Pedro Trejo (29), known as “Pete” by friends and family, was born and raised in Arizona. A welder by trade, he led an active and busy lifestyle focused on baseball, rock-climbing, four-wheeling, and spending time with his two young children.

At the age of 25, Pete was riding his quad in the woods when a rock struck him directly in the left eye. His eyesight was already damaged due to diabetic retinopathy; the trauma from the accident was life-changing. Pete lost all vision in his left eye. He then underwent fourteen surgeries to save the vision in his right eye. These were unsuccessful, and at 27 years old, he was rendered totally blind.

For the past two years, Pete has worked hard to regain his independence. He studied at the Colorado Center for the Blind, learning the orientation and mobility and adaptive daily living skills he would need to once again live without assistance. While at school, he was elected Vice President of the Student Body, and often spoke at local conventions about vision loss and rehabilitation.

Even after becoming adept at using his cane, Pete wanted more. He began looking into guide dogs, and after much research, chose Guiding Eyes for the Blind.

Pete joined the October class at Guiding Eyes and was matched with Island, a beautiful female black Labrador. Pete describes his new teammate as playful and cuddly, but well-disciplined and dependable.

Pete’s still figuring out the next steps. He can no longer weld without his sight, but he’s realized there’s a wealth of new opportunity awaiting him. An accomplished assistive technology user, he considers opening a business in the field.

Pedro strolling with Island leading the way. Pete is ecstatic to return home with Island. He comments, “It’s a whole new world now. The partnership between Island and me is one of trust and confidence. She is my pathfinder.”