Justice was sponsored from Birth to Career by the Laulhere family. They share: “We, along with Cherese, wish you the most joyous day, and many congratulations on your graduation. Cherese Mari Laulhere, who unfortunately is no longer with us, is both humbled and honored to have sponsored this part of your journey. She shares with you the qualities of kindness, compassion, dedication, and resiliency. Her all-around compassion for humanity and great love of animals make her a great match for those like you in the Guiding Eyes programs. Congratulations again, and the warmest of wishes, Cherese Mari Laulhere, Todd, and Teresa Laulhere“
Graduate Team: Mark and Justice
About the Team Justice, a yellow Lab male; Mark’s 1st guide dog
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Training: February 2026, On-Campus
Mark lives in Chicago, Illinois, and recently received his first guide dog, a male yellow Labrador named Justice. Before retiring, Mark worked for the Chicago Transit Authority, where he helped purchase trains from overseas and ensured they complied with all safety standards. He was declared legally blind in 2016 due to retinitis pigmentosa. Mark enjoys swimming and taking part in social activities in his community, and he finds the companionship and ease of travel he experiences with Justice a wonderful addition to his life.
How would you describe your guide dog? “He is lovely and so helpful! As soon as I lift the harness, he guides me. At home out of the harness, he is a wonderful companion. We know each other very well now. He is very affectionate and enjoys playing when he’s out of the harness. He loves his toy mouse. We’ve been playing a lot inside due to the cold, but now that spring is here, we’ll be going outside more. I recommend that everyone in need of a guide dog get one. It is a great experience. These dogs are wonderful!”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “Prior to getting a guide dog, I used a cane, but I realized I needed assistance to walk more independently, and to be able to go outside when it’s dark. Guiding Eyes was recommended to me by someone in my activity group at Blind Services of Chicago. She has a guide dog I was able to meet and see what it’s like.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “It has been an adjustment adapting to taking Justice out for walks during the day, or to the dog park. No matter what happens, even if the weather is cold, you have to go! I had a pet dog when I was younger, but I’ve lived alone for a long time, so I’m still getting used to that. Justice walks with me very well, though. Once in a while, we will run into an issue, like when other dogs who live in the building are going out at the same time. Justice is still young and wants to play with them! Overall, it has been wonderful to have the companionship. Since I’ve had Justice, my blood pressure has been lower. Sometimes I just talk to him. I think to myself, he probably doesn’t understand, but maybe he does. When I put my hat on my head, he starts paying attention because he knows that means we’re going out.”
Were there any training highlights? “We had a small class of four, and it was a wonderful experience. It was very efficient, and there was little downtime. My instructor was very knowledgeable, experienced, and kind. We all really bonded with each other. During my training, the weather was very cold, but our instructor adapted our training sessions, and we took breaks in Starbucks to warm up. At the training facility, the dining room was so comfortable, and the dining staff were all so kind. There were also nurses on campus who came to check on us. Nothing was missed! It was also Super Bowl Sunday when I was there, and we had a small Super Bowl party. We set up a TV and couches, and had so much food!”
DOB: 2/25/2024
Litter ID: 9J24
Color/Breed: Yellow/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Juniper
Stud: Soldier
Littermates: Jolly, Jackson, Jubilee, Juliet, Jessica, Junior, Judd, Joker, Juan, Jetson, Jimbo, Junie
Region: Southern CT
Regional Puppy Instructor: Maureen Hollis
Puppy Raiser: Ella Bernegger
Facebook: Southern CT Puppy Raisers
Justice will always have a piece of my heart. I can confidently say that I’ve learned just as much as he did—if not more—about behavior (both that of dogs and humans), connection, and, well, social justice. He and I conquered college life, busy malls, trains, cities, long car rides, restaurant trips, went hiking, swimming, boating, paddle-boarding, and so, so much more. This sweet boy changed my life and so many others, as he paved the way for more future guides to be raised at my university. I wish him the best of luck with his amazing career and the best life with his person! ~ Ella Bernegger
