Teddy and Dan

Meet Graduate Teddy

Graduate Team: Teddy and Dan
About the Team: Dan, a male black Lab, is Teddy’s 2nd guide dog
Location: Montrose, New York
Training: September 2023 Home Training

Teddy studied electronics in trade school and worked with Xerox for many years after being recommended for a position servicing copy machines. Teddy supports the community whenever he can, whether working on the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, or during his time with the Sons of Vets in Ossining, contributing to his sister-in-law’s fundraisers, or helping out with local events. Teddy is an outdoorsman who welcomes activities such as fishing, swimming, indoor rock climbing, waterskiing, and knee boarding. Prior to losing his eyesight Teddy used to enjoy hunting as well, and with the help of an amazing support system of his wife, family, and friends, he recently had the opportunity to fire a gun again for the first time. Everyone in his life is local, including his 92-year-old mother, sister, and identical twin brother. Teddy and his wife enjoy bowling or attending musical performances at the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater.

How would you describe your guide dog? “I couldn’t ask for a better dog. Dan’s loving, caring, and pretty high-energy. We walk three miles a day, and if it’s raining out, we play ball in the house. We ordered a beeping frisbee to throw down the hall for him to play and bring back, so we don’t have to worry about losing it in the hallway. Dan also has a Nylabone that he loves and even brings to the dog park, where he goes once a week. My friend Danny has a dog named Teddy, and we all go to the dog park together. They run and chase each other and the balls around. It’s a good time. Dan has a great attitude and is good with other dogs with little distraction. He’s good that way. My wife and I think he’s a great match for me. Personally, I’m extremely happy with him.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “We looked into other schools 15 years ago, but we’re local to Guiding Eyes and my brother-in-law is a part of the Lion’s Club, which donates there. I was home a lot when I first lost my eyesight and told my wife I wanted to get a dog. She said that if I’m going to get a dog, I should get a service dog that will help me. I began to learn how to use a stick [cane] and the person who taught me wrote me a recommendation letter to Guiding Eyes. I applied and was accepted for my first guide, Robinson, that year. Guiding Eyes was the best fit for me.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Dan has given me a lot more independence and companionship. It’s been amazing having him around; we’re becoming a lot closer now and he gets me around well. It’s been a month that I’ve had him, and we’ve come to an understanding in certain spots, like the dumpster that’s always being moved, and there’s another spot I like him to stop at. I’ll give him a treat as we work on going through these spots.”

Were there any training highlights? “I got extremely lucky, because 15 years ago I had Kat as my trainer, and this time I got Kat again to home train at my house. We got along great because I’m familiar with her and she’s familiar with me. I also had another instructor, Shannon here checking on me recently, which was great. They told me if I have any problems or questions to call and they’ll be there for me on the phone or  swing by to help me. I can’t say enough about Guiding Eyes because they’ve been extremely kind to me and I’ve been happy with the dogs I’ve gotten. The vet clinic is amazing, and it makes life a lot easier. I’ve been very blessed. Fifteen years later my wife and I are still in touch with the puppy raiser of my first guide, and now we’re in touch with Dan’s puppy raiser.”

Meet Guide Dog Dan

DOB:  1/13/2021
Litter ID: 1D21-S
Color/Breed:  Black/Labrador
Gender: Male
Brood: Lizzie
Stud: Odin
Littermates: Kemp, Douglas, Dalton, Diego, Kozy, Dot, Donna, Denny
Region:  Orange County
Regional Puppy Instructor: Elizabeth Vacchiano
Puppy Raiser:  Nancy Briggs
Facebook: Orange County Puppy Raisers

Special Recognition: Dan was special named by Earl Reiss in honor of his friend and colleague of 40 years, Dan Brodsky. 

From the Puppy Raiser…

Dan is such a sweet smart boy & loves to please whomever he is with. He’s a love bug & the best snuggle buddy ever. ~ Nancy Briggs, Puppy Raiser

Photos of the Team…