Mark and Ian

Meet Graduate Mark

Graduate Team: Mark and Ian
About the Team: Ian, a male yellow lab, is Mark’s 3^rd Guiding Eyes dog
Location: Gardnerville, Nevada
Training: June 2024 Home Training

Mark and his wife, Robin, live in Gardnerville, Nevada, with their four dogs: retired guide Josiah, current guide Ian, (whom he has nicknamed Harry), Cap the Cane Corso, and Doll the Rat Terrier. Mark is retired from his coffee company which he started with his wife in 2007. Blind Dog Coffee grew into a large wholesale and roastery business that services the Northern Nevada, Northern California, and the Lake Tahoe Basin. His youngest son and his wife have taken over the business, so it remains in the family. In his free time, Mark likes to hike, do woodworking, and spend time outdoors where he can work on the gardens and tend to the fruit trees that surround his home. Mark and Robin have five kids and fourteen grandkids and look forward to continuing to live a good life together and with Ian, (aka, Harry).

How would you describe your guide dog? “How would I describe him? Young and enthusiastic. He’s very well-mannered, but he’s got lots going on inside! I’ve got to keep him busy, which is good! He loves playing with the other dogs! I like to keep him close, and he sleeps on his bed right next to mine. He wants to be with me everywhere I go. It’s like he’s in my pocket. I move around the house and wherever I go, he’s right there with me. He’s pretty in tune with me and I’m impressed how quickly that’s happened. I’ve had him for less than 2 months and it’s like I’ve had him for 2 years!”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “It’s kind of a funny story. I made my living with horses, and I always had animals around, so as soon as I went blind, I knew I wanted to get a dog. I called Guiding Eyes and another school and said, ‘I’ve gone blind, and I want a dog.’ Both schools said, ‘Well, have you done your mobility training yet?’ and I said, ‘My what?’ I then started mobility training, and at the time I was living way out of town off of a dirt road. My instructor told me about Guiding Eyes and how they were more of a ‘rural school’ and maybe they would be able to provide dogs comfortable with rural environments. I said, ‘New York? You’ve got to be kidding me!’ When I got to NY, I laughed because what they thought of rural wasn’t what I thought of rural! I brought home my first dog, and it worked out, so I came back for my second dog, which was great. Then Mike brought Ian, (Harry), out to me, and being able to have home training has been really great!”

How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Oh, it’s basic freedom. I don’t have to be hooked on to somebody! I can hike with my canes but it’s very tedious. The freedom of being able to cruise around with my family when we go places is incredible. The companionship is also a big part of this. When you have a guide dog, you have someone you need to take care of, and want to take care of. You bond with them! My guide is a tool in my life for getting around now. It’s pretty important! There’s a great increase in the joy in my life for sure!”

Were there any training highlights? “I had been waiting a couple of years when they first called to tell me they had a dog. He’s the first yellow lab I’ve had. When I asked his name and they said Ian, I just started laughing. My son who lives right down the street with his wife and kids is named Ian. I thought, let’s see how this works out! I hadn’t had Ian home very long and we went to a beach party near Lake Tahoe with my son and his friends. Of course, everyone was hollering at my son, Ian, and my dog Ian didn’t know what to think! Another time, he was in our living room while I was calling my son on the phone. My son didn’t answer, so I was saying ‘Ian, come on! Come on, Ian.” to the phone and he was ready to run over! We’re just cruising along together and he’s a blessing to have. I’m glad to have him and I know everything will get better and better every day.”

Meet Guide Dog Ian (Harry)

DOB:  7/12/2021
Litter ID: 3II21
Color/Breed:  Yellow/Labrador
Gender: Male
Brood: Farrah
Stud: Gomer
Littermates: Ike, Izzie, India, Ingrid
Region:  Cleveland East
Regional Puppy Instructor: Macy Nauman
Puppy Raiser:  Karen Gerken
Facebook: Ohio Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

Ian’s boundless enthusiasm, zest for life and desire to please made him an exceptional puppy as we trained and played together. He was my first Guiding Eyes puppy and will always have a truly special place in my heart. Best wishes to both Ian and his new partner as they work, play and adventure as a team going forward! ~ Karen Gerken

Photos of the Team…