To mark International Guide Dogs Day, we chatted to Molly. Molly volunteers at Disability Together, and shares her life with her wonderful, (and a little bit cheeky!) guide dog Clover.
Molly helps with a range of projects at Disability Together. She is registered blind and has had her guide dog, Clover, since 2019.
Here she shares her experience of having a guide dog, the difference Clover makes in her day-to-day life, and also tips on what not to do when you meet someone with a guide dog!Â
Life with a guide dog
Before I had Clover, I used a white cane. It helped, but I often found obstacles by bumping into them, which could be frustrating.
With Clover, it’s much smoother and I can just keep going. She helps me move around things like stalls and boxes, so I feel a lot more confident getting around.
Before Clover, I couldn’t go into Exeter High Street on my own while I was at college. I found it really hard to find shop entrances and often had to trail along buildings and work around things left outside.
Now, Clover helps me find entrances and it means I can get around much more independently.
About Clover, my guide dog
Clover is an 8 year old yellow Labrador. She’s really well behaved, but she also loves being the centre of attention and can get a bit jealous! She’s obsessed with loud, squeaky toys, especially her favourite rabbit.
She plays such an important role in my life. She’s everything to me, I’d be lost without her.
I actually used to feel quite nervous around dogs, but that changed once I was matched with Clover. She’s my best friend.
How guide dogs work
People sometimes think guide dogs are doing all the thinking, but that’s not how it works. I’ve even had someone try to give directions straight to Clover! Holding out a map to her and ignoring me!
We work as a partnership. I give Clover instructions, and she follows them.
So, for example, she wont cross a road unless I tell her to.
She helps me navigate and avoid obstacles, but she is not the one making decisions for me.Â
I really want people to know It’s important not to distract a working guide dog – please don’t touch my dog!
Clover might look friendly, but when she’s in harness she’s working. If she gets distracted, it can break her concentration and that can be dangerous for both of us.
Thank you to Molly for sharing her story
We are grateful to Molly for taking the time to share her experience with us and introducing us to Clover.Â
Her story highlights the difference guide dogs can make, and how important it is for people to understand how to support those who rely on them.
You can read more about International Guide Dog Day or visit Guide Dogs UK for more information about Guide Dogs.
If you’d like to join us as a volunteer like Molly, please check out our volunteer vacancy pages.Â
