Graduate Team: James and Hogan
About the Team: Hogan, a male yellow Lab; James’ first guide dog
Location: Towson, Maryland
Training: November 2025, On Campus
James, a filmmaker, public speaker, accessibility consultant, and social media content creator, has Ocular Albinism and has been legally blind since birth. His fascination with film began at 8 years old and, by 10 years old, James had created his first YouTube Channel. Moving to Los Angeles from Southeastern, PA, James made a name for himself as a content creator, sharing his story and allowing the world to experience life through his eyes. After an interview with Apple CEO Tim Cook, James worked with Apple on a project for the blind community, ensuring accuracy and representation of the true experience of being blind. Today, James works on his show, Blindspots (viewable on Curiosity Stream and Roku), through which he explores accessibility, and the intersection of accessibility and culture, in cities across the country and around the world. During COVID, James returned to the east coast to be closer to family, landing in Wilmington, DE where he has easy access to travel via Amtrak. With Hoagie by his side, James’ adventures continue.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Hoagie, a puppy in an 80 lb. body, has been a perfect match for me. He’s a funny dog with a big appetite. If he wants more food, he’ll pick up his bowl and walk around, creating a scavenger hunt for me. Hoagie’s gait is like a horse gallop; he runs faster than any other dog we’ve encountered and gets along well with other dogs too. He jumps around in the snow, but also gets cold and is happy to go back inside. On planes, Hoagie curls up like a croissant at my feet, falling asleep until we land. Hoagie seems to really like travelling. He adapts well to different spaces and easily navigates new roads. He is so smart; I keep discovering new things he knows. For example, when I let Hoagie off to the side to relieve himself, he’ll find a trash can and lead me to it. At home, Hoagie enjoys watching TV, especially when I readjust the accessible settings for colorblindness to yellow and blue. And, no matter what, Hoagie is always ready to go to work, wagging his tail as soon as he sees the harness.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I grew up with five dogs and love dogs. Without one, it felt like something was missing when I was in my 20s. So, when I moved back to the East Coast, I put in an application with Guiding Eyes. I got Hoagie when I hit 30; he came at a new chapter in my life.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Having Hoagie has been a gift; he has transformed my life in ways I did not expect. Hoagie has given me more confidence with his extra set of eyes; I would not go back to just using a cane. My lifestyle and routine have improved significantly; I’ve never felt better physically or mentally. He has helped me to stay grounded and disciplined because I am responsible for him as much as he is for me. I have to remain anchored – my mood can very much be reflected on him, especially if I were to be anxious when we travel. I’ve enjoyed our mini adventures traveling to different metro areas, because a travel buddy is always better than traveling alone. A week ago, there was a fire in my building. We were on the 4th floor, and the fire was on the 3rd floor. Hoagie did a great job leading me down the stairs very quickly through the haze and smoke. We were able to grab my go-bag, with all the essentials (first aid supplies, N95 masks, dog food), that I always have packed. It was very scary and I was glad to have Hoagie with me. The next day, I focused on his well-being, making sure he didn’t show any signs of being ill.”
Were there any training highlights? “We covered so much in the two-week training, and since then, I’ve learned that Hogan knows things that I didn’t realize, like how to find a chair, a bench, and the trash. I recorded my training with Hogan, and since then I have kept up with the training routine. I am always trying to bring awareness to guide dogs and continue to share videos of us learning together.”
DOB: 2/25/2024
Litter ID: 2H24
Color/Breed: Yellow/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Dana
Stud: Henry
Littermates: Heathie, Helix, Horizon, Harmony, Hawk, Halsey, Herbert, Happy
Region: Monroe NY
Regional Puppy Instructor: MeKalea Chambliss
Puppy Raiser: Ruth and Larry McConnellee
Facebook: Southern Vermont Puppy Raisers
Hogan was such a good boy to raise. He loves camping, swimming, and riding in the canoe. Such a happy camper. Hogan is also a very loving dog. Nighttime “kisses” were a must. He took on the role of big brother to our current puppy. Cuddling with her whenever the opportunity arrived and he taught the puppy good house manners by example. He was always eager to put on his vest for an outing. We have raised several dogs for Guiding Eyes for the Blind. It’s such a wonderful and rewarding experience. The GEB community, whether in Yorktown or at the CDC are so helpful when the need arises, coupled with our Regional managers for our classes and any needed support to raise a confident, well-rounded guide. ~ Ruth and Larry McConnelee
