Graduate Team: Dory and Fallon
About the Team: Fallon, a female black Lab is Dory’s 6th Guiding Eyes dog
Location: Augusta, Georgia
Training: January 2023 Home Training
Dory is a retired nurse having served active duty in the United States Navy for 6 years. This was followed by many years in the Naval Reserves and work at a Veteran’s Administration hospital. Dory has been an active member of the Guiding Eyes family since she got her first guide dog in 1996. She has served on the Guiding Eyes Graduate Council and assisted with fundraising for the organization. Dory enjoys staying busy with creative hobbies in fiber arts and costuming. She is also active in her community and enjoys shopping and eating out with friends.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Fallon is perfect! She is very calm and well-mannered, whether we are home, in a car or at a restaurant. She’s also very good at the Synagogue. Our rabbi is a dog person, and Fallon has become part of the congregation. Fallon matches my pace when we walk together. She is a good worker and I keep her very busy! We are out of the house and on the go at least 5 days a week.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “Prior to getting my first guide dog, Guiding Eyes was one of two guide dog schools recommended to me. I researched both schools and determined that Guiding Eyes had the program and training that suited me best. Since getting my first guide dog in 1996, and knowing the quality of the guides, I’ve always returned to Guiding Eyes for my next dog.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “I credit my Guiding Eyes guide dogs with allowing me to maintain my independence and do the things I want to do. Whether it be a trip to Atlanta for the Sewing/Quilt expo, a trip to the mountains or a 2-week trip to Texas for the professional bull riding finals, I know Fallon is up to the task! Fallon, as well as my previous guides, have made it possible for me to pursue a variety of hobbies and interests and live the way I wish to.”
Were there any training highlights? “I opted for the home training this time. Guiding Eyes was flexible and accommodating when my schedule unexpectedly changed. The whole experience was perfectly suited to my needs. Fallon was great from the beginning and together we have been busy ever since!”
DOB: 1/23/2020
Litter ID: 3F20
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Female
Brood: Winter
Stud: Ryan
Littermates: Finnian, Francis, Fernando, Felipe, Fabian, Farrell, Ford, Felicia
Region: Cleveland East
Regional Puppy Instructor: Macy Nauman
Puppy Raiser: Mark & Ann Knapik
Facebook: Ohio Puppy Raisers
Fallon – our ninth GEB pup – stupendous in every way. She was a cuddler from the start. Exceptionally focused during training, quick learner, calm in new situations and new commands. Her independence was greatly noticed in a house of five other dogs, learning from the older mates and passing her knowledge on to GEB #10, Quartz. Fallon was a local celebrity on the local news 5 when she caught a return ride back to New York with Pilots to the Rescue for her IFT. Anyone immediately fell in love with Fallon by looking into her gorgeous warm honey eyes. She embraced and hypnotized you with those beautiful eyes. We know that Dory and Miss Fallon will be a fabulous team. ~ Ann and Mark Knapik, Puppy Raisers
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