Timothy and Magnus

Meet Graduate Timothy

Graduate Team:    Timothy and Magnus
About the Team:   Magnus: male black Lab; Timothy’s 3rd guide dog
Location:   Charlotte, North Carolina
Training:   September 2024 On-Campus

Timothy holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus on information systems from Western Carolina University. For the past three years, he has worked as an IT administrator and application developer for Coca-Cola Consolidated, the largest bottling company in the U.S. Timothy previously spent 25 years working at Microsoft. In addition to his professional work, Timothy serves on the Local Transit Board for the City and County and previously served on the board of the Metrolina Association for the Blind, an organization dedicated to removing barriers for individuals with vision loss. Timothy enjoys home automation projects, such as installing light switches that operate automatically and implementing voice-activated systems for climate control. Timothy used to enjoy brewing beer for himself and his neighbors, but now prefers to visit the local microbreweries. For exercise, he likes to walk and ride his tandem bike on the local greenway.

How would you describe your guide dog?  “Magnus is an energetic, strong, and confident pup who has a mind of his own and he likes to use it.  At mealtime, Magnus is good and waits for me to put his food down then give him permission. He is a good guide dog in harness.  He is a highly driven dog who likes to go out, walk fast, and is aware of his surroundings.  He enjoys learning new things as well as having playtime.  We worked on a few things when the remote instructor came and learned that with patience, we’ll be fine.”

How did you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “I’ve known about Guiding Eyes for a long time.  I initially did my research on several guide schools, including Guiding Eyes. When I was in my original class at another school, one of my classmates previously had a guide dog from Guiding Eyes and loved it, as did a staff member. I heard how good the school was from them.  I applied to both schools for this third dog, and Guiding Eyes was quick to get back to me. My former guide was ready to retire in July and I received a call in August that they had a dog for me.”                                                  

How has a guide dog impacted your life?  “The independence to go where I want and whenever I want means everything.  On the first trip to a destination, you have to have some knowledge of how to get there, but after that, the dog has the ability to remember some routes, so I am more confident in my travel. The dog really shines because it is safer having the dog watching traffic than me walking into the street using my cane.  The times I have gone to Las Vegas and its hotels for work, travel has become easier, relying on the dog to recognize the hotel, for example.  You still have to carry dog food with you and find places to ‘park’ your dog, but he also provides companionship and walks at my pace.”  

Were there any training highlights? “One big highlight at the school was the food. Chef Rob is a nice guy who comes up with all kinds of ideas, takes suggestions from the students, and figures out ways to incorporate them.  He was amazing, and so were his pancakes.  My class also went out for a group lunch at a restaurant one day with several training staff.  It was so nice, and our group still stays in touch. Trainer Caroline was good and planned great training opportunities.  We went on a commuter train and a bus in White Plains.  We visited Walmart, an apple orchard, and coffee shops, where Magnus lay quietly by my chair.  It was all a good experience.”

Meet Guide Dog Magnus

DOB:  7/2/2022
Litter ID: 5MM22
Color/Breed:  Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Dawn
Stud: Dover
Littermates: Moana, Maverick, Maguire, Mitch, Marcy, Maxwell
Region:  Richmond
Regional Puppy Instructor: Madeline Bruggeman
Puppy Raiser:  The Broughton Family, Kim Harrison
Facebook: Richmond Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

 Magnus came to me after he proved to be a bit much for his original (first time) raiser to handle, and I admit he had more energy than any pup I have yet raised. Happily, he learned to put all that energy to good use and grew into a dog who enjoyed learning and working. He also loved to run laps around my yard anytime we went out the door! He loves to swim and to fetch and have a good time, but also loves a job. Enjoy this hard working, handsome dude! ~ Kim Harrison

  Magnus was my very first puppy as a raiser. He was an adorable little ball of energy from day one. I had Magnus for about 7 months during which he was my greatest joy and biggest frustration. He was loving and stubborn, sweet and strong-willed. Ultimately he proved to be too much for my novice skill set and went on to be with Kim who turned him into the amazing workhorse he is today! So proud of him! ~  Nicole Broughton 

Photos of the Team…