Michael and Dash

Meet Graduate Michael

Graduate Team: Michael and Dash
About the Team: Dash: male black Lab; Michael’s 7th guide dog
Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Training: September 2024 On-Campus

Michael is an experienced guide dog handler, now celebrating a new partnership with his seventh guide dog. He has been retired since 2009, after owning and operating a human resource management consulting group for many years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Drake University. Thirty-four years ago, Michael experienced an accidental and traumatic head injury, losing his sight, yet he continued to pursue his education. He attended the University of Oklahoma, earning his master’s degree in human resource management and human relations. Michael grew up in Perry, Iowa, and currently lives southeast of Tucson, Arizona, in Sierra Vista, twenty-five miles from the Mexican border. Michael has been married for 14 years, but sadly, his wife recently required placement in a memory care facility. He is the father of three adult children. Michael was an avid golfer in his younger days but now enjoys reading audiobooks, taking daily walks, and being an active member of the Knights of Columbus.

How would you describe your guide dog? “Dash is very playful and sensitive. When not working, he can be very laid back. When in harness, he takes his work very seriously. I have had six guide dogs from various agencies. I can honestly say he is one of the best guide dogs I have had.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “Several friends have had guide dogs from Guiding Eyes. Each of them told me that receiving their guide dog from Guiding Eyes worked out great and they were highly recommended.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life?  “After being without a guide dog for 18 months, I lost my former level of independence that I was accustomed to.”

Were there any training highlights?  “My first day on the Guiding Eyes campus was amazing. Dash and I took a nature walk on and around the property. The initial teamwork with Dash made me feel immediately comfortable. The experience felt perfect on the very first day. We had six students in class, including myself. I was the only one in the class who had had a guide dog in the past. Ben was my trainer. He was terrific, as was all the staff.”

Meet Guide Dog Dash

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

From the Puppy Raiser…

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

Photos of the Team…