Graham, the guide dog who spent the last few years helping Saskatoon comedian Mike Simmonds, could soon be placed with a new owner in need of a guide following Simmonds’ death.

Simmonds, who was legally blind, died in hospital April 25. A friend told CTV News his three-year-old dog Graham is headed back to a guide dog training centre in California.

The school is where Simmonds got Graham, and after an assessment at the centre, the dog could be placed with a new owner, the friend said.

Simmonds was receiving treatments for blood clots when he died. The comedian, who was a leading force behind organizing blind hockey in Saskatoon, was known across the city for his efforts to improve services for the visually impaired.

Simmonds’ family told the CNIB they will not be able to take care of Graham.

Guide dogs are usually sent back to their original training centre if family members choose not to take ownership of the animals, the agency said.