experience.”
DOB: 1/9/2024
Litter ID: 8A24
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Pepper
Stud: Navy
Littermates: Aurora, Addie, April, Apricot, Angelique, Abigail, Amiga, Anchor
Region: Southern CT
Regional Puppy Instructor: Maureen Hollis
Puppy Raiser: Wendy Savino
Facebook: Southern CT Puppy Raisers
Alonzo was a delight to raise. He was a very mellow boy to the extent that he had to be awakened go out to get busy at night. He was a favorite at many appointments, and people would always ask after him. He enjoyed learning and fit into the pack at my house readily. I miss him and his antics, but I’m so proud of him. Best wishes to his new partner as they continue their journey together. ~ Wendy Savino
