Mike and Barry

Meet Graduate Michael

Graduate Team:  Michael and Barry
About the Team:  Barry, a male, black Lab, is Mike’s 1^st guide dog.
Location:  Longmont, Colorado
Training:  June 2024 On-Campus

Mike grew up in the northeastern United States and attended Columbia University. He currently has residences in both Colorado and Texas. Mike is semi-retired as CEO of a technology company that specializes in automated online marketing and advertising. Mike is a fly fishing enthusiast and has traveled all over the world to experience the sound of the water and the thrill of the pull on the line. Mike looks forward to taking Barry on his next excursion!

How would you describe your guide dog? “Barry is a wonderful and mellow dog.  He is 2 ½ years old and was raised in North Carolina.  He is adjusting to both the hot, dry Colorado weather and the mountain time zone. Barry is an early riser. This allows us to have our first walk of the day before the heat sets in.  He is very adaptable and quickly learned the layout of the grounds at my apartment complex. Within minutes of being in my home, Barry settled into the crate I had for him next to my bed, making himself right at home.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “My Orientation & Mobility instructor, Ellie, referred me to Guiding Eyes. My vision has deteriorated in recent years and although I am an experienced cane user, I know a guide dog will reduce my stress while walking and traveling.  From my initial inquiry and application, Guiding Eyes has been amazing and impressed me with the organization’s level of professionalism.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life?  “Barry gives me information that I would not be able to obtain from a cane. I like that I am able to look straight ahead and walk confidently, rather than trying to use my cane to survey my surroundings. Getting Barry has been a life-changing experience.  I am planning a trip to Wyoming to fly fish.  It will not be Barry’s first flight, but likely his first fishing trip!“

Were there any training highlights? “Training was a busy time and an excellent learning experience. Barry and I worked each day from morning to night.  We lived together and practiced our skills. The training I found most interesting and valuable was when we were out in the field.  Our excursions took us to different towns, restaurants, and shopping malls. The variety of locations challenged our skills and demonstrated our capabilities as a team.”

Meet Guide Dog Barry

DOB:  10/2/2021
Litter ID: S-5B321
Color/Breed:  Black/Labrador
Gender: Male
Brood: Dusk
Stud: Everett
Littermates: Breeze, Benny, Beauty, Bexley, Bagel, Betty, Bob
Region:  NoVA-North
Regional Puppy Instructor: Katie Meuer
Puppy Raiser:  Tara Sabbagh & Family
Facebook: NoVa North Puppy Raisers

Special Recognition: Barry was special named in honor of Barry Leibman, in recognition of his retirement from the Board of Directors of the Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation.

From the Puppy Raiser…

Barry is no ordinary pup, A guide dog on a mission, of love and hope, a faithful companion with talents to behold.
Through busy streets and quiet lanes, Barry leads on, amidst joys and pains. No obstacle too great, no challenge too vast, With Barry by your side you’ll move steadfast.
Affectionate and loyal, Barry’s love runs deep, under his watchful eye, his human finds sleep. With every command, Barry responds like a Knight, in the silent language of trust, human and dog unite.
We shall miss Barry, I write, with a glassy eye, He was our first you see, and we aimed to please. Barry taught us to laugh, to be patient, to love. He taught us that service is a reward to all. 
~Tara Sabbagh 

Photos of the Team…