Graduate Team: Kenneth and Dash
About the Team: Dash, a male, black Labrador; Ken’s 1st guide dog
Location: New Milford, Connecticut
Training: April 2025 On-Campus
Ken has been a member of the New Milford community since moving to the town as a child with his family. After graduating from high school, he attended Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Ken volunteered for the state of CT under a grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation to become a certified teacher of a scripted course called Powerful Tools for Caregivers. In this role, Ken assisted caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other end-of-life diseases. He supported their navigation around difficult care planning decisions by discussing thoroughly, helping them to feel more comfortable. Additionally, he has served his community as a substitute teacher and member of the Lions Club. Ken is an animal lover, and over the years, he has enjoyed owning ducks, chickens, rabbits, and dogs, including 15 years with his beloved Goldendoodle, Gustav. Now, guide dog Dash has joined the family as well.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Dash is exceptionally gentle, adaptable, and attentive. He and I bonded quickly. Dash seems to maintain contact or a connection with me at all times. Sometimes it is physical contact, like resting his paw on my foot. If we are not in close proximity, he is observing me and stays connected with eye contact. Dash knows his job and is always available. Together, Dash and I walk about 20 miles each week. We go to the gym most mornings, where Dash showcases his talent of settling in and observing, while I participate in yoga and cycling classes.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “There are two main reasons I chose Guiding Eyes. The first is a family connection, as my aunt has always been a supporter of Guiding Eyes as long as I can remember. The second is familiarity. Living in New Milford, CT, I am fairly close to the Guiding Eyes New York campuses. Therefore, Guiding Eyes feels like a part of my local community.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Before getting Dash, I used a cane and regularly walked into the downtown area to go to the gym and run errands. However, since getting Dash, I am much more comfortable leaving the house. Dash safely guides me on routine daily routes and makes things a lot easier. In addition, he has already proven he is a capable guide in challenging scenarios. For example, Dash and I have successfully navigated airplane travel and hospital visits.”
Were there any training highlights? “Getting Dash and learning to handle him was a highlight! He and I immediately got to work, and I felt a sense of relief in the overall confidence he provided me. During my time training at the Guiding Eyes campus, I found every staff member to be very helpful. Whether it was working with my trainers, Michelle and Shannon, the nurse Donna, or talking with Chef Rob during meals, each person contributed to the caring atmosphere. Dash’s puppy raiser flew up to New York to attend the graduation. It was great to meet her, and we remain in touch with Dash as our common bond.”
DOB: 9/10/2022
Litter ID: 1D322
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Quay
Stud: Denny
Littermates: Dennison
Region: North Carolina
Regional Puppy Instructor: Kerry Lemerise
Puppy Raiser: Tamara Flinchum & The Kimball Family
Facebook: North Carolina Puppy Raisers
Dash is my 11th puppy and was a joy to raise! I raised his mother, an easy pup to raise, and Dash is like his mom. He is a goofy, but gentle, sweet boy with long ears. He received his AKC Canine Good Citizen at 4.5 months – the youngest pup that I raised to achieve that certificate. We enjoyed trick classes where he achieved an Intermediate Tricks Level. Dash loved going to my office and snoring during meetings. My co-workers played a huge role with his socialization. Dash is well-loved by his raiser family. My roommate and her children were instrumental in Dash’s development. He loved attending soccer matches and cheering for them. It takes a team to raise a Guiding Eyes puppy! We all are so proud of Dash and wish him the best with his new partner. ~Tamara Flinchum
