Graduate Team: Graeme and Steinway
About the Team: Steinway, a male black & tan German Shepherd; Graeme’s 8th guide, 3rd Guiding Eyes
Hometown: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Training: November 2025 Home Training
Graeme is a seasoned handler, having received his first guide dog over 50 years ago. He was born and raised in the United Kingdom, and upon losing his sight as a child, attended a school for the blind in Liverpool. There he learned Braille, and this early education enabled him to master shorthand and work as a Braille typist in the British aerospace industry, preparing flight reports for pilots training and flying supersonic aircraft. He went on to attend night school to secure a better future and graduated with a physiotherapy degree. He met his wife, Chris, while they were both working as therapists at Victoria General Hospital. They were married in 1982 and have three adult children, two boys and a girl, as well as four grandchildren. The obligations of work and family have not distracted Graeme from his personal mission as an active disability rights advocate. He is the author of “The Politics of Blindness”, which examines the numerous problems affecting the blind, including Braille literacy, economic issues, stereotyping, job training, rehabilitation, social services, and employment. His advocacy efforts remain active, as demonstrated by his recent article in Victoria’s Times Colonist newspaper. Graeme has always been a dedicated athlete who enjoys staying physically active. A former distance runner, he has completed several half marathons. He was also a competitive powerlifter, holding world lifting records at master’s tournaments for athletes who are blind. In 1974, he further showcased his athleticism by competing in the Paralympics in swimming and sprinting events.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Steinway is a beautiful German Shepherd, who is just two years old, and still has puppy moments. When working, he is really very reliable.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I really like German Shepherds. I am not exactly sure how I heard about Guiding Eyes, but when I originally contacted them, they said that they would do their best to get me a Shepherd. I have returned to them again and again because they are very respectful of the particular needs of the blind and give attention to detail. My prior dog, Marsh, also a Shepherd, was a good worker to the end of his career.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “It’s quicker and easier getting around. I can explore new places with a guide dog. One time with my previous guide dog, I came across a nasty, aggressive cat on the steps on my way to a local mall. My guide dog at the time steered me away safely without incident.”
Were there any training highlights? “I trained at home for nine days, working with my trainer, Mike Goehring. He was terrific. Mike picked up Steinway from the Seattle Airport, and upon arrival, Steinway was scouting out and learning his new environment. He is a quick learner. He learned the crosswalk signal buttons quickly. At Christmas time, while we were walking through a mall, he was very adept at cruising past other customers, even avoiding the ‘Visit Santa’ line-ups!”
DOB: 11/19/2023
Litter ID: 1S323
Color/Breed: Black & Tan/German Shepherd
Gender: Male
Brood: Emery
Stud: Pete
Littermates: Summit, Sabine, Suzanne, Strudel, Sherwood, Symphony, Spirit
Region: Central NY
Regional Puppy Instructor: MeKalea Chambliss
Puppy Raiser: Jessie Burgess
Facebook: Central NY Puppy Raisers
Steinway lives every day to the fullest, a happy-go-lucky kinda guy! Always a comedian, yet takes his work very seriously. He always made me smile, and I hope he brings that joy to his new family! ~ Jessica Burgess
