Graduate Team: Thomas and Fabian
About the Team: Fabian, a male, black Lab; Thomas’s 4th guide dog & 3rd Guiding Eyes
Location: Lewes, Delaware
Training: January 2026 Home Training
Tommy grew up in New Jersey, later worked in New York, and now enjoys life near the beach in Delaware. As a massage therapist and Reiki Master specializing in multiple energy modalities, he welcomes clients to his home office and is passionate about learning and practicing alternative healing therapies. An avid traveler, Tommy has visited many national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Bryce Canyon, and Mount Rushmore. His guide dog, Argo, even received a special Mount Rushmore tag, which he proudly wears on his collar as a symbol of being a well-traveled guide dog.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Fabian is extremely smart and playful. Once his harness goes on, he is all business and ready to work. Fabian immediately impressed both my trainer and me, successfully navigating a difficult street crossing on the first try. Fabian demonstrated skills expected of a more experienced guide dog. With the recent extreme cold temperatures, I was concerned that Fabian and I were not working enough outside of my home. After what felt like too much time off, we got back out there, and Fabian remembered everything. I was needlessly worried!”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I previously had a dog from another school, and it was time to apply for a new guide dog. I was at a local farmer’s market, and there were 5 or 6 Guiding Eyes puppy raisers and their beautiful Labradors. That chance encounter led me to Guiding Eyes. I learned about the school, applied, and in 2011, I got Opus, followed by Argo and now Fabian. It has been a wonderful and life-changing relationship!”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “After using a cane for many years, a guide dog was a game changer! I was no longer tethered to a sighted guide everywhere I went. I suddenly had freedom and independence to enjoy simple pleasures like a walk in the park or a visit to a local business. My guide dog and I are a serious team; mutually dependent on each other for both information and care.”
Were there any training highlights? “I took advantage of the opportunity to train at home this time. Although the training experience was different, I still felt part of the Guiding Eyes community and benefited from Guiding Eyes’ flexible and encouraging style of training. I immediately got to work teaching Fabian my local routes. Fabian and I clicked right away. I am not sure how they do it, but each of my 3 guide dogs from Guiding Eyes has been a terrific match! My retired guide Argo lives with me, and he and Fabian behave as if they are reunited long-lost friends! They can often be found napping back-to-back or sharing a Nylabone, each at one end of it. I was concerned how Argo would adjust, but he is perfectly content with retirement and with letting his friend take over guide dog responsibilities.”
DOB: 1/31/2024
Litter ID: 5F24
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Blossom
Stud: Nigel
Littermates: Fred, Figgy, Forest
Region: Rhode Island
Regional Puppy Instructor: Maureen Hollis
Puppy Raiser: Haley Favaloro
Facebook: Rhode Island Puppy Raisers
Fabian was always such a sweet, goofy, and outgoing boy since the day I picked him up. I knew from day one he was such a smart boy he was going to do amazing things. He would always try to make friends wherever he went, especially when attending classes at URI with me. He was very independent at times, but also had his sweet, loving side, where he was convinced he was a lap dog. When he would be cuddly, he got the nickname bubba nugget from the tiny little ball he would curl into. I’m happy he loves his job and his new family, dog brother, and person, and can’t wait to see how he continues to grow and flourish as a working dog! ~ Haley Favaloro
