Graduate Team: Paul and Abilene
About the Team: Abilene, a female, yellow Lab; Paul’s 1st guide dog
Location: Bristol, Connecticut
Training: April 2026 Home Training
Paul is a married father and the grandfather of two granddaughters. He spent 18 years working as a carpenter for the Aetna Insurance Company on their expansive Middletown, CT campus until 2007, when he lost his vision following a motorcycle accident. Determined to regain his independence, Paul attended a 10‑month residential program at the Louisiana Center for the Blind in 2015. He is also a member of the National Federation of the Blind. Today, he looks forward to building on that independence with the help of his first guide dog, Abilene, and is especially excited to have her by his side on an upcoming family vacation to Rhode Island.How would you describe your guide dog? “The best word to describe Abilene is smart! After being introduced to an object or location once, she remembers it. Her memory is impressive. Abilene is very well-mannered. When we go to a restaurant, she knows just what to do and settles nicely. Whether we are at home or out in public, she knows what is expected of her and rises to the occasion.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “Although I applied to several schools, Guiding Eyes was the most supportive of me and my quest for a guide dog. The option to train at home was a beneficial and additional bonus.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Since getting Abilene 2 months ago, I am more active and spend much more time outside. I enjoy working with her in my yard, teaching her the landmarks of our property, like the shed, mailbox, and deck. Abilene, and my wife and I often walk the 1-mile loop of a nearby trail.”
Were there any training highlights? “I trained at home with Abilene under the direction of my Guiding Eyes instructor, Louise. It was a great experience, and I learned so much! Louise’s calm and confident demeanor kept me calm and focused while learning. Abilene senses my emotions, so I learned to remain patient and steady while working with her. I am very grateful for Abilene, and I appreciate the hard work and dedication her puppy raisers put into making her a wonderful guide dog.”
DOB: 8/26/2022
Litter ID: 4A322
Color/Breed: Yellow/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Female
Brood: Demi
Stud: Clay
Littermates: Almond, Ambrosia, Arizona, Alban, Albert, Arthur
Region: Northern NJ
Regional Puppy Instructor: Monika Conrad
Puppy Raiser: Fred Goode, Catherine Smith Mehl & Michael Goldmuntz
Facebook: Northern New Jersey Puppy Raisers
