Graduate Team: Joseph and Mitchell
About the Team: Mitchell, a yellow male Lab; Joseph’s 2nd Guiding Eyes dog
Hometown: Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Training: September 2025 On-Campus
Joe was born, raised, and educated in the Capital region of Washington, D.C. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business finance, followed by a graduate degree in public financial management. He worked as a Low Vision Resource Navigator for a non-profit agency until his retirement in 2024. Betty, his wife of thirty-five years, also retired that year from her position as a childhood coordinator at the local YMCA. They relocated shortly after their retirement to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where they now enjoy living within walking distance of the beach. Their family includes three adult children (two daughters and a son), and they have recently welcomed grandchildren, Peter and Lizzie, who are 6 months old. Joe was first diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at the age of six, and his visual acuity worsened over the years, leaving him with only light perception. His hobbies and interests include history and reading, with a special interest in the Vietnam War. Joe has remained active through his love of running, a passion he has enjoyed for the past 32 years. Mitchell was trained in Guiding Eyes’ Running Guide program and is Joseph’s second guide dog from the organization.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Mitchell is wonderful and very capable. He is always calm, stoic, and focused.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “Guiding Eyes has a wonderful reputation. I have known a half dozen or so people who used Guiding Eyes, and they were very happy with their guide dogs, training, and overall experiences. Because they have a Running Guide Program, my decision to apply there became exceedingly more attractive to me.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “It has empowered me to get to places quickly, safely, and certainly more independently. I have greater confidence in traveling and exploring new places.”
Were there any training highlights? “Dan, Michelle, and Shannon worked closely together with the five students in my class, including myself. The staff-to-student ratio was remarkable. The attention we received was phenomenal. The staff collectively couldn’t be more positive, which contributed to my bonding quickly with Mitchell. Michelle was my primary trainer. She was outstanding, and I felt extremely confident from the very first day because of the consistency of having the same instructors the second time around.”
DOB: 6/27/2023
Litter ID: 3OO23
Color/Breed: Yellow/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Lark
Stud: Champ
Littermates: Orlando, Odyssey, Oceanna, Ozark, Orchard, Ocala, Oberon, Omaha
Region: Richmond
Regional Puppy Instructor: Madeline Bruggeman
Puppy Raiser: Laura Ripol, Jordan & Stephen Lock
Facebook: Richmond Puppy Raisers
Special Recognition: Mitchell was special named by Eric Hirschfield in memory of Louis Mitchell. The Mitchell family is filled with joy as Mitchell the dog graduates and goes home with Joe. They thank Eric and Guiding Eyes for the Blind for the perfect living memorial to a man who deeply loved his many Labradors. They envision him on the Rainbow Bridge surrounded by happy dogs, his pockets full of treats and a tennis ball in his hand.
Mitchell has always been unapologetically himself—living life to the fullest and having the best time doing it. His goofy personality could light up any room and bring a smile to everyone’s face. No matter what was asked of him, he was always game to give it a try, but of course, he’d do it in true ‘Mitchell fashion.’ After raising 12 dogs, I can honestly say none have made me laugh quite like Mitchy did. I wish Mitchell and his partner endless years of joy, laughter, and success together. ~ Jordan and Stephen Lock
