Graduate Team: Tracy and Camden
About the Team: Camden, a male yellow Lab; Tracy’s 6th guide dog
Location: Southold, New York
Training: April 2026 Home Training
Tracy grew up on the North Fork of eastern Long Island and has called it home for most of her life. She attended the College of New Rochelle, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Following graduation, she returned home and remains very close with her parents, siblings, and extended family. Tracy leads an active lifestyle, enjoying daily walks with Camden and time in the water swimming. She also dedicates time to volunteering at a local food pantry. Tracy is a die-hard Yankees fan and looks forward to listening to all their games and following the team throughout the season. When not tuned into baseball, she also enjoys listening to a wide variety of audiobooks.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Camden is a hardworking, diligent, and laid-back dog. He is very patient and low-maintenance. He enjoys a long walk in the morning and playing, whether inside or outside. The first toy I purchased for him is a squeaky lamb, and he loves it. He can be silly at times, but rarely barks. He is amazing because I live next to the fire department. It can get noisy when the whistle goes off, but he never reacts. Nothing fazes him.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I received my first guide dog in 1993. At that time, I was living in Albany, NY, and was receiving rehabilitation at The Northeastern Association for the Blind. I think at that time Guiding Eyes was recommended to me. I have come here for all my dogs because Guiding Eyes has been wonderful. The wait to receive Camden was longer than I’d hoped, but I am so grateful to finally have a guide dog again.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “A guide dog gives me so much more freedom and independence. I can get outside and not depend on having another person accompany me. Camden is my eyes. I can move much more easily with him than when I use my cane. It is so much better.”
Were there any training highlights? “I had been home trained previously, so I was familiar with how it worked. One day, we were out training on a 2.6-mile walk, and we got caught in pouring rain and hail. It was so cold, but there was nothing we could do except keep walking and get through it, which we did!”
DOB: 8/31/2023
Litter ID: 5C323
Color/Breed: Yellow/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Ronnie
Stud: Gerald
Littermates: Corby, Coral, Cleo, Cheddar
Region: Richmond
Regional Puppy Instructor: Madeline Bruggeman
Puppy Raiser: The Brna Family, Elli Brna
Facebook: Richmond Puppy Raisers
A dog formerly called Clemson, now a Cavalier at heart and a chemical engineer in training, Camden is a happy, snuggly boy who loves to learn (and eat treats). ~ Tom and Elli Brna
