Michael and Koi

Meet Graduate Michael

Graduate Team: Michael and Koi
About the Team: Koi: female yellow Lab; Mike’s 1^st guide dog
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Training: March 2025 On-Campus

Mike worked in the transportation field in Alaska for 44 years. He recently retired as the Director of Operations at TOTE Maritime Alaska, concluding a remarkable 34-year career with the shipping company. He managed port operations in the Gulf of Alaska and oversaw all aspects of ground shipping to and from the port. Mike is a lifelong Alaskan, although he was born in Anderson, South Carolina. He and his wife, Pamela, have been married for 42 years and share two adult sons. Mike’s vision over the past 10 years has deteriorated due to glaucoma and detached retinas. As a result of his visual decline, they relocated to downtown Anchorage for easier accessibility.  Koi is Mike’s first guide dog, and it is apparent that she has brought a great deal of warmth to both Mike and Pamela. Prior to his vision loss, Mike enjoyed biking, but he remains active, taking daily walks and lifting weights. A lifelong skier, he has recently reengaged in Alpine skiing through “Challenge Alaska,” which offers Alaskans living with disabilities adaptive sports and recreational opportunities.  

How would you describe your guide dog?  “Koi is considerably larger at 55 lbs. than our family pets. She is a very energetic, beautiful, smart, and friendly dog. She really works hard and does a great job.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “Two main reasons. Mainly, I was connected to Guiding Eyes through several referrals from Alaska’s Center for the Blind. Also, my wife made a connection, reaching out to Guiding Eyes, to assist me with the completion of their application, pushing the process forward.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life?  “With Koi, I am more mobile. I can easily navigate, walking in our neighborhood and community. I can walk around downtown Anchorage and feel safer and more comfortable. She has become a loving companion.”

Were there any training highlights?  “I received a telephone call from Guiding Eyes mid-week to say they had matched a dog to me, and by the next Monday, I was unexpectedly on the Guiding Eyes campus! I was very impressed with the entire staff. My instructors, Michelle, Shannon, and a second Shanon, were all very patient with me and supportive. I walked around the campus a lot and found it to be clean and well-run. The food was excellent, and the options they offered were great.”

Meet Guide Dog Koi

DOB:  5/30/2023
Litter ID: 10KK23
Color/Breed:  Yellow/Labrador
Gender: Female
Brood: Emblem
Stud: Kisco
Littermates: Kite, Kahuna, Kingdom, Kenai, Kimpton, Keeper, Khaki, Kimmie
Region:  Cleveland West
Regional Puppy Instructor: Macy Nauman
Puppy Raiser:  Ms. Cherri Hittie-Staley
Facebook: Ohio Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

Koi was an adventurous, energetic and happy pup and was so much fun to raise. I am so proud of her working to be a guide dog! ~ Cherri Hittie-Staley

Photos of the Team…