Graduate Team: Ted and Tempo
About the Team: Tempo, a female German Shepherd; Ted’s 2nd Guiding Eyes dog
Location: Bessemer City, North Carolina
Training: September 2025 On-Campus
Ted is a lifelong resident of North Carolina and has lived in his current home for over 50 years. He served in the U.S. Air Force for seven years, traveling frequently during that time. After his service, Ted returned to North Carolina, where he met his wife of more than 62 years. He was self-employed and owned a machine shop until his retirement, which coincided with his declining vision. Tempo was preceded by Ted’s beloved guide dog, Oregon, who was also a German Shepherd from Guiding Eyes for the Blind.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Tempo is very well trained and is an excellent guide! We walk a few miles every day, allowing us each to get our exercise and time to socialize with those we meet along the way. Tempo knows to stop at intersections. She looks both ways and waits for me to tell her which direction to go. Back at home, Tempo enjoys running and playing with a ball in the backyard. Inside, she is constantly smothering me with love.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “Many years ago, I was in the hospital working with a therapist on the use of a cane and other skills. The therapist suggested a guide dog may be well-suited to my lifestyle, since I wanted to be outside and walking a lot. On their recommendation, I attended a meeting and met someone who had a guide dog from Guiding Eyes. Soon after, I submitted my application. My Guiding Eyes journey began in 2016 when I received Oregon, and continues today with Tempo.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Having a guide dog means the world to me! Tempo gives me the freedom to safely leave my home and enjoy daily independence and interaction with others.”
Were there any training highlights? “The Guiding Eyes campus is a beautiful place, and the hospitality rivals a five-star hotel! My trainer was wonderful, and Tempo showed me how capable she is, as we visited little towns, shopping centers, and restaurants. After I returned home, another Guiding Eyes trainer followed up with Tempo and me. I appreciated having someone reinforce our training in my home environment and on my regular routes.”
DOB: 3/4/2023
Litter ID: 5T23
Color/Breed: Black & Tan/German Shepherd
Gender: Female
Brood: Xena
Stud: Kodiak TSE
Littermates: Techno, Tavi, Tarot, Tiago, Turbo
Region: Capital NY
Regional Puppy Instructor: Kate Gardner
Puppy Raiser: Aimee Muller
Facebook: Capital NY Puppy Raisers
From the start, Tempo contemplated things seriously. She loved watching the world around her until she got a scent of something. She may have been a Bassett Hound in a former life, a true Sherlock Holmes. She was affectionately known as Snuffalupagus, Sniffhead, and Tracker. She is a head turner too. No one could pass her by without gushing over her and she loved it. It was difficult, however trying to reward her as she would literally keep her mouth shut to any treats offered. She also loved to lie on her back, taking everything in upside down at work. No one could resist giving her belly scratches. Her challenge? Dogs on leash! She worked super hard to control that, and now she’s ready to guide! Best wishes #teamTempo – she has been missed! ~ Aimee Muller
