‘I am a bigger person because of her’
Mary Leigh lost confidence and independence when she was first diagnosed with a genetically inherited illness, retinitis pigmentosa, which leads to sight loss. But since being partnered with her guide dog Chelsea, she now feels safe in any situation.
‘I was a trained nurse who was used to a hectic life, so being diagnosed with my condition in 1990 came as a terrible shock. Because of my sight loss, I was told I could no longer drive and I found my world became a lot smaller.
I had to change my job, moving to a position based closer to home. Life became increasingly stressful and I worried because I couldn’t see in the dark – for years I used to walk with a golf umbrella carried rolled up in front of me to help me avoid obstacles.
By 2005, I had been registered blind and could no longer work at all. Then I got my first guide dog in 2006 and everything began to change. We were a hit from the word go. Now I have Chelsea, my third dog, who is amazing.
Guide Dogs UK ensured that I was matched with a dog that has a similar personality to me and very much tailored to my situation. Like me, Chelsea is sociable, and likes going out to places and meeting new people!
There is nowhere I can’t go with her – she’s come with me to swimming pools, where she’ll sit patiently watching me from the poolside, restaurants and even on planes. I also ride at least three times a week and go to yoga classes with Chelsea.
Having a guide dog in my life is very empowering and she gives me the confidence to get about independently. Chelsea has defined me, rather than the other way around. I am a bigger person because of her. Now I never feel alone.’