Douglas and Maverick

Meet Graduate Douglas

Graduate Team:  Douglas and Maverick
About the Team: Maverick is a male yellow lab and Doug’s 9th guide dog.
Location:   Daytona Beach, Florida
Training: August 2024 On-Campus

Doug grew up in New York State but now lives in Florida. He holds a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, and through his work as a rehab counselor, he assisted individuals in overcoming obstacles and achieving their goals. Now retired, he remains very active in his community and frequently attends presentations and conferences. He now has the time to devote to other community activities, like transportation, voting accessibility, and Talking Book services, as well as disability-related consumer groups and Lions Club projects. Doug has journeyed to Tallahassee and Washington, D.C., to advocate with representatives. He and Maverick will be busy with legislative activities in the coming months. He has always enjoyed bringing his guide dogs on these trips because his dog not only helps him navigate, but people are more likely to engage when his dog accompanies him. Doug acknowledges that the handsome and personable Maverick is a great addition to his lifestyle.

How would you describe your guide dog? “Maverick is a smart, active two-year-old who does his job well and continues to learn. Out of harness, he is a typical two-year-old dog. He likes to play tug of war or lie on his back so I can reach to scratch him. In harness, he is all business. One day, when out walking, there was a pile of brush in the middle of the sidewalk, and he stopped then walked around it. Another time, he stopped, and I didn’t know why until I put my foot out and realized there was a puddle of water.  He walked around it to avoid getting wet. The day we flew back from NY, we got on the airplane, and he lay down in front of my seat and slept the entire flight.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “I have had six guide dogs from Guiding Eyes beginning in 1972, and with Maverick, I’m working with my ninth guide dog. I applied to Guiding Eyes and another organization when my last dog died, and Guiding  Eyes was the first to give me a class date. I also like that Guiding Eyes encourages and permits communication with puppy raisers. Not all schools do, and I find we can share important information both to help me and educate puppy raisers. I have become friends with and enjoyed visiting the people who have raised my dogs.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Well, I have been working with guide dogs for almost 52 years. I find them very appropriate and certainly prefer them over a cane. For one, I prefer a faster pace. As my first instructor said,  ‘Guide Dogs are great because you have a second brain working for you.’ When I obtained my first guide dog in 1972, I was having petite mal seizures and hoped the dog would stop me in case I blanked out while walking. Having a dog reduces the stress.”

Were there any training highlights?  “Training was interesting with each of my dogs. This time was challenging because I had to put aside all that I had learned and focus on this new dog and learn his pace. Our class was also interesting because half the class had secondary disabilities that needed to be considered. I enjoyed speaking with my classmates. In fact, our group continues to meet via Zoom to discuss our experiences and thoughts. We are able to support each other.”

Meet Guide Dog Maverick

DOB:  7/2/2022
Litter ID: 2MM22
Color/Breed:  Yellow/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Dawn
Stud: Dover
Littermates: Moana, Maquire, Mitch, Magnus, Marcy, Maxwell
Region: Columbus
Regional Puppy Instructor: Leslie Stephens
Puppy Raisers: Corrin Luedeke, Audrey R. Pennington
Facebook: Columbus OH Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

One of Maverick’s greatest strengths is the ability to make anyone around him smile. He is such a sweet and cuddly boy who will be sure to give you all of his love. Maverick was always determined to find a solution in challenging situations. From my time with him, it was clear how much he enjoyed working and having a job to do. We enjoyed going to coffee shops, grocery stores, clothing shopping, riding the bus, and so much more! Overall, my time with Maverick was amazing! He has always been the sweetest boy and I know Maverick will bring you so much joy, happiness, and love throughout your time together. I couldn’t be more excited for your future with each other!  ~Audrey Pennington 

Photos of the Team…