Guide Dog Returns To East Hartford After Training

Information via Guiding Eyes for the Blind

EAST HARTFORD, CT — This weekend, Guiding Eyes for the Blind celebrated its March class of guide dog teams. Each of this month’s graduates received customized training and was paired with an exceptionally trained guide dog, provided to them at no cost by the non-profit organization.

Now home, each team has entered an important stage in their work together, as they deepen their relationships, establish daily routines, and learn new routes and destinations. The relationship between each guide dog and handler is unique, and Guiding Eyes provides helpful guidelines for members of the community to welcome them home and allow them to work safely. This includes, importantly, not distracting and never feeding or petting a working guide dog.

David & Niblet (East Hartford, CT) – David worked his way up in the restaurant industry, from salad maker to chef. Upon the recommendation of his rehabilitation specialist, David applied for a guide dog to help with his mobility. David said a highlight of training for him was being around other blind people for the first time. “My classmates have been very helpful to me through the process.” David also shared, “This is my first time having a dog of any kind and I’m amazed how attached and affectionate we are with each other. Guiding Eyes did a great job of matching Niblet and me”. David is an avid sports fan, following the Boston Red Sox and NY Giants. David was delighted to learn of retired quarterback Eli Manning’s relationship with Guiding Eyes for the Blind. David is looking forward to showing NIblet his neighborhood, walking his favorite trail and introducing her to his family, especially his 8 month-old grandson!