If you'd like to learn more about volunteering for Guide Dogs for the Blind, feel free to grab a Wolfie trading card in the lobby of FHC, check out the closest club here, ask Wolfie about his experience (though he might not say much), or stop and chat with us!

How did you get Wolfie as a pet?

Wolfie is a “career changed” Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) service dog who came off the GDB puppy truck as a furry baby potato at 8 weeks old and was placed in my (Melanie) arms. He spent the next 15 months of his life with with me (a volunteer) learning the fundamentals of being a good canine citizen in various public places before being given back to the professional trainers for “guide dog college.”

After 5 months of college, he decided other dogs were just too exciting to ignore as a guide dog, and ultimately chose the pet life so he could meet more furry friends.

As his former raiser, I then received a phone call asking if I’d like to take him back as my pet and I immediately said yes!

A few fun facts about him

• He loves wearing tiny hats on his head
• His birthday is September 1 and will be wearing his bday hat to the gym that week
• He is a certified therapy dog
• He still knows how to ‘find a seat’ or ‘find the curb’ from his guide dog training days but nowadays is usually found rolling over for belly rubs or taking a nap
• Despite being 100% lab, he hates water
• He has a special affinity for hedgehog stuffies
• He has an incredibly sensitive stomach so please don’t feed him any treats. Snuggles, hugs, and all the pets are all welcome!

What made you choose Seattle Puppy Raisers to be a part of? Is this your full time job?

After watching the Guide Dogs for the Blind documentary, Pick of the Litter, I immediately wanted to raise these adorable fluffs. When the world changed with the pandemic, I jumped at the opportunity to raise a pup and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

I wish it was my full time job! Konstantin and I work full time and this is a community I find a lot of fulfillment in outside of work.

What keeps you coming back to the gym?

We love Fremont Health Club! Lillian, Kendra, and all the trainers are so kind, and the community here is the best. We love the 24/7 access, the fun classes, and how respectful everyone is!

Thank you all for being the best friends to Wolfie- he's always so excited to go to the gym and loves every second of human attention! He’s always here for you and happy to help cheer you up after a missed PR or not so great rep!

See you at the gym!

Wolfie, Melanie Barstow, & Konstantin Golobokov