In memory of my wife, Barbara Woods, who loved dogs and Guiding Eyes. Through our entire marriage, we have had dogs, usually two at a time, and enjoyed them! Sponsoring the graduating class is a perfect way to honor her memory.
– Richard Woods
Graduate Team: Kevin and Quanto
About the Team: Quanto, a male black Lab, is Kevin’s 1st guide dog
Hometown: Bristol, Rhode Island
Guide Dog Mobility Instructor: Shannon McGee
January On-Campus Training
Kevin was raised in Springfield, Missouri and currently resides in Bristol, Rhode Island, along the East Bay, across from the Narragansett. He lives with his wife, Martha, a teacher, who he has been married to for 32 years. Together they had three boys, all now in their twenties and they also had Labrador Retrievers while raising their family. Kevin began his career in banking as a financial advisor. In 1999 he decided to continue his career as an advisor by starting his own business, stating it was the right move at the right time. His hobbies and interests include physical exercise and travel, activities he enjoys with his wife.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Quanto is my first guide dog. He is a super sweet and super active companion. He loves to work, however when he is not working, he loves to play. He especially loves hanging out with several of our friend’s dogs.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I started losing my vision eight years ago. Three years into my visual decline I sought assistance from the R.I. Services for the Blind. It was there that I spoke with a woman in Tech Support who had a guide dog from Guiding Eyes and raved about the dog and her training experience. She told me that getting a guide dog would change my life and provided me with contact information for Guiding Eyes.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Although I have only had Quanto for a short period of time, he has helped me fill my day with activity and allowed me to go outside independently. This has been especially satisfying during the winter weather, as now I don’t feel cooped up.”
Were there any training highlights? “I trained on the Guiding Eyes campus, as well as in the surrounding area, including the business area of Yorktown and the Jefferson Valley Mall. We took a bus to Peekskill, and made two trips to White Plains, which was a more urban setting. I also trained on the platform of the Metro-North train station. My trainer was Shannon McGee, and she was amazing. I quickly learned that she knew Quanto well and had an amazing bond with him, which facilitated my training experience. Kudos to Guiding Eyes. They are an amazing organization. I will be a patron for life.”
Guiding Eyes for the Blind is approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (C) (3) tax-exempt organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind Federal Identification Number (EIN) is 13-1854606.
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