My guide dog and I

I’ve had my guide dog for a couple of months now and getting him was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Jet is a wonderful black labrador, two years old at the end of next month. Not only is he good at his job, enjoying his work, he also has a lovely temperament, is very social and is absolutely no trouble whatsoever. He fits into my life perfectly. This is testament to the brilliant work by the guide dogs Association, their trainers and their puppy walkers.

Guide dogs is a wonderful organisation. The dedication, training, advice and help that the charity gives is superb and can't be faulted.

The process started with a visit from a member of the team who came to my home to discuss whether getting a dog would be right for me. We talked about my condition, my lifestyle and how the guide dog might benefit my life. Once the decision was taken that a dog would be good for me, it was arranged that I would have some test walks to see what kind of dog would suit.

The first walk was around my local area within member of the team holding a harness, no dog involved. This was test my mobility, how I got around with my white cane, speed etc. This was followed a few weeks later with another walk, this time with the kind of dog they thought would suit me. All the time I was being assessed so they can actually with a suitable dog.

Then I was put on the waiting list. As I had not specified the type, breed or sex of dog the process of finding the right dog from me would probably be quicker. Some people are quite particular about the kind of dog they want. The charity has a set of criteria so people are matched to the right dog. People have different needs, such as how much exercise the dog will need, it's size overspeed it walks for example.

Once they found an animal that they thought was right for me it was time for my training. Training can take place residentially at a number of hotels around the country or within the home. As I am quite active and used to dogs, my training was from home. So for three weeks Jet moved in and everyday we went out with a trainer learning all the commands, techniques and everything I needed to know about working with a guide dog. A health visitor also came to see me to talk about the care and welfare for jet.

Once been given a lot of information and qualifying, I was handed over the reins and for a nominal fee of 50p, Jet became mine. The backup support by the organisation is brilliant, any problems I have with jet, they are only at the end of the phone. Regular visits to see how he is getting along mean he will always be in good condition. As well as his training, vets bills and after-care, they even offered to pay for his food, which I declined as they had done so much already.

Guide dog ownership is wonderful. It has made so much difference getting around. It has helped my confidence moving around in a visual world with sight loss. As well as a working dog he's also become a great buddy. He's got a great temperament, he so well-behaved (most of the time!) And makes me laugh every day. Guide dogs answer everybody but personally it's been fantastic.

If you would like more information on guide dogs like to donate please visit this link:

http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/?gclid=COH_gtvN_68CFWwntAodJzWIEA