Graduate Team: Lucien and Garrett
About the Team: Garrett, a black male Lab; Luc’s 1st guide dog
Hometown: Stamford, California
Training: January 2026 On-Campus
Lucien graduated from Stanford University in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and aspires to build a career as a staff theorist in the quantum computing industry. Originally from Clinton, Washington – a small town at the southern tip of Whidbey Island and just a scenic ferry ride from Seattle – he now lives in Carmel, California. Luc is currently awaiting decisions from several universities, where he hopes to pursue a PhD in Quantum Information Theory. He has submitted an article to a professional science magazine that explores how humans perceive beauty within the science of physics. Luc has not been held back, despite significantly limited vision caused by hydrocephalus at seven years old. He is an avid runner and has completed multiple full marathons. He is now training for a half-Ironman triathlon, which includes running, swimming, and biking. In addition to his academic and athletic pursuits, Lucien also enjoys the art of mixology – the crafting of cocktails – as a relaxing activity in his downtime.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Garrett is lovable, fiery, and energetic. He is all motion and uses less brain power while expressing great affection, except when he is in harness, thinking and working. He is always a happy, good boy. I call him Noodle, Big G and Top G, all nicknames emblematic of his personality.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I learned about Guiding Eyes through a connection with the National Federation for the Blind. I had a childhood family dog, who passed away while I was in college. At that point in time, I decided to search for a running guide dog, and it took some time to find Guiding Eyes, the only agency that offered running guides.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “I walk at a very fast pace all the time. Garrett is very fast, and although it took some time to find the right running guide, Guiding Eyes came through. Garrett always gets me to where I need to go quickly. No hesitation. I also enjoy the responsibility and regimen associated with having a guide dog. When called upon, he enables me to secure his harness and go for a run, even in areas and terrain that are less than optimal for running.”
Were there any training highlights? “I went on my first run at FDR Park, located near Guiding Eyes. The instructors shared with me that Garrett was one of the fastest dogs they had seen. He was a great match for me. My training class was comprised of five mature adults whom I was fortunate to spend time with and learn from, helping me to experience and secure a positive outcome.”
DOB: 2/3/2024
Litter ID: 4G24
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Merijul
Stud: Wiggins
Littermates: Geo, Garden, Gidget, Gumbo, Gracie
Region: Eastern MA
Regional Puppy Instructor: Lisa Bumbalo
Puppy Raiser: Michelle Sickles & Turner Pecen, The Kapitz Family
Facebook: Eastern Massachusetts Puppy Raisers
Garrett was an awesome puppy and we really enjoyed our time starting him. We’re so proud of him and wish the new team nothing but the best. Guide on Garrett! ~ Michelle Sickles and Turner Pecen
Garrett was the sweetest boy, and having him as part of our family was such a gift. He loved being busy and fit perfectly into our always-on-the-go life. Garrett was a social butterfly and loved going on outings. Some of his favorite things were coming to work with me and spending time with my kids at the playground. He was also an incredibly hard worker, when it was time to work he was focused and ready to go. Raising him was so rewarding but seeing him with Lucian made it much more meaningful. The two of them seem like the perfect team, and I just know they’re meant to do amazing things. We cannot wait to see where this journey takes them. 💛~ Carolyn Kapitz
