Graduate Team: Benjamin and Owen
About the Team: Owen, a male black Lab; Ben’s 1st guide dog
Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Training: April 2026, On Campus
Ben is from the Twin Cities metro area in Minnesota. In 2019, prior to starting his senior year of high school, he was struck by a motor vehicle while standing with friends on a residential sidewalk, resulting in total blindness. After nearly five months of recovery, he returned to complete his senior year and graduated on time. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, with minors in business management and entrepreneurship, from the University of Minnesota. Ben is now preparing to apply to law school for fall 2027 admission. He has enjoyed exploring different areas of the legal field and learning from practicing attorneys about the work they do, and hopes to continue exploring different areas of law during law school so he can find a path that aligns closely with his values and sense of purpose. An active member of the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota, Ben currently serves as president of its student division. In his free time, he enjoys working out, spending time with friends and family, and reading thought-provoking books and materials that encourage learning and personal growth.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Owen is a very loving, warm, and joyful dog. He loves sharing his excitement for life with the people around him, affectionately rubbing his face and nose against their legs and wriggling around like a big ol’ fuzzy caterpillar. His puppy raisers described him as a ‘leaping Labrador,’ and I think his wriggling is his way of expressing excitement and affection while staying close to his people. When not in harness, Owen likes to be physically close to everyone. He is very curious, enjoys exploring, likes to watch what is happening around him, and wants to be involved in everything going on nearby. More than anything, Owen wants to make sure he is included as part of the pack.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I have always loved dogs, and after becoming blind, the idea of someday getting a guide dog interested me. My cane travel instructor, Michelle, emphasized the importance of first developing strong cane travel skills for safe and independent travel without a guide dog, so I focused heavily on building those fundamentals. I finally had the flexibility and time to seriously explore the idea of a guide dog further during a gap year between the University of Minnesota and law school. My girlfriend, a Guiding Eyes graduate, encouraged me to look more seriously into guide dogs. I also had the opportunity to participate in a Juno Walk demonstration at a National Federation of the Blind convention and found the experience interesting. However, I did not feel that such a brief experience gave me enough information to fully understand what guide dog travel was actually like day to day. Ultimately, I applied to Guiding Eyes because I wanted the opportunity to experience guide dog travel for myself and make a more informed decision based on that experience.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Having a guide dog has added a new level of responsibility and decision-making to my daily life. Beyond Owen’s basic care, having a guide dog has introduced a whole new level of awareness and responsibility when it comes to making sure he is healthy, happy, and well cared for. That responsibility has made me much more aware of how important it is to consider not just my own needs, but Owen’s as well, since a happy and well-cared-for dog is naturally going to feel more confident and comfortable working as a partner. Owen has also given me greater flexibility in how I travel, since I can choose between using a guide dog or a cane depending on the situation. However, guide dog travel comes with its own unique challenges, such as occasional rideshare denials or deciding when it may be better for Owen if I simply use my cane instead. Since we are still a relatively new team, I know I will continue learning and adapting as our partnership grows over time.”
Were there any training highlights? “During the two and a half weeks on campus, one of the things that stood out most to me was how naturally the Guiding Eyes staff interacted with us. They treated blindness as something completely normal rather than making it feel awkward or overly delicate. They genuinely enjoyed getting to know us, working with us, and simply spending time around us. The entire staff was incredibly accommodating, and none of us were left needing anything. Shannon, my primary trainer, along with Michelle and Allie, supported our small class of five. Chef Rob fed us incredibly well, and along with the servers Chris and Craig, every meal felt welcoming and thoughtfully prepared. We were served a wide variety of freshly made dishes, including filet mignon, crème brûlée, and one of my personal favorites, the fish tacos. The staff was also incredibly accommodating when it came to personal preferences and requests, whether preparing vegan alternatives, brewing specialty tea, or delivering fresh blueberries daily to the mini fridge in my room. Even beyond the trainers and kitchen staff, everyone on campus, from the nurses and housekeeping staff to the volunteers who organized evening activities like trivia nights and Easter egg hunts, helped create an incredibly welcoming environment. At times, it honestly felt more like an all-inclusive resort than a training campus.”
DOB: 4/4/2024
Litter ID: 4O24
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Gwenny
Stud: Gusto
Littermates: Omega, Oshie, Omar, Oasis, Opie, Oswald
Region: Southwestern VT
Regional Puppy Instructor: Kate Gardner
Puppy Raiser: The Altland Family
Facebook: Southern Vermont Puppy Raisers
Special Recognition: Owen was a special name pup, named by Ruth Sidorowicz after her great-grandson, Owen, and his progress was also followed by a member of our Pathfinder Society.
Owen is a loving, enthusiastic, snuggly, and joyful boy. Every morning after getting busy he ran upstairs, bursting into my room. His whole body wiggling, tail wagging and thumping, nudging me with his wet nose letting me know it was 6 am, time for a walk. His “life is great” attitude was contagious and a beautiful way to start the day. Always up for an adventure he hiked with his four legged friends. He settled and slept through Church services, book clubs, office days and dinners out. He watched SC lacrosse and was showered with love from the team while hanging out at tailgates. We are so excited to see where life takes him. He will always have a very special place in my heart for helping me through chemotherapy days. May he continue to shine his beautiful light and bring you joy as he continues this incredible journey. I am grateful for having a small part in Owen’s life as his puppy raiser. ❤️ ~ Susan Altland
