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Mitchell and Oslo

Meet November Home Training Graduate Mitchell

Graduate Paul and guide dog Kazzy in front of an evergreenGraduate Team:  Mitchell & Oslo
About the Team:  Oslo, a male black Lab, is Mitchell’s 1st guide dog
Hometown:  Perry, Utah
Guide Dog Mobility Instructor:  Nikki Wentz

Mitch was born and raised in Utah and currently resides in Perry, a suburb of Salt Lake City.  He graduated in 1997 from Utah State University with a Master’s degree in Audiology.  He is employed as an audiologist at the University of Utah Medical Center, located in Salt Lake City. His clinic serves the general community, however the majority of his patients are geriatric. Mitch has been married to his wife Kristen, an administrative assistant in a local high school, for 29 years. They have four children, three of whom are married. Mitch’s hobbies include watching sports and boating. They own their own boat, which he and his entire family enjoy taking out for waterskiing.

How would you describe your guide dog? “Oslo is a male black lab and my first Guiding Eyes dog. He is very obedient, works tirelessly and does not want to do anything wrong. He is an amazing family-friendly dog and a great blessing to me personally.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “My youngest daughter did research online, after I had a bad fall with injuries. At the time, I relied on a cane for mobility. We read that Guiding Eyes provided home training, which I thought was the best option for me and my family.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “I have a long commute to Salt Lake City. Oslo helps me get to my job quickly and safely through the crowds on public transportation and in the busy hospital I work at. I am much more confident with Oslo by my side, especially in dark and unfamiliar areas. I trust Oslo, and myself, in these busy places, especially when I am working with geriatric patients. I no longer need to worry that I will bump into them and cause them to fall.”

Were there any training highlights?  “Training took just two weeks, which I think is amazing. My Trainer was Nikki Wentz, who has to be the best trainer at Guiding Eyes. By the second or third day of training, Nikki had me on my own navigating around my community and work. When I didn’t do something quite right Nikki would give me clear and constructive advice. Needless to say, she was terrific.”

Meet Guide Dog Oslo

Oslo was the 11th pup I raised for Guiding Eyes. I raised his grandfather, father & half brother, as well. He comes from an excellent gene pool! I was fortunate to hold onto Oslo an extra 6 months due to Covid. He was a great companion to me during the long months of isolation. He turned out to be the easiest & most laid back dog I raised. So many people were impressed with his quiet demeanor. Oslo was able to come to work with me at a private college where I taught Veterinary Technology to aspiring technicians. The students LOVED having him in class. He made an excellent therapy dog to calm their anxieties & home sickness. He was also used for teaching the students how to take heart rates, blood pressure, EKG and ultrasound readings and bandaging techniques as he allowed the students to handle him without fussing. Oslo will always have a huge part of my heart & I know you will love him as much as I do. Please give him a big kiss from me! ❤️

Katie Maley, Puppy Raiser of Oslo

Enjoy these photos of the team and Oslo as a pup on program…