Graduate Team: Willie and Bono
About the Team: Bono, a male black Lab; Willie’s 1st guide dog
Location: Clearfield, Utah
Training: May 2026 On-Campus
Willie received his first guide dog, Bono, a male black Labrador and running guide. Willie has albinism, a rare genetic condition characterized by reduced melanin – the pigment responsible for coloring the skin, hair, and eyes – which has resulted in limited vision. As an adult, he was also diagnosed with glaucoma and now has no central vision. At age 19, Willie became involved in the Randolph-Sheppard Business Enterprise Program for the Blind. Randolph-Sheppard Act, which provides employment and self-support opportunities for people who are blind. It gives them priority in operating vending facilities, including cafeterias, snack bars, and automatic vending machines, on federal property. In 2008, he earned his chef certificate from the Art Institute and went on to own and operate 13 Randolph-Sheppard businesses before launching his current venture. Today, Willie owns and manages the labor contract that provides meals for U.S. troops at Hill Air Force Base. Supporting the men and women who serve and protect our country is a tremendous honor for Willie and fulfills a lifelong desire to serve. At 17, Willie dreamed of joining the Armed Forces, but because of his low vision, that path was not possible. Willie appreciates the work that went into Bono’s journey, having raised guide dog puppies with his wife, an experience he is quite proud of. Willie wants people to know that blind people can raise puppies from start to finish, just like their sighted peers, and believes the dogs they raised benefited by being raised by a blind couple. He and his wife have a son together, and they both also have children from their first marriages. Willie is grateful for the support of his wife Marnie and son Westry, saying he could not have done this without them.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Bono is a lot like me, goofy and serious. I have ADHD. He was so good from the very first time in a harness. He is such a sweet boy. Bono is very cool, especially when an obstacle, like a curb, presents itself. I’m told he can give a knowing glance if I’m in jeopardy or doing something wrong. He’s very expressive like that.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “The CEO of Guiding Eyes at the time gave a presentation at a conference I was attending. He is blind and an avid runner. It was important for me to be part of a Running Guide program, as I currently run 3 ½ miles a day.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “I used a cane for 21 years before getting Bono. I didn’t realize how much my pace had slowed when I used a cane. Having a guide dog has given me so much more confidence. I have always had an appreciation for guide dogs and the bond that you established with them. I’ve seen it with my wife and thought that I understood it. However, it really hit home when I picked up the harness handle and felt him guide me for the first time. It is definitely a bond and a moment that you don’t understand until you experience it.”
Were there any training highlights? “Yes, I was so impressed with how quickly Bono recognized patterns, like where the elevator was, where the lockers were, and such. Having the support from the trainers was so important. On one occasion, we took the train into Manhattan and the subway. My time at Guiding Eyes was so special. They went above and beyond, as did all of the volunteers and support staff. I would like to recognize Sarah and David, the volunteers who helped with trivia and getting us impressions of our dogs’ paws. There was also yoga, and puppy massage instructions. Being away from home for an extended period of time is never easy, and they all made it feel like home away from home.”
DOB: 12/16/2023
Litter ID: 3B423
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Jacklyn
Stud: Soldier
Littermates: Blizzard, Bobbi, Bubbles, Jozo
Region: Northern CT
Regional Puppy Instructor: Maureen Hollis
Puppy Raiser: Ed & Michele Hass
Facebook: Northern CT Puppy Raisers
