ALL IS CALM, ALL IS BRIGHT
The things that really matter
Thanks to Iggy, my son has the independence he craves
‘My son’s greatest gift? Freedom!’
A dog is for life, not just for Christmas, and a very special four-legged gift has changed the lives of TRACY STONEMAN and her son for ever
The day my son Callum was born was both wonderful and devastating. When I remember it now, I feel the elation of holding this little bundle in my arms, and the pain of being told there was something wrong with his eyes. I asked the doctors ‘Will he have to wear glasses?’ It turned out he has Norrie disease, a rare genetic condition. I didn’t understand the possible outcomes, that he could have been blind, deaf and brain damaged. When we finally found out a few months later that he had the mildest form, which had left him blind, we felt fortunate.
Every milestone brought a rush of joy, but also more worry than we’d had with our first son, Daniel, who is four years older. Callum didn’t understand what being blind meant; he just adapted, using his hands, ears and sense of smell in the same way we’d use our eyes. He’s so determined, he wanted to do everything his brother did. One day I was in the kitchen when I heard a crash and a loud ‘Muuum!’ After finding Daniel jumping down the stairs, Callum had leapt from the middle step.
As Callum got older, it was heartbreaking to see him being left out of things. Now he’s 17 and has a lovely group of friends, but then he struggled to join in with normal teenage stuff. They would often meet in town for a coffee, and Callum would avoid going as they would have to guide him over the roads, which made him feel like a burden.
Then last year, he decided to apply for a guide dog. We’ve never had pets, but I wanted him to have the independence he craved. He arranged it all, sorting the application with Guide Dogs and going for interviews. Last January, Iggy came to our house for the first time. She is a two-year-old Labrador and the most gentle dog I had ever seen. She went straight to Callum, the bond between them was immediate and after a few visits we were told she was being placed with us. We didn’t realise at first that Iggy is a famous dog – her training was followed by the TV programme Blue Peter, which named her after the singer Iggy Pop.
Iggy can move Callum away from obstacles but she can’t navigate for him – guide dogs don’t come with a Satnav! He had to learn how to get around with a cane and memorise the routes he walked most often. He was absolutely determined to do it by himself, but I was terrified and just couldn’t let him go alone. I knew there were bins out and cars parked halfway up the kerb. The first time he tried it, I quietly followed him and Iggy. Callum told me later he knew I was there the whole time!
I’m so proud of the way Callum looks after Iggy. The two are best friends. I don’t have to worry about him now he’s with her, and he has so much more freedom. Before Iggy I would have to take him everywhere, which is mortifying for a teenager. Now he can travel to college with Iggy and meet his friends. There have been lots of firsts – like when Callum went to have his hair cut for the first time without me. He’s been so excited to go Christmas shopping without my help, as it meant he could choose our presents himself, with a bit of advice from his mates. It means so much to both of us.
We always have a big family Christmas. One of my favourite traditions is our long walk after lunch. It will be lovely to see Callum able to join in with the rest of us, walking independently. And we’re excited to have our first Christmas with Iggy – she is a complete joy and has changed all of our lives.