Graduate Team: Mark and Denzel
About the Team: Denzel, a male, black Lab; Mark’s 2nd Guiding Eyes dog
Hometown: Newtown, Pennsylvania
Training: January 2026 On-Campus
Mark was born in New Jersey and raised in Pennsylvania. After graduating from high school, he attended Messiah College, earning his degree in elementary education. He went on to teach 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders for nineteen years. At forty-seven, Mark began losing his sight and now has only light sensitivity. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa caused by Usher’s Syndrome, a genetic disorder, he retired the same year due to progressive vision loss. Mark and his wife, Stacy, have been married for nearly a decade and have a young son, Bodi, who is in elementary school. Although Mark says he has slowed down somewhat, he still enjoys watching sports – especially the Philadelphia Eagles, listening to audiobooks, and relaxing by the shore with his family. An avid runner, Mark has completed half marathons in 37 states and plans to run in his thirty-eighth later this year. His long-term goal is to run a race in all 50 states. Denzel is Mark’s second guide dog from Guiding Eyes. His first guide dog, Arlo, joined him in 2017, retired in October 2025, and now lives with Mark and his family.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Awesome. Denzel has lots of energy yet remains a gentle giant. He guides me at a relaxed walking pace; I never feel like I am being dragged along. He gets along great with my wife and son, as well as Arlo. Friends and family describe him as, cute as a button.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I initially was looking for a running guide dog, so my decision was made easy as Guiding Eyes had a specialized Running Guide training program for runners. I was also able to meet both guide dogs’ puppy raisers. Denzel’s puppy raiser was a college student at Delaware University. The opportunity to hear about my guide dog’s upbringing confirmed that Guiding Eyes was the right decision for me.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “I have never been more comfortable getting around to places and being guided safely.”
Were there any training highlights? “First, my trainer, Chrissie Vetrano, was amazing, and I particularly enjoyed her wonderful sense of humor. Second, the housing on campus was great and met all my needs. Third, enough can’t be said about Chef Rob. The food was outstanding. Keep him around! Fourth, the two nurses alternating the night shift were awesome. Lastly, the entertainment in the evening was great. The family volunteers running trivia night were terrific, and the live musical entertainment was excellent.”
DOB: 12/20/2023
Litter ID: 2D423
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Sasha CES
Stud: Yorktown
Littermates: Deirdre, Dempsey, Drummer, Dancer, Dolly, Doug, Dodge, Durango, Destiny, Dundee, Dino
Region: Delmarva
Regional Puppy Instructor: Cindy Tait
Puppy Raiser: Chloe McKay
Facebook: Delmarva Puppy Raising
Raising Denzel last year was one of the best experiences I’ve been able to do. He was the most perfect guide dog trainee. He was attentive, intelligent, and truly had his own personality. He loved outdoor walks, Saturday trips to TJ Maxx, and of course, lounging around with his favorite human friends. I can’t wait to see Denzel thrive in his new career and hope he stays a perfect and helpful guide dog for his handler! Chloe McKay
