Graduate Team: Molly & Clinton
About the Team: Clinton, a male yellow Lab, is Molly’s 4th Guiding Eyes dog
Hometown: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Guide Dog Mobility Instructor: Kathryn Poallo
February On-Campus Training
Molly and her guide dog Clinton live in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with Molly’s father and their cat named “Cat”. Molly works as a secretarial supervisor for the Pennsylvania Bureau of Radiation Protection in the Department of Environmental Protection. Molly’s cat and Clinton have begun to form a tentative relationship, reaching an important milestone; they will both sleep on the dog bed at the same time.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Clinton has a lot of personality. He is intelligent, a wonderful cuddler, and very affectionate. Anytime I sit he’d prefer to sit down on me than beside me. That’s his preference. He’s a Velcro dog for sure. Never let it be said guide dogs don’t have personality. He’s also very inquisitive about his environment. He’s a wonderful boy.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I initially went to Guiding Eyes because my mobility instructor recommended them when I was in college. I had a wonderful experience with my first dog, so I came back. I keep coming back because you know the staff has a vested interest in your success. They take an interest in you as a human. They take great care of their dogs and make good matches. They support you throughout the entire lifespan of your dog. Every time you come back, there are new and improved training methods – the training is always developed to be better. It’s always great to come back and see what improvements have been made.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “It’s opened up traveling for me. I’m an anxious traveler and when you’re travelling with a guide dog, even if you get lost, you find that you may be lost but you’re not alone. It’s just another layer of security when you’re travelling. If I don’t realize there’s a danger there, Clinton is paying attention and will take the appropriate action, so I don’t hurt myself.”
Were there any training highlights? After my last dog, Presley, passed in July, it was very hard to put in an application in for my next dog, but I did it. Guiding Eyes called me and said they had a match for me sooner than I expected! I wasn’t sure how it was going to go. I went into training, but I was still actively grieving Presley. After they left Clinton with me for the first time, I needed to sit and cry for a little while. Working with Clinton and taking care of him has really been helpful with the grieving process.”
Clinton was always a strong, boisterous puppy that grew into a handsome man! His goofiness brought joy to so many lives, even in moments of passing. We were particularly proud of his behavior at my high school graduation, sitting dapper in his guiding eye vest and floral tie. With so many beloved memories to chose from, I’d have to say I’ll miss his snuggling the most. I’m so grateful to have been a part of a journey with such a loving pup and excellent team. I know he will continue to brighten the lives of so many in his future!
Deidra Kellerman, Puppy Raiser of Clinton
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.
© 2023 GUIDING EYES FOR THE BLIND PRIVACY POLICY | ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
