Thread: Guide Dogs for kids...

My beautiful daughter has just had her final assesment with Guide Dogs for the Blind and is now on a waiting list for a 'match'.

I feel so proud of her, her maturity in speaking to various different people about the condition she has, her belief that a Guide Dog will make her life safer and the poise and dignity she has had throughout the whole process.

I am also heartbroken that at 14 she has had to make this decision.

My baby girl, all grown up and FAR more mature than her Dad!!

Congratulations!! Its a real shame as you say that she's only 14 but hopefully her dog will allow her some of the freedoms that all teenagers need to grow, (and give you and Mrs Gs some peace of mind) Good luck to her!

I'm now sponsoring my second guide dog puppy through their training and I'm forever impressed with what these small balls of fluff turn in to. The very best of luck with finding the right dog!

You have every reason to be proud of her. I hope she finds her buddy soon. Have just had my 5th qualify so now have another new bundle to sponsor. The new one is a choccie lab :-)


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Its awful she's had to go through this and especially being so young! I hope she gets her companion soon

How do I go about sponsoring a guide dog through training?

Sponsor a Puppy with Guide Dogs | See how cute puppies become guide dogs! There you go Liz.

And thanks for the comments ladies, I know that it's going to be good for her. Independance and all that... Plus it'll be nice to have two dogs maulting fur all over my house!

I know nothing about these things so didn't comment before but I would like to wish you and your daughter well G_S and hope that she finds her match soon.

As you can imagine, I now have a strong interest in all things Guide Dogs. My sister sent me the letter below that a woman wrote to her Guide Dog... I struggled not weep like a baby!

Dear Samson,

I know that you're never going to understand this, and that you'd far more appreciate a dentistix, a tummy tickle or a run in the park. You'll get all that anyway, but I NEED to write this.

Before you, my life was getting darker and darker, and my world was getting smaller and smaller. It took me a long time to accept the condition I have and to realise that I needed something to make life easier and safer.

Before you, I would rarely go out, I'd go to work and come home and turn down 99% of invites because it was more stressful and sometimes more dangerous than staying in.

Before you, I was sinking into a dark * *depression, where I could not see it ever getting better.

Before you, I'd fall over, walk into walls, bump into people and constantly be covered in bruises, grazes and bumps.

Before you, my confidence, self belief and happiness were at rock bottom.

Before you, despite having loving friends and family I felt desperately lonely and scared. No one can prepare you for the terrifying knowledge that one day you might be completely blind and deaf.

Before you, I could see no meaningful future.

Then you came crashing and bouncing through my front door and life... I remember the moment when I first realised I could trust you, that you'd got my back and that your sole aim in life was to ensure I was safe. That was the beginning of the light coming back into my life, and the world throwing itself wide open again. The relief and emotions that came with that hit me like a ton of bricks, and instantly after, I felt freer than I had in years.

You have given me back my confidence, my self belief, my happiness and my independence.

You have lifted me out of a bottomless pit of despair.

Since you've been with me I've only had one fall when out, but that was on a steep hill covered with ice, so can't really blame you for that!!

You have guided me out of harms way, and you have guided me back into life.

I love how you cheer me up when I'm feeling a bit down. I love how I can trust you and that you trust me. I love the obvious joy you have when we go for a free run. I love the fact that you are an absolute tart for a tummy tickle. I love your very naughty streak when you decide you want to be naughty. I love the way you're thrilled to me when I come down in the morning, your whole body wags, not just your tail!!

I love that you have given me back my life, *my pride and dignity.

You are my gentle brute, my daft brush and sensitive soul.

You are more than 'just' my guide dog. You are my mate, my saviour and dare I say it... My hero.

Thank you Samson!

Love and tickles,

Rach xxx

Thats lovely G_S, hows the search for your daughter going?

As yet, nothing. We have been warned though that it could take as long as two years to get a match. They have to find one that is able to cope and adapt to a very fast changing life at her young age... Exams, sixth form, university, work, partying etc etc

Ah yes the joys of being a teenager

I keep my fingers crossed for her and that she finds her buddy soon. My newest squirt is doing well - won't be long before she goes into school.
Oh, and it's pretty dusty in here tonight!!
I'd urge anybody to sponsor a pup. It's hugely rewarding.


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Damn it G_S I need to do the housework now. It is really dusty in here this morning.

Will keep my fingerscrossed for a speedier match than two years for your daughter.

get stuffed!

Just had news that my latest has passed away as she had some rare lurgy. Am now the proud sponser of a black lab who has just gone in to full time training.


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