My pet dog Millie
has been a big part of my life for the last 10 years. She was
instrumental in getting me back on my feet when I was really down, after the
first eye surgery in 2008 when I was convinced that I would never leave the
house again.
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With Millie getting older and having increasing health problems, I decided to ask to adopt a retired or withdrawn
guide dog. I
was persuaded to take a working guide dog.
In September last
year, I heard from Guide Dogs about a possible match. We had to be sure
that Colin and I would get along, Millie and Colin get along and that he is ok
around my grandchildren. We passed with flying colours and so Colin came
to live with me on 15th October.
Colin is very
bright and has a brilliant memory. We go to a place once and he knows the
way the next time, even if it is weeks or months later. He loves to work,
his tail is always wagging.
Guide dogs are
trained to stop at every kerb or step down; it is then my job to say when to
cross the road. Since I often miss kerbs or steps down, it is wonderful
that he stops each time for me. When Colin is not in his harness, he is
just like a pet dog, a much loved family member.
On 19 January, we
had a big adventure as we went to Leeds/Bradford Airport, where Jet2 put a
plane ready with engines running for us to experience boarding. Colin managed
beautifully, laid down and went to sleep inside the plane. We didn't take
off though, what a pity!
Colin was 2 years
old on 23 January and is expected to work until around 9 - 10 years before
retiring. I am hoping for a long and good partnership with Colin as my guide
dog.
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