Mark and guide dog Spike
Spike, a yellow Labrador, rests his head on the foot of his handler, Mark.
“I’m a happy person,” says Mark Alexander. “I’m not blind—I just can’t see!” Mark’s positive outlook helps him overcome hardships, including the loss of one eye from a BB gun as a boy, and the loss of the other from a violent blow by a disgruntled former employee. Despite obstacles, this entrepreneur has enjoyed a lifetime of adventures including as a professional golfer; an owner of a horse farm, construction company, and other businesses; and as a ski equipment outfitter.
Mark came to Southeastern Guide Dogs for his fourth guide—his first from our school—and is happily paired with a lovable yellow Labrador named Spike. Spike’s adventures will now include fishing on Mark’s boat, nicknamed by his wife Karin as their “cottage on the lake” in New York, and making new friends at the Ocala RV park where the couple spends winters. Spike will enjoy getting to know Abel, Mark’s retired guide.
In light of Mark’s experiences with three previous guides, he wants to share how impressed he is with our school, particularly the friendliness and professionalism of our staff and the quality of our dogs.
Mark works his guide dog Spike at a street corner with a Southeastern Guide Dogs trainer.
