Graduate Team: Matt and Frodo
About the Team: Frodo, a male black Lab; Matt’s 6th Guiding Eyes dog
Hometown: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Training: October 2026 On-Campus
Matt has worked for Edward Jones Financial Services as a generalist in their Human Resources Department. Matt and his wife Dawn, also a Guiding Eyes graduate, first met while employed at the same Texas company, although she was in Chicago and he was in NY. They have been married for 16 years, and today, they live in southeastern Arizona, twenty miles from the Mexican border. Frodo is Matt’s sixth guide dog from Guiding Eyes. Dawn has also partnered with several Guiding Eyes dogs over the years, reflecting the trust they have in the organization and the independence these partnerships have brought to their lives. Although Matt’s previous guide dog, received in December 2025, did not work out as hoped, he considers the experience a testament to Guiding Eyes’ commitment to its graduates. He especially appreciates the organization’s responsiveness and dedication to finding a new partner for him in a timely manner. Matt was declared legally blind at birth, and although he lost the last of his vision in 1997, he continues to pursue his interests with enthusiasm. In his free time, Matt enjoys listening to music of all genres, diving into a good book, and exploring the outdoors on peaceful nature walks. Matt and Dawn have three cats in addition to their guide dogs. He states that all their four-legged friends get along quite well.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Frodo is energetic, loving and very smart. We already have a solid bond, and he has excellent house manners.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I grew up in Yonkers, New York which is about 30 minutes south of the Guiding Eyes Training School Campus. Because they were nearby, I decided to try them out, and I got hooked early on. As it turned out the school staff is like family. I love the school and the people working there.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Freedom and accessibility; it is so much easier to get around. I also receive constant companionship, which I couldn’t get from a cane.”
Were there any training highlights? “As has been the case in the past, the training is geared to what I wanted and needed. The staff, and of course my trainer, Kat, provided great support. I was taught a new technique to get the guide dog’s attention, which is worth mentioning. With the dog seated next to you, place your hand on the back of his head and say his name which gets the dogs attention on you. It is a really neat technique that works. There were six students in my class – still a relatively small group atmosphere and the food and services provided were nothing short of phenomenal.
DOB: 11/17/2024
Litter ID: 7F324|
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Tina
Stud: Navy
Littermates: Fiesta, Flash, Feta, Fiyero
Region: Capital NY Puppy Raising Region
Regional Puppy Instructor: Kate Gardner
Puppy Raiser: Katie Markey
Facebook: Capital NY Puppy Raisers
Frodo is the most lovable goofball. He loves water off all kinds, especially his ice cube treats. Frodo was a velcro dog in all the best ways, just wanting to be around people. Frodo loves people and loved meeting people everywhere we went and everyone we encountered loved him. I was able to bring Frodo to my job and he quickly won the hearts of everyone in my office. He became the unofficial “therapy” dog, offering tail wags, pets and kisses to brighten everyone’s day. Frodo is my first Guiding Eyes puppy and he amazed me daily with how fast he learned and what he could accomplish. I learned as much from him as he did from me, maybe more. He taught me patience, consistency and perseverance. ~ Katie Markey
