Kevin and Jason

Meet Graduate Kevin

Graduate Team: Kevin and Jason
About the Team: Jason, a male black Lab, is Kevin’s 1^st guide dog
Location: Weymouth, Massachusetts
Training: December 2022 On-Campus

Kevin Trainor resides in Weymouth, Massachusetts, a short distance from Boston, with his wife Laura and their two boys, Nathan 12, and Gavin, 13. They have been married for 15 years. Laura works as an early childcare program licenser for the state of Massachusetts. Kevin is the owner of Bay State Property Management, a company that oversees both commercial and residential properties. He also works as a financial analyst for the City of Quincy. He received his bachelor’s degree in finance from Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts. At 7 years old he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, which has progressively compromised his peripheral vision and clouded his overall sight. His interests include traveling, enjoying new breweries, walking and being a foodie. He is thinking of getting back into skiing which he enjoyed when he was younger. Jason is Kevin’s first guide dog.  

How would you describe your guide dog? “Jason has a very big head, and he is fast moving. He is very friendly and affectionate with other dogs as well as my family members. He seems to enjoy waking up our kids each and every morning. He has already become my shadow and he won’t let me go anywhere without him. He is very smart and thus, rarely needs correction, an all-around positive check in his box.” 

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “Guiding Eyes was highly recommended by people I know who have guide dogs. I applied only to Guiding Eyes. It was clearly the right decision.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “I have more freedom and independence. I can now walk around the city, where I work, and feel safer and much less nervous about walking on my own. It has been nearly four years since I was able to do so and feel comfortable.”

Were there any training highlights? “I loved the entire amazing training staff, including Kat, Shannon and Caroline. We traveled to White Plains, New York, which mimicked my city. Jason and I trained as we would have if I trained in my neck of the woods, both at home and work. The kitchen staff were so accommodating and the food itself, was quality. I feel like I made lifelong friends during my two weeks of training.

Meet Guide Dog Jason

DOB:  1/29/2020
Litter ID: 1J20
Color/Breed:  Black/Labrador
Gender: Male
Brood: Terri
Stud: Charlie
Littermates: Janet, Jaedah, Jennings, Jeremy
Region:  Montgomery
Regional Puppy Instructor: Jeanyne Gembarski
Puppy Raiser:  The Kaplowitz/Klein Family
Facebook: Montgomery Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

Jason was always the biggest personality in the room. We loved his curiosity, affection and companionship. My favorite days with him were practicing at Target and TJ Maxx. He had the store floor plans memorized quickly so he could check out the dog toys and treat aisles. We had Jason for 2 years due to COVID and he was a best friend to my boys and a special part of our family. We are so proud of him and feel so lucky to have been a part of his journey. We love you Baby J! ~Laine Kaplowitz

Photos of the Team…