My whole reason for writing this blog is to raise awareness, share some of the crazy hiccups that occur along the way on my journey in a world of sight loss.
I enjoy campaigning about issues that I found myself affected by. So, way back in September I supported Guide Dogs on a campaign day collecting signatures for a petition to ‘The Big 5.’ For which I wrote a one off blog for guidedog.org.uk, which is linked below.
I am not a car driver (for obvious reasons) nor have I ever been a driver, so please bere with me here.
I have recently found myself taking a bus for a short route I was happy to walk in the past. Literally for just 2 stops.
Why? I hear you ask.
Simply because of ‘Kind’ drivers.
I attend a meeting every Thursday at a church hall, the road by the church is quite a major route, but a relitively easy road to cross, or rather it was until recently.
The place I cross is a good distance from the junction, the reason for this is so that I can hear the traffic on my road clearer without confusion from the road beside it.
Mizz Fizz takes me to the same spot on the curb and sits awaiting my instruction to go on.
When she sits, I take a step back with my right foot, which not only makes it easier for me to step forward when it is clear to do so, but also to enable road users to see Fizz.
As the traffic starts to slow for the junction I find that many drivers will stop early to allow me to cross.
I can hear that they have stopped.
I can’t see them waving at me, nor can I see it if they flash their headlights.
I stay put.
Without being on a designated crossing Fizz will not cross and nor will I allow her to.
The car engine sitting so close can be of real danger, it can distract from a car coming in the opposite direction, from a cyclist coming up the inside of the car. And even, as I have heard of, a car from overtaking those who were kind enough to stop.
If my hands are free I will wave my hand to move the car on, giving a thumbs up as they move. If not I will jerk my head to indicate they should move on. And mouth ‘Thank You’ as they go on their way.
Thank you to all the cars that stop, for all the acts of kindness, but please do not feel I or any other person with a guide dog or a long cane are being rude. We simply need to ensure we stay safe.
When I cross the road, it is for me to tell Fizz when it is safe to go, not for her to tell me.
So, why get the bus?
Because by getting the bus I can save myself over 15 minutes on average. The bus saves me from having to cross the road, as not only is it one car stopping, but several.
And each time a car stops it slows the traffic flow, meaning that in turn there are less ‘natural breaks’ in the traffic that are safe enough for us to cross safely.
So, next time you see someone waiting to cross the road, don’t feel you are being rude by continuing to drive. You are helping to keep both them and you safe.
Me and Mizz Fizz have some amazing journeys together, she is my independance, she is my world, just as Vicky was before her. And I will do all I can to protect her, as she protects me.
Several weeks ago on one of our walks we ‘only just’ missed the green man to cross the road. Not an issue though, it just meant we both knew we were in for a bit of a long wait. As the lights in question run in a sequence for the traffic as well as for pedestrians.
So, to save my arm and to help Fizz feel more comfortable I let her handled drop (not literally, a term to explain it sitting against her back). Several people came and stood awaiting the lights to change. A small group of college girls were amongst them. They politely asked if they could stoke the dog, I said they could, until I took hold of the harness.
They only quickly stroked her and then crossed the road, they crossed when there was a gap in the traffic, rather than waiting for the green man.
As they crossed they were laughing with each other. I thought nothing of it and less than a moment later, the lights changed and it was time for us to cross.
I picked up the harness and gave Fizz the command to go…… That’s when it happened.
Fizz took a step forward and I followed, but on the next step I lost the tension on the harness and found myself infront of Fizz while crossing the road.
I felt panicked, why wasn’t she walking? I focused down and that was when I found out.
We had been the subject of the girls joke. While stroking her, it appears that one of them had Unclipped her harness.
Which when I walked forward had moved off her.
Thankfully her lead was still attached and I still had control of her. I quickly moved us off of the road.
Once on the safety of the path, I checked her harness, no break, no damage. I clipped it back together and checked, it wasn’t loose, it didn’t even wiggle when I moved it. It was clear that it had been Unclipped.
Mizz Fizz and myself were safe, Fizz was no worse for her ordeal, but I was still quite shaken.
I couldn’t believe that someone would think of doing something like that, let alone ACTUALLY do it as a joke.
Thankfully they didn’t undo her lead too. I really don’t know or want to think about what could have happened.
Fizz has a lock button on her collar to stop it being Unclipped, since this incident I have made sure that not only is this locked, but that the catch on her collar sits on her neck underneath her mouth (so that it is harder to reach)
I find myself feeling nervous When groups are near us at crossings and will not allow anyone to stroke Fizz now.
Rule 1 of working with a guide dog: TRUST. So, when your faithful guide tries to turn you around because there is something blocking your path, you go with her, right? ……… WRONG!
In this instance a MoP explained that the cycle path had a puddle covering it, it wasn’t deep, (she had just walked through it) but to Mizz Fizz, this is an obstacle, so when she turned me around, I turned her back I wouldn’t allow her to turn me around again, she sat down and refused to move!
Arguing with your guide dog gets you no where (apparently) and they don’t understand sarcasm. (which is utter rubbish)
So, handle down and I took the lead, yes the ‘blind one’ was guiding the guide dog through the puddle …. I say guiding, is was more of a drag, resulting in her getting much wetter than if she had just walked though. With several laughs from passing cyclist who had stopped to watch the performance! Madam was clearly showing me her Stubborn Retriever side today.
The ridiculous thing is, had she not been in her work uniform (lead and harness). She would have had no issues running through said puddle. Probably even laying down to roll around and splash about.
(MoP is an abbrievieation for Member of the Public)
Today is one filled with mixed emotions, concerns and thoughts. Today, 18th January 2015 is the last working day for my guide dog Vicky. We have been working together as a qualified team since 18th November 2009, and it has been an amazing 5 years and 2 month.
I maybe should have warned you that this post will probably get soppy and definitely be emotion (for me at the very least). Anyone who has had a pet dog will tell you, a dog is more than ‘just a dog’ they are a companion, a confident and a loyal friend: Then add to that a dog that works for you, a guide dog (or other working dog) and the level of support, trust and love you feel for them increased even further.
Add to the mix, that Vicky is my FIRST guide dog and all of the changes she has allowed me to bring about, along with all of the changes I have had no control over that she has helped me to overcome, even when it felt like I was fading. And it has been an amazing time together.
Before she arrived I was highly dependant on family and friends, I found myself disappearing into myself after my eye condition was finally diagnosed in 2008, the thought of my sight going completely and leaving me blind, unable to watch my daughter grow up, marry, have children of her own, along with no longer being able to earn money to pay for the things she needed and wanted. The question of if my partner would be happy to stay with me, ultimately becoming my carer… All fears of my future.
Which were all quashed with the increasing bond between me and Vicky, with the feeling of independence that she gave me, the feeling of being safe, even on a tube in the middle of London. And as well as guiding me and making me feel safe, she listened, she loved and she showed no judgement.
She gave me so much more than what was on her job specification. She gave me back me, but not the me that was there before. She gave me a stronger, altered version of me. She can’t change how my eyes deteriorate but she has changed the way I think of the future.
She enabled me to feel safe while I carried my son in my belly, she enabled me to take my daughter to pre-school on my own. She allowed me to feel I could be more, do more and even helped me quash my fear of being in a relationship where the role of carer overtook the role of lover. She even gave me the strength (indirectly) to walk away when my relationship failed.
Now that both my children are now at school and my previous career has come to an end, my priorities have changed. My sight is such that I tire from using my eyes, using a computer, reading and concentrating cause pain and exhaustion. With eye strain a daily accurance, I know that I can reduce my stresses by making the changes I have, I no longer have to ‘waste’ my sight while walking in the street or taking the children to school, Vicky gets me there safely, regardless of a rough wheelie bin, dumped child’s bike or even a car parking on the pavement. I can prioritise my sight to sit reading with both my children after school, helping with homework and even cooking dinner (with the help of a few cheats, like pre-cut veg or meat)
If someone had said that having a guide dog would enable me to be a single parent and help my children with their homework I would have thought they were crazy, but that is what she has done.
She has enabled me to live, rather than just exist.
Vicky came into my life to guide me, she came to me as a mobility aid, just like a long cane. But a mobility aid with a brain. I can never ever repay her for everything else.
Vicky will have a forever home with me and the children, she will get to put her paws up and enjoy the peace and quiet, the lead walks where she can finally stop to smell who has wee’d on the gate post! Free-run more with the other dogs in the park… And generally get to be more dog.
My new guide dog, Fizz will replace Vicky as a guide dog, she will take on the role of being my leading lady, but she will never replace Vicky.
In fact, she has some rather big paws to fill. I still have plenty of room to grow, my eye sight will continue to deteriate and only time will tell how Fizz will help with all of these things.
Fizz is different to Vicky, not just in breed (although also black) she is a faster girl than Vicky now is, she has a bit of a cheeky personality and we both have a lot to learn about each other. We will do this, it will take time, but I am sure she will be a great addition to our home and my independance.
So watch this space for updates on our training journey and Tales from Vicky’s time as a retired pup.
Today is the day when Adrian Chiles, Joey Essex & many more British celebs get to meet with my gorgeous guiding girl Vicky Osborne. Tonight we join other wonderful guide dog partnerships, volunteers and staff to celebrate their achievements. In addition to the achievement that all 45,000 partnerships & 4,000 pups in training will have. To some, “they are just dogs” but to me and other GDO’s they are our independence, our guides, our eyes.
I for one as a VIP, would not even consider the train & tube journey to London today. But as a team, together, me & Vicky will fathom out Victoria station some how. And regardless of the results of tonight’s awards, she is my guiding girl, without whom I wouldn’t be half the gal I am today.
10.39
Warm, almost empty train… And off we go!!!
Whether it is a blind persons thing or any traveller. My bag has been checked, checked and checked again for travel cards, purse, headphones and phone….. Then the case, for dog food, bed, bowl and finally phone charger!
So, one final check for my travel card & off we go…… Eek !!!
12.45
I haven’t travelled to London Victoria train station since I was a very small child, it seems just as big and scary a place now as it did then. I have the time of the next tube to get me to Kings Cross, but as the tubes run every few minutes and I am in now hurry. I set Vicky out to “find coffee”. Where she weaves me through crowds and shoppers to Starbucks. Such a refreshing break and decent coffee to plan how and what to do next.
First order on the agenda, loo for me, grass for Vicky!
Then off to Victoria Underground we go.
With the help of the underground staff and a turned off escalator we made it to our tube and along to Kings Cross.
Vicky was in her element with the crowds, tourists not knowing where they were or where they were going, she guided like a dream.
If only she could read street signs and it would have been an easy trip from the underground to the hotel.
As I have said before, I rely on maps on my phone, 3G signal was good, head phones were in one ear and I was ready to go….. GPS however had other ideas.
London Kings Cross area is surrounded in its fair share of tall buildings. St Pancras International being one, The British Library, then there is the clock tower at Kings Cross, the office buildings, the hotels and the apartments.
It was at this point I discovered that high/tall buildings and GPS don’t mix!
But then, one thing you can be almost certain of in London is a police man or 3… All of whom were willing to walk me the 5 minutes to the hotel. They appeared most put out when I said directions would do! So a quick ruffle of Vicky’s head and off we went.
The directions were spot on, but the guide dog sense was even better…. The arrival of not 1 but 7 guide dog puppies as we were on the approach to the hotel symbolised that we were in the right place, and Miss Vicky’s wage to revert to her (never-forgotten) puppy years was growing by the second.
The hotel was simple, clean and absolutely perfect for a vip like me, no fuss, no frills and no silly unnecessarily placed furniture. We checked in, put the tele on promptly fell asleep !!
Eek….. Waking with just an hour to go before set off for the dinner, I laid out my clothes. Only to discover that I had not packed my tights….. Double eek.
So, on went the harness and off we rushed back down the road to Kings Cross to find a chemist, easy enough surely? Ummm Nope!!
We made it to the chemist, we located the assistant and got the tights. Then upon leaving, the reality of it hit me. The light was going down, I was in London, not entirely sure of which street I had to take for the hotel and I only had 45 minutes to get back, shower and change before te coach left.
This was where Vicky came into her own. She seems to know what I wanted and where it was. So with a great tension on the harness I let her lead the way, through the crowds rushing in and out of the tube station, patiently waiting for the beep of the crossing despite others rushing through the traffic built up. We were off and in less than 8 minutes we were back at the hotel.
Quickest shower, hair dry and dress I have ever performed.
Quick brush of Vicky….. And we were ready !!
The only bonus of this mad panic was that the nerves I had been feeling all day had gone, I didn’t have the time to remember them. Thank goodness!
5.25pm
The coach is heading through bright coloured streets, flashes of Christmas decorations, The London Eye (I overheard someone say behind me say). Then we were at the Hilton. THE HILTON. The Christmas tree in reception was huge, thinking colours and lights. Guests were wandering around. People crowded around people asking for photos and autographs, while I found myself amongst the crowd, feeling the loneliest I have felt in a very long time. Oh, so very very alone.
A member of the guide dog team came into me, introduced themselves and offered me their arm. I was guided to the lift, up several floors and into an area with a coat check. Coat checked in, then the arm was offers again and I was walked into a large ball room, handed a glass of fizz and introduced to people who’s names I didn’t recognise and faces I couldn’t see.
It was a whirlwind of introductions, explanations of why I was there, what type of dog Vicky was and warm wishes of ‘good luck’ before being walked through to the main event. The stage was set with bright white Christmas trees, the room had a blue ice illumination to it and the tables were set with far too much cutlery and a very heavy, thick white table cloth.
The feeling of loneliness and dread filled me again, I felt myself beginning to feel anxious and clammy. That was when I found a trustee for guide dogs by my side pouring me a glass of water and reassuring me that they were there to help, with anything I should need.
I welcomed the water, quenching a thirst I wasn’t even aware of and then he offered to pour me a wine, white or red? Or both? I said I would never be able to see the white, so best make it a red.
And the rest of the evening was a whirlwind of fundraising, silly entertainment, singers and then …. The awards.
The first award was for an individual or group that had supported guide dogs, I don’t remember the name of the award. Because it was the moment I realised that Vicky wasn’t the winner of her category.
How did I know you ask?
It was simple, the winner of the first award had a short video all about what they’d had done.
I hadn’t done any video recordings.
I was gutted, so very very gutted.
Every year Guide Dogs celebrate special partnerships with their annual awards. They ask people to nominate special partnerships in one of 2 categories, life changing and beyond the call of duty.
i was lucky to hear that my gorgeous girl had not only been nominates in the life changing catagory. But she was a finalist in the catagory and as such we have been invited to the annual gala dinner in December.
Which is now fast approaching…..
Earlier this week we had a small article, thought you might enjoy the read:
Although, she is much more than my ‘Merry Mutt’ !!
Watch this space … Rumour has it we have a radio interview to do !! EEK
