Lessons from a guide dog owner
Just over two years ago, Dezzie and I qualified as a partnership. During that time I’ve experienced independence like never before. I’ve been able to leave the house, see friends and travel with less reliance on others. But what have I learnt during this time?
Slow progress is still progress
When I first got Dezzie, I thought things would change overnight. While they did on so many levels, it wasn’t what I expected. I couldn’t instantly travel wherever I wanted, and be free in any city. Yet I could go to the local shop by myself, meet a friend for coffee and take Dezzie to the park after work. That was more than enough.
One thing I didn’t anticipate was my worry around doing these things. I now had all the tools, I could go out and do all the things I wanted. But when it’s something you’ve rarely experienced, it’s nerve-wracking. I’d sit on trains by myself wondering if it ‘was allowed’, it felt like I was doing something wrong.
Thankfully most of this fear and worry has gone. We’re able to experience the world on our own and enjoy that.
While you need to take things slow during the first year, our second year has meant more new experiences:
- overnight trips by ourselves
- exploring new cities independently
- traveling to new locations
Read more: 6 months of having a guide dog
You will experience discrimination
I had anticipated access refusals, but I hadn’t anticipated how rubbish they’d make me feel. To put it in the most basic form, a guide dog is a mobility aid. As far as the law is concerned, it’s no different to using a wheelchair or walking stick. There are only a small number of public places that a guide dog is not allowed: a medical operating theatre and an intensive care ward.
Yet I continue to be refused entry to the most basic places: shops, restaurants and taxis. It doesn’t matter how many times it happens, I feel the same. Embarrassed. Like I don’t belong here. Most of the time, I’m allowed in eventually. But the damage is done.
Since getting Dezzie, I regularly have to explain my rights. It’s exhausting having to constantly explain and justify yourself. But without Dezzie, I’d have struggled to get to some those places to begin with. The positives definitely outweigh the negatives, but it’s a shame guide dog owners are still having to fight for basic access.
Read more: The emotional adjustment of getting a guide dog
The joy of the mundane
Don’t take anything for granted. I understand I won’t have Dezzie forever, and who knows how long I’ll have to wait for my second guide dog. I appreciate we’re still in the early days of our partnership, but I believe it’s something that’s always at the back of a guide dog owners mind.
Even going to the supermarket is a Chloe and Dezzie adventure. The spontaneity is so freeing and makes being disabled that little bit easier.
I can take myself to that yoga class and nip into that shop. I can meet work colleagues for a drink after work and then find my way home. All because of Dezzie.
Read more: My experience of going to a yoga class
A guide dog does more than guiding
You learn so much about your guide dog. You learn their personality. He has a favourite toy and a certain expression means you’ve disturbed their nap. You might argue this is the same for most dogs, and I’d agree with you.
Dezzie is an incredible guide dog. He’s excited and happy to work. He’s a loving soul and loves affection. His memory for directions and places is next level. If we’ve been their once, he’ll remember it for life! No more secret coffee shop trips when Dezzie will slow down when you get to a familiar door.
But he’s also my best friend.
It’s me and him against the world and I love that. Despite having pet dogs my whole life, the bond we have does not compare. I know when he’s not feeling his best, and he knows when I’m struggling.
When you have a guide dog, you really do get more than you think. The price, a life full of dog fur and sad puppy eyes if you have to go out in the rain.
As a finish this blog post, he’s curled up in his bed fast asleep, probably dreaming of all the future adventures we have to come. Who am I kidding, it’ll be a dream about squeaky toys and tennis balls.
Here’s to many more years Dezzie!
~ Chloe x
