Robert and Bingo

Special Recognition: Robert and Bingo’s training was sponsored by The Estate of Suzanne Hatfield.

Meet Graduate Robert

Graduate Team:  Robert and Bingo
About the Team:  Bingo: a male, brindle Lab; Robert: 2^nd Guiding Eyes dog
Location:  Toronto, Ontario
Training: October 2024 On-Campus

Robert is a native of Toronto, Canada.  He attended the University of Windsor, Ontario, where he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science. For more than 30 years, he has owned his own business specializing in clean room apparel and medical textiles. Rob and his wife, Cheryl, have been married for 38 years, and they have one adult daughter.  They enjoy frequent flights to New York to visit her in New York City.  He was diagnosed nine years ago with Retinitis Pigmentosa, although his vision loss began earlier in life. His past interests included playing ice hockey. He enjoys tooling around with his guitar and has a special love of Blues and R&B music. While Robert’s first guide dog retired early due to an unforeseen medical issue, he credits Guiding Eyes with the support and timely actions that provided him with his guide, Bingo, a partnership that was meant to be.

How would you describe your guide dog? “Bingo is very unique!  First, he has a brindle coat – very unusual for a Labrador Retriever. Second, Bingo has an exceptional temperament.  At home, he is very calm and easy to get along with. As a guide, Bingo is very consistent and capable.  He is a pleasure!” 

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “It can take a very long time to get a guide dog from a Canadian school, so I sought out schools in the US.  I learned that Guiding Eyes dogs receive training in New York City. This appealed to me as I am very active and use public transit often. From my first interaction and the initial home visit, I have been impressed with the professionalism of the Guiding Eyes staff.”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Working with a guide dog has impacted my life very positively.  It is a much different experience being guided by Bingo than walking with a cane.  I walk more confidently and I look ahead instead of looking down.  When using a cane, I am very aware of the effects that factors like weather and topography have on my ability to safely navigate. A guide dog mitigates those concerns.  I am also more willing and less fearful to go out at night again. Another important impact is my wife is also less anxious about my independent travel when I have a guide dog.  Of course, Bingo’s companionship is a great bonus for both of us!”

Were there any training highlights? “The whole experience was excellent! The night walk was definitely a highlight. I describe darkness as my kryptonite as I have no vision at night.  During that walk, I learned I can, and must, trust Bingo. The trip to New York City also proved to me that Bingo is on his game. He was put to the test with lots of distractions and riding the subway. The people at Guiding Eyes, from the staff to the volunteers are also a highlight. The dedication of all involved, from the puppy raisers to the trainers, make Guiding Eyes an exceptional school.”

Meet Guide Dog Bingo

DOB:  8/31/2022
Litter ID: 2B322
Color/Breed:  Brindle/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Helen
Stud: Dover
Littermates: Bean, Barney, Baja, Brindy, Boston, Bonnet, Bruno
Region:  Cleveland West, North Carolina, Dutchess NY
Regional Puppy Instructor: Macy Nauman, Kerry Lemerise, Elizabeth Vacchiano
Puppy Raiser:  Macy Nauman, Monika Conrad
Facebook: Ohio Puppy Raisers
Facebook: North Carolina Puppy Raisers
Facebook: Dutchess Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

Bingo is a one in a million dog. Not just in looks but also his personality. His go with the flow, lovable nature made our co raising experience easy. Bingo spent his time on pup program going back and forth between us, living in NC, OH and NY. During all that he gained confidence, learned many skills, and grew a fan base everywhere he went. One of Bingo’s favorite things is to cuddle and we would often find him snuggling up with one of our other dogs. On a bad day, we knew we could always count on the perfect Bingo snuggle session to turn our day around. We are incredibly proud of Bingo and cannot wait to hear about the adventures Rob and Bingo have as a team!  ~ Macy Nauman and Monika Conrad

Photos of the Team…