Graduate Team: Rolando and Atticus
About the team: Atticus, a male black Lab; Rolando’s 1st guide dog
Location: Elmwood Park, NJ
Training: August 2025 On-Campus
Rolando is now in his eleventh year of teaching history at a public middle school in New Jersey. His new guide dog, Atticus, has been a positive addition to his classroom. Atticus brings a calming presence, and when not in harness, serves as a friendly companion for students, who are always eager for the opportunity to pet him. Rolando maintains an active lifestyle outside of the classroom. He is an avid runner who enjoys participating in a couple of marathons each year. Last April, he ran the Boston Marathon, and this fall, he completed the Chicago Marathon, demonstrating his dedication and endurance in these two iconic races.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Atticus is your typical Lab, very friendly. He is always excited to work and has so much positive energy. The moment he sees me take his harness out, he comes over to me and stands like a statue, ready to go. People tell me he looks so happy when working, his tail up and wagging. However, when things are a little crazy around him, he can be very laid back. I like to get to work early so I can get organized before the kids arrive. He accompanies me and settles next to my desk. He is the perfect personality for my classroom because he is very calm. My students were mostly excited at the prospect of a dog in the classroom. When class is almost over and their work is done, I sometimes take off his harness, and the kids are allowed to pet him. It is a very positive experience for everyone.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I had considered getting a guide dog for many years. A friend of mine mentioned that Guiding Eyes provided running guide dogs, so this encouraged me to reach out.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “A guide dog provides immediate companionship. It is like having a roommate or child that you are responsible for. I need to make sure that his need for food, hygiene, elimination, etc., are taken care of. I enjoy having him constantly by my side. Since receiving him, I find I am exploring new environments. I am a very competent cane user, but tend to stick to familiar routes. Having a guide dog makes it easier to visit new places, and I can walk much faster. It has opened up my world. I feel very welcome with my guide dog. Sometimes when using a cane, I feel people are not sure how to react, but now Atticus seems to be a good ice breaker.”
Were there any training highlights? “I really enjoyed the day we went into Manhattan with my trainer. We took a bus to the Port Authority, walked to my brother’s apartment, joined him for breakfast, and walked in Central Park. Atticus did great navigating foot traffic and busy junctions. However, the thing that sticks out is what I was dreading the most. I knew having a dog comes with the responsibility of cleaning up, and I was very anxious about how I would do when Atticus relieved himself. The first week, the training staff helped, but I was apprehensive. By the second week, I needed to step up and take care of business independently. When I finally did it, I realized how easy it was and not a big deal at all. I can laugh about it now.”
DOB: 3/28/2023
Litter ID: 4AA23
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Loretta
Stud: Arnie
Littermates: Anise, Azure, Armand
Region: Westchester County
Regional Puppy Instructor: Monika Conrad
Puppy Raiser: The Bohn Family
Facebook: Westchester NY Puppy Raisers
Atticus was a fun, energetic, and loving puppy from the beginning. Confident and full of enthusiasm, he would do just about anything for a treat. He had the cutest little quirk about always jumping into the tub to see what it was all about. He went on countless adventures with us – road trips to Florida as well as Niagara Falls. He even had his first experience of flying with us. Raising Atticus was one of the greatest privileges of my life. He will forever hold a treasured place in my heart. I will always be so proud of the incredible dog he has become. ~ Rachel Bohn
