Donald and Brandt

Meet Graduate Donald

Graduate Team: Donald and Brandt
About the Team: Brandt, a male black Lab, is Donald’s 3^rd Guiding Eyes dog.
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
Training: July 2024 On-Campus

Donald obtained a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Tourism Management from Purdue University and then pursued an MBA at Daniel School of Business at Purdue. He was born and raised in Evansville, Indiana, and recently returned to his home state and alma mater to work at the Data Mine-Purdue University as Guest Service Administrator. In this role, his responsibilities include planning events for students, alumni, and coworkers, providing customer service, and ensuring that students have the best college experience both inside and outside the classroom. When he was 15, Donald was diagnosed as legally blind due to retinitis pigmentosa. However, his visual impairment hasn’t stopped him from pursuing his love of traveling. He has visited forty-nine states, with Alaska being the only exception. Donald had plans to travel to Alaska, but the trip had to be postponed due to the pandemic. He received his first guide dog from Guiding Eyes, Linden, in 2007, followed by Teddy in 2017. Brandt is Donald’s third Guiding Eyes guide dog.

How would you describe your guide dog? “Brandt is a mellow, sweet, loving dog. Given the opportunity, he will lick your face and toes forever.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “My personal research identified Guiding Eyes as a family-oriented agency. They are client-oriented, and as needed they will find different ways to teach their students in consideration of their special needs. As an organization, they are always looking to improve their delivery of services.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “My guide dogs have provided me more freedom than when I was relying on a cane. They also offer their constant companionship. They have made my life so much easier.”

Were there any training highlights? “Michelle and Shannon were my primary instructors. I had trained with Michelle and Jolene in 2007 when I received my guide, Linden. We get along wonderfully because she is familiar with my personal training needs. We hit it off from the very beginning.”

Meet Guide Dog Brandt

DOB:  5/11/2022
Litter ID: S-4BB22
Color/Breed:  Black/Labrador
Gender: Male
Brood: Dana
Stud: Rider
Littermates: Burt, Bijou, Bernie, Baxter, Bryna, Bevy, Bankie, Broadway, Beacon, Belgium
Region:  Monroe NY
Regional Puppy Instructor: MeKalea Chambliss
Puppy Raiser:  Marci Frutkoff
Facebook: Monroe NY Puppy Raisers

Special Recognition: Brandt was special named by the Avon Lions and the Brandt family in loving memory of Steve Brandt.

From the Puppy Raiser…

Brandt was a very special pup to raise. First of all he was my first male after 9 females for GEB. He was also special named for Steve Brandt of the Avon Lions Club. Steve loved our pups in program and invited us to many events sponsored by the Lions Club. While raising Brandt I was able to spend time and get to know Steve’s family. Brandt made me understand how to be the best raiser for him and in turn be a better raiser for myself. I wish him and Donald many miles of safety, independence and fun. Love you every day Brandt. ~ Marci Frutkoff

Photos of the Team…