Mark and Zach

Meet Graduate Mark

Graduate Team:    Mark and Zach
About the Team:  Zach is a male, yellow Labrador Retriever and is Mark’s second Guiding Eyes dog
Location:   Whiting, New Jersey
Training:   June 2024 On-Campus

Mark worked in the heating and air conditioning industry for 25 years before retiring due to his declining vision. He remains active in his retirement and enjoys spending time with his daughter, granddaughter, and his brother.  He is an avid sportsman, with a passion for a wide variety of activities, including hunting, fishing, bowling and horseshoes, and enjoys basketball, football, and track and field. He eagerly anticipates his regular visits to the gym, where he does weightlifting and uses the treadmill. Mark values his independence and appreciates the household services arranged by The Commission for the Blind in New Jersey, that help him maintain that freedom. Mark is an active person and goes everywhere with his guide dog, Zach, whom he describes as an essential part of his daily life.

How would you describe your guide dog?  “Zach is friendly, loves his toys, and gets along very well with my retired guide dog, Linus. Zach likes to play, but when in harness he guides me all around the neighborhood. We go to stores, restaurants, malls, the gym, and the park, on vacation or to visit friends and family.  When we use ridesharing or the Ocean Ride van or bus to travel, Zach is calm and just lays down for the ride.”

What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes?  “In 2015 I went to the Joseph Kohn Training Center, staying there 5 days each week and graduating a few months later. While there, a student told me someone from Guiding Eyes would be coming to speak to us, so I met them and learned about service dogs. I applied to Guiding Eyes, and they accepted me into class to get my first guide dog. ”

How has a guide dog impacted your life?  “I live alone in a townhouse and guide dogs have gotten me out walking around the neighborhood where there’s benches to sit and rest. I am with my guide dog and together we know where we want to go. A guide dog is the best thing in the world, and I couldn’t live without one. They will take you to the store, the deli, outdoors, or anywhere – and they help you avoid tripping over things.”

Were there any training highlights?  “Our trainers were very nice. We visited and walked around some towns, did a night walk, and went to stores, and restaurants. We also went to an accessible theater and saw the movie  ‘Bad Boys’. The staff and food at the school were fantastic. It was really good. Everything was great.”

Meet Guide Dog Zach

DOB:  9/24/2021
Litter ID: 3ZZ21
Color/Breed:  Yellow/Labrador
Gender: Male
Brood: Nyla
Stud: Everett
Littermates: Zeb, Ziti, Zephyr, Zodiac, Zircon, Zoe, Zest
Region:  Columbus
Regional Puppy Instructor: Leslie Stephens
Puppy Raiser:  Jayashree Bidari, Alexandra Gregory, Bryanna Schleifer
Facebook: Columbus Puppy Raisers

From the Puppy Raiser…

Baby Zach was a handful. Full of endless energy and a big foodie. Looking back, he was indeed an easy pup to raise. No major issues that I had to work on. He loved rolling around in dry leaves . First time he saw snow, he went nuts. So excited . Wishing Zach a happy life. ~ Jayashree Bidari

Zach was such an angel to raise. His love for working and learning along with his goofy and loving personality made him one of the best dogs I have ever raised. I always knew he was destined for great things and I couldn’t be prouder of him. Best of luck to Zach and his partner. I know you will love him as much as I do. ~ Bryanna Schleifer

The thing I loved most about raising Zach was his smile and the joy he brought everywhere we went. He entered our lives at a difficult time and immediately brought laughter to everyone around him. You never doubted he was having a great time on outings no matter if it was the zoo, the grocery store, or puppy class. He has an incredible, calm, and steady dog no matter what and I have no doubt he will bring these traits to his new home and bring his new handler the same joy and laughter. ~ Alex Gregory

Photos of the Team…