If you are curious about the work involved in tandem with a guide dog, I would ask that you take a seat. I wish to explain my story—the lessons I’ve learned, the passions I’ve pursued, and the hurdles I’ve had to overcome. It’s quite intimate, and while no story is identical, I hope it connects with you in some fashion.
Where It All Began
Baldwin, my first guide dog, entered my life in 2014. I freely admit that the transition from a cane to an animal guiding me to a new form of mobility was very terrifying. A cane is predictable; it helps you find and negotiate obstacles. But a dog? That requires a whole new level of trust. What I discovered, however, was nothing life-changing.
With Baldwin, I was not just detecting obstacles; I was, all too often, without consideration of what lay in the way, evading them completely. Miracles were commonplace for me. I would thank him after every single outing, utterly oblivious as to whether he had just saved my life. Of course, he couldn’t say anything. But deep down, I knew.
A World of Experiences
Baldwin and I experienced great excursions together. We visited 13 different countries where we dealt with new airports, restaurants, museums, and churches. Legally, guide dogs are allowed complete access to public areas, but it’s not that easy in practice. In some places, I encountered resistance. Restaurant owners often asked why we were there, and some Uber drivers refused to pick us up.
Things were somewhat better in the United States. Out of 1,000 Uber rides I have taken, I was denied a ride on five occasions. While I admit those moments are frustrating, they were exceptions, not the rule. Personally, Baldwin and I used to go to restaurants or visit new places, and I’m grateful for that.
Raising a Family with Baldwin
When Baldwin entered my life, I had two very little daughters, aged 5 and 3. I wasn’t aware that he would help raise them. In my life before Baldwin, there were so many instances when my children and I struggled to manage everything together, but now I have full independence; I am able to help my daughters when they need me fully.
He wasn’t just my guide; he was my teammate, my support system, and a quiet hero in our family.
The Unofficial Educator
One thing I didn’t anticipate was the role of educator I’d have to take on. In all honesty, people are quite inquisitive when it comes to guide dogs. They ask questions—lots of them. Sometimes, those questions come in at the most inconvenient of times, such as when you have just landed after an 11-hour flight, and all you are thinking of is needing to take your dog to a relief area.
So, I learned to find a decent middle ground. As a guide dog handler, you cannot ignore people’s curiosity. You become a type of ambassador, helping people appreciate what these astonishing dogs do. It is not always easy, but whether you like it or not, it is needed – and it pays off.
The Challenges of International Travel
As much as my work with Baldwin was satisfying, the disadvantages that came with international travel began piling up. To put it more vividly, to take a flight, I needed to download a PDF, print it, fill it out, and sign it all beforehand, which was terrifying. This is what it is like when you are blind and do not have any sighted help.
Additionally, paperwork related to Baldwin was expensive and also very unpredictable. For example, I once tried to get documents sent overnight, but for some reason, they got there way too late for me. There were specific vaccinations that needed to be administered 10 days before traveling, so making last-minute trips was next to impossible.
One journey to Europe translated to expenses of over $400 for paperwork alone. I even had to leave Baldwin behind a few times because the logistics didn’t come together. For a guide dog handler, this is not just annoying but heart-wrenching.
Why I Won’t Get Another Guide Dog
After Baldwin’s retirement in 2023 when he was nearing 11 years, I reached the tough choice of not obtaining another guide dog. My children are much older, and I no longer have to look after anyone other than myself. But the most important reason? The system is too complex.
The combination of higher fees, fuller documentation requirements, and altered conditions has made matters more complicated than ever before while traveling with a guide dog. It is unjust and, to some degree, dangerous to expect someone who has depended on a dog for a number of years to suddenly get adjusted to using a cane.
Would I Do It All Over Again?
Without a doubt. Collaborating with Baldwin is among the most significant choices I have made. He provided me with independence, self-worth, and company in ways I had never thought of.
Would I move on to recommending to someone else obtaining a guide dog? Indeed, the advantages for someone living most of their day-to-day life in the U.S. surpass the difficulties.
Conclusion
Guide dogs are not just animals. They are companions, defenders, and friends. Baldwin has positively impacted my life in ways I will sincerely treasure. Although I have opted not to get another guide dog, I will remain thankful for the years we had and the wisdom he imparted to me.
To anyone thinking of obtaining a guide dog, this is what I have to say: have faith in the process. Trust the dog. This is a journey worth taking.
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