Mark McLean & Impala

What a pleasure to meet Mark McLean from Raleigh, North Carolina. Impala is Mark's first dog from Guiding Eyes for the Blind. He learned about the school through his Mobility Instructor and then decided to come to GEB because of the Admissions Department’s quick, courteous and educated response to his initial inquiry. Mark lost his sight in 1999 as the result of a bout with pneumonia, which attacked his immune system, causing severe sight impairment. Mark has a very positive, down-to-earth, energetic and responsive personality; he loves people and looks for the "good" in them. He says that since and through his sight loss, he has met a lot of wonderful folks. Now 39, Mark is happily married and has two children, a 15-year-old daughter and 17-year old son. He works with the Lions for the Blind Clinic in Raleigh where he handles military supplies. A man of strong faith, Mark likes to listen to books on tape and spend time with his family (they've vacationed together in Florida, DisneyWorld, and in Myrtle Beach). He also loves sports. When I met with Mark, he and other members of the February class had just watched the Super Bowl. He was not too happy about the Eagles' loss. Mark described Impala as relaxed but always "at the ready" to go. He said that his family can't wait until he gets home with him. Mark expressed his earnest appreciation for GEB: the trainers and staff, the facilities, his class - everyone and everything. He said, “it is all inexpressibly wonderful. They are all there to help me!" He and Impala have already formed a close bond. At day's end Impala covers his new master with hugs and wet, sloppy kisses - Mark returns them in kind. They have developed a mutual trust and love for each other that extends through work and play. One cannot hope for more than that!