Ron Fry was never so happy to see so many in tears.
For the better part of two years, Fry was the primary trainer of Redondo — a golden retriever known to many locally as “Iola” — as part of his work with the Kansas Specialty Dog Service.
In late March, with Redondo’s training complete, the gregarious canine was paired with Alex White, an 11-year-old Topeka boy who had lost another service dog, Hope, in an accident a year prior.
Redondo graduated from the KSDS program April 5 before being matched with White.
The pair got acclimated over a six-week training session, and bonded well enough that Redondo is now White’s official service dog.
A picture depicting White hugging Redondo shows just how strong their bond is.
“Everybody at Walmart who saw it had tears in their eyes,” Fry said.
Walmart employees were especially fond of the four-legged visitor, and adopted him as their temporary mascot, after Fry would bring Redondo to the store occasionally.
As a service dog, Redondo’s chores include pulling White’s wheelchair and as a physical support. He’ll also be vital as White grows older by him conserve energy.
Based in Washington, Kan., KSDS provides guide, service and social dogs.
Guide dogs are for those with vision and hearing problems, while service dogs, such as Redondo, fill everyday needs.
Update from an old friend
