Small Dog, Big Impact: Zavier and Neutrino’s Story
Friday May 02, 2025
“Neutrino is a small dog, but a big companion,” says Zavier Wallace with a smile. Standing at six feet tall, Zavier might tower over his guide dog, but their bond is all about teamwork, not size.
Zavier, a high school junior, first discovered the world of guide dogs at Camp GDB. That experience planted a seed. “It was one of the greatest experiences of my life, and I met a lot of great people there, including my best friend Molly. Walking with a guide dog was so cool. From that moment, I knew I wanted a guide dog.”
That dream became a reality when he was matched with Neutrino, a Golden Retriever black Lab cross.
“He’s so awesome,” gushes Zavier. “Having a guide dog has been a life-changing experience. “With Neutrino, I’m more at ease and a lot more confident.”
That confidence shows in the way Zavier talks about his day-to-day experiences. “Neutrino helps me be more social,” he explains. “He’s a great conversation starter. People will ask about him, and I get to explain that he’s a guide dog and how we work together.”
Zavier says Neutrino has adapted impressively to all sorts of challenges, including construction work in their neighborhood. “Walking with a guide dog is very freeing, we go around obstacles and just keep going,” says Zavier.
His mother Aura has seen the transformation, too—not in her son’s ability, but in his experience. “Now when Zavier walks, he doesn’t just focus on reaching a destination. He gets to enjoy the journey. That sense of freedom, knowing he’s navigating safely and on his own terms—it’s everything.”
Zavier says Neutrino’s presence makes walking in the busy hallways at school a lot smoother and less stressful. “He’s really good at getting me through the chaos between classes.”
The bond between them seems almost fated. Before they were even matched, Zavier remembers browsing the GDB “Pupdates” website with a friend and spotting a photo of Neutrino. “I thought he was so cute! I’m a science nerd, so of course, I knew what a neutrino is—and I thought, he’s perfect. I trusted the process, and when training came around, I got matched with him!”
Zavier spent two weeks training on our California campus, building a connection with Neutrino and learning to work as a team. “I trust him to safely take me where I need to go.”
Zavier shares one of his favorite moments: “I sit at the same lunch table every day, and on our first day at school working as a team, without any formal training for it, Neutrino guided me straight to it. He just knew.”
As with any big decision, Zavier encourages other young people to think carefully before getting a guide dog. “Do your research,” he says. “Figure out if a guide dog fits your lifestyle. And be prepared for a lot of social interaction—people are going to be curious.”
When asked what he loves most about Neutrino, Zavier lights up. “He’s amazing. He always wants to be close. He’s super loving—and he loves tug-of-war, but he can also be the most chill dog ever!”
Zavier’s mom Aura adds one more thing: “He doesn’t just enrich Zavier’s life, these guide dogs spread joy and connection throughout our communities.”
Guide dogs are life changing. Neutrino doesn’t just enrich Zavier’s life—his presence adds joy and connection to our entire family.”
Click here to learn more about our guide dog program.
