Graduate Team: Justin and Expo
About the Team: Expo, a male black Lab; Justin’s 1st guide dog
Location: Rochester, New York
Training: January 2026 On-Campus
Justin works as an office assistant at a BMX manufacturing facility. He lives in Rochester, New York, with his fiancée, five children, and four cats. Expo, his first guide dog, recently joined this busy household and quickly became part of the family. For Justin, choosing a guide dog to gain greater independence while continuing to enjoy an active family life was a natural decision. Growing up, Justin and his siblings were always around Labradors, and he feels very comfortable with animals. Justin is passionate about art and spends his free time painting and drawing whenever he can. He especially loves painting with watercolors. In the summer, he takes his work outdoors, transforming large canvases with bold and colorful spray paint. Most recently, he has begun exploring digital cartooning on his iPad, blending traditional skills with new technology. It’s not surprising that one of Justin’s favorite organizations is the Memorial Art Gallery, located on the Rochester University campus. On the weekends, Justin likes to get out and about in the community. When the weather is bad, he walks around indoors at the local malls to get some exercise, but he is looking forward to warmer weather when he, Expo, and the family will be able to enjoy getting outside more.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Expo is a very fun and energetic dog who loves to help. When his harness is on, he is all business, but when I take it off, he just wants to be a dog. My daughter picked out a big fish toy for him, and he gets really excited when he sees it. He also really enjoys playing tug or running in the back yard with the kids.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I enjoy getting outside with my family, and as my vision was declining, that was getting more and more difficult. It is important for me to be more active and independent, and I felt a guide dog would help me with that. Guiding Eyes was one of the first organizations mentioned to me, and I chose to go with them.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “It has been a very smooth transition. Getting outside is less stressful. I feel more confident doing what I need to do.”
Were there any training highlights? “Everything was a big learning experience. We would train from 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. We were training in local towns almost every day. It was clear the dogs were very prepared when we got there. I particularly enjoyed our trip to Vassar College. We walked around the campus and into one of their libraries. Even with my limited vision, I appreciated some of their stained-glass exhibits.”
DOB: 4/29/2023
Litter ID: 3EE23
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Caprice
Stud: Arlo
Littermates: Essex, Everley, Ettie, Elle, Eagle, Enid
Region: Adirondack
Regional Puppy Instructor: Kate Gardner
Puppy Raiser: Barb & Gary Paszul
Facebook: Adirondack Puppy Raisers
From the day Expo joined us, we could see his wonderful personality! He was sweet and loveable with just the right amount of spunkiness added in. He came to middle school with me every day and he brightened the days of both students and staff. Expo loved life! He was enthusiastic about everything, whether it involved work or play. His favorite thing to do was hike with his human and canine pals. One thing we will always remember about our time with Expo was watching his love for every puppy who joined our region. He was affectionately known as the Pied Piper of ADK! We wish Expo and his new partner and best friend the best of luck as they start their journey together. ~ Barb Paszul
