Graduate Team: Darrell and Klondike
About the Team: Klondike, a male yellow Lab, is Darrell’s 2nd Guiding Eyes dog
Location: Pembroke, Ontario, Canada
Training: June 2024 On-Campus
Darrell is a lifelong resident of Pembroke, in eastern Ontario, Canada. He earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from the University of Waterloo. Before retiring, he worked as a branch manager at Irving Oil. Darrell recently celebrated forty-four years of marriage to his wife, Kelly, and they have three adult daughters. In his mid-thirties, Darrell was diagnosed with Choroideremia, an illness related to retinitis pigmentosa, which has caused his vision to deteriorate to less than 5% central (tunnel) vision. Despite this, Darrell enjoys spending time outdoors, walking, hiking, and appreciating nature. Klondike, his second guide dog from Guiding Eyes, now accompanies him. His first guide dog, Amos, has been retired and adopted by the family and gets along terrifically with Klondike.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Klondike is very focused when he has his working Guide Dog vest on [Unifly]. When he is not working, he can be very mischievous, even with his very cute, adorable, and innocent face.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I was a runner before receiving my first guide dog. One of my daughters read about the Running Guide Program so I applied for a running mate and received my first guide dog, Amos, who was a graduate of the program. In fact, he was one of the earliest graduates. I believe he was the tenth to graduate in the Running Guide Program.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Having a guide dog has provided me with so much more independence and freedom than I would have otherwise. I also have constant companionship with Klondike because he is always sitting close by and is very loyal to me. He follows me around everywhere, keeping a close watch on me.”
Were there any training highlights? “My class of seven students including myself, got along very well. Four members received a guide dog for the first time. The three members who had previous guide dogs, including myself, were very helpful in assisting with and answering questions they had voiced. Michelle Tang was my primary instructor. She was also my instructor in 2017 when I received my first guide dog. Michelle is always very witty and motivating. As soon as I stepped off the airplane and was greeted instantly by staff, they made me feel like they’d known me, and I’d known them for a lifetime. It only got better from there. I felt that the training was personalized for my needs. Because I love to walk along walkways, boardwalks, and Algonquin Trail, my instructors took me to FDR Park to do shoreline travel around the park’s ring road.”
DOB: 2/25/2022
Litter ID: 3K22
Color/Breed: Yellow/Labrador
Gender: Male
Brood: Hetty
Stud: Baron
Littermates: Kendall, Keanu, Kathy, Kay, Kismet, Kokomo, Kansas, Kirk
Region: Central NY
Regional Puppy Instructor: MeKalea Chambliss
Puppy Raiser: Donna Lynd, Mary Oonk
Facebook: Central NY Puppy Raisers
Klondike was truly an amazing pup to raise. He was the perfect blend of being able to relax at the house and then switch gears and have plenty of get up and go for any adventure I threw at him. We went on many different hikes throughout New York. He also accompanied me on a drive to Florida for a week long conference and took the days of travel, visiting people and sleeping through hours of lectures like a pro. He excelled at making friends wherever he went and had quite the fan club and was known for his unique ears. I wish this new team safe travels and an incredible bond that will last for many years. Guide on Klondike, I knew you could do it. ~ Donna Lynd
I was lucky to start Klondike and have all those cute puppy moments. As a puppy Klondike was always inquisitive and eager to try new things. He was so smart and learned quickly. Klondike fit right in with my pack and was good at providing comic relief to my rather serious dogs. It was great to watch Klondike grow and become such a confident young dog. It was obvious he was destined for great things! Best wishes to TEAM KLONDIKE – may you have many happy adventures together. ~ Mary Oonk
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