What a Guide Dog Means to Me

Linda and her guide dog Buster

The following article is from Linda, a recipient of a dog from Guide Dogs of the Desert.

Getting a guide dog has not only given me freedom and independence in getting where I need to go; it has also opened my spiritual eyes to the window of my soul.

I no longer use a cane to feel and probe my way through this world. Using others to get around isn’t a problem any more because guide dogs want to go everywhere their human does. All three of my guides have taken me places and given me experiences that I thought I would never have.

My first guide, Joe, taught me that I could walk through a department store independently. Somewhat embarrassed as I stood in the aisle with tears streaming down my face, I was overwhelmed with gratitude because for the first time in my life I was able to do just that without help from another person. Several people asked me if I was all right as I just stood there in the middle of that store aisle crying. I explained that I was fine, and that I was overcome with emotion and humility because as a person who is blind, my first dog had given me the freedom and independence I had always longed for.

Joe and I were together for ten years, and when he retired and went to live with the vet who took care of him all of that time, I thought the tears would never stop. Joe has since passed on.

Two weeks later however, I was blessed to meet my second guide, Lexus. Every weekend he accompanied me to school, and throughout the week we went to work, shopped, and carried on our everyday life tasks. Although he is retired, thankfully he still lives with us. I know that soon however, he will go to meet Joe and I’m sure that they’ll have lots to talk about.

My current guide, Buster, accompanies me to work, meetings, and other everyday events. He brings so much joy, laughter, and fun into my life while faithfully carrying on his work.

I am extremely aware that I wouldn’t have had the honor of knowing each dog without wonderful people who have sacrificed their love, time, and money to raise these puppies, and for the donors who believe in what guide dog schools do. I wish I could thank each and everyone personally.

Perhaps they have given because they themselves know of someone who is blind or maybe they understand a little of how important it is to maintain independence and dignity. No one ever asks to lose their vision, but it is the journey that some of us must take while on this earth.

I want to thank PETCO and Natural Balance for sponsoring National Guide Dog month. My deepest gratitude goes out to you.

Thank you from a grateful guide dog user, and others just like me who believe in the miracle of independence through the use of a guide dog.

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Click here to donate money to national guide dog schools.