William and Hopkins

Meet Graduate William

Graduate Team: William and Hopkins
About the Team: Hopkins – a male yellow lab; William’s 2nd guide dog
Location: Quincy, Massachusetts
Training: February 2025 On-Campus

William and his guide dog, Hopkins, reside in Quincy, Massachusetts. He enjoys spending time with friends, reading, traveling, and listening to music. You can often find him indulging in horror books or films, dining out, and taking day trips with his friends. William aspires to work in public policy and is an active member of local blindness organizations.

How would you describe your guide dog? “He’s playful, and he likes to be near me! He sleeps on a dog bed in my bedroom, right next to my bed. He likes to play with Kong and Benebone toys. He’ll play independently, but he’ll also throw the toys around. He likes to get me involved by holding his bone for him and throwing his toys around! He’s a good worker. He can be a serious worker, but he knows how to relax.” 

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I applied to all the local schools for my second dog, and Guiding Eyes called me with an opening. I liked that they offer follow-up visits, and I had good experiences speaking with them on the phone and during my home visit. I also know alumni of the school who shared their positive experiences with me.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “It’s great! I can travel with more ease. It’s also a great way to get noticed when you’re out and about! Working with a guide dog reminds you to be patient and resilient with everything going on around you. There’s the responsibility part of it also, which I like. With Hopkins, I have to be up to feed him and take him out for walks.”

Were there any training highlights? “This is my first time with Guiding Eyes. I went to another school before, so learning how the schools do things differently was interesting. It was nice to visit all the little towns near the school, like Beacon and Peekskill! I enjoyed going to Beacon and walking around. The staff were all very attentive and welcoming. They would listen to my feedback and my concerns. The food was so good, too. You can’t beat it! At first, I thought, why would I leave? They do a lot of good work behind the scenes, such staff doing what they could to get us more involved. One thing that was fun was what we did for the Super Bowl. That night of the Super Bowl, we put little hats on the dogs and took pictures.”

Meet Guide Dog Hopkins

DOB:  1/20/2023
Litter ID: 8H23
Color/Breed:  Yellow/Labrador
Gender: Male
Brood: Colleen
Stud: Everett
Littermates: Hank, Hazel, Helsa, Hercules, Heart, Hula, Hollywood, Hepburn, Henley, Hollis
Region:  Westchester
Regional Puppy Instructor: Monika Conrad/Elizabeth Vacchiano
Puppy Raiser:  Melinda Raffe Trovini
Facebook: Westchester Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

Hopkins (aka “Hoppy Boppy”) is a big beautiful wrinkly pup! He stopped traffic with his good looks on many a day and was always eager to meet new people. Hopkins was “the leader of the pack” on pack walks – it was evident early on he wanted to work. He may not have always known where his big body was in space, and he knew how to give a big hug! I loved watching him grow – physically and figuratively! Hopkins, you were never really mine to keep – I held your leash for a short time and you will hold a piece of my heart forever. Go and be the best guide dog to William that you were always meant to be. ~ Melinda Raffe Trovini 

Photos of the Team…