My Eleanor proves dogs aren’t only clever, they’re exceptional!
I was surprised to read that scientists have concluded dogs are not as clever as we think, and at some tasks are outperformed by goats, pigs, horses and pigeons. as a guide dog owner, I can say from first-hand experience that they are exceptional. Their ability to form relationships with humans, their emotional intelligence in understanding us and our behaviour, is second to none. The bond I share with my guide dog, Eleanor, is complex and profound, and we understand each other in a very real way. she is everything, from my diligent guide, keeping me safe, to my wacky best friend. I was born with a condition called retinopathy of prematurity, which means I now have no sight in my left eye and tunnel vision in my right eye. I struggle to see at night, and things most people would spot from 60 metres away I probably wouldn’t see until I was about four or five metres from the object. I wasn’t sure about having a guide dog at first because it can be a symbol of a disability and I didn’t want to feel different. But I got my first guide dog in 2007 and it was a game-changer. Eleanor, my second, enables me to do the things I want to in life. she makes everything less stressful because I know when I’m out and about that I can trust her to keep me safe so I can get on with other things. she’s very good at her job. There have been times when we’ve been walking and she’s stopped us and I’ve wondered why, and it’s because the pavement was blocked by roadworks that I would have crashed into, or cars have been coming out their driveways and I haven’t seen them. Eleanor is very calm, but can also be playful — and she sleep-talks, which is hilarious. she’s also great with my two young children. I couldn’t imagine having this special partnership with any other animal.
Joel Young, oxfordshire.