WHAT MY GUIDE FROM GUIDE DOGS OF AMERICA MEANS TO ME IS ALMOST INDESCRIBABLE IN WORDS.

I lost my sight overnight without any warning at the age of 49. I had a great job as an Administrative Assistant on an Army Helicopter Airfield typing about 70 words per minute. I left work one evening and woke up the next morning virtually blind. The following year was a rollercoaster with little to no sight through numerous surgeries. I have approximately 15% sight remaining in one eye on the best of days, in the best of lighting.

Before losing my sight, I had worked as a GDA volunteer for about 10 years organizing fundraising events. I had never seen a guide team in person but I believed in Guide Dogs of America and their great cause. I never thought I would be the one to receive a guide dog from such a great organization.

I am now honored to have been given what I feel is the ultimate “Gift of Sight” through the 4 paws of a guide from GDA. My very life is in the harness and eyes of my guide and my guide’s life is in my left hand. We both recognize this and are a working team in harmony, taking on life’s obstacle course, fully reliant on each other. My guide is my extension to the world, my safety and my companion.

My guide and I continue to be volunteers for GDA, but in a much different role. We show everyone we meet that you can be independent and mobile with a guide dog. We are a living example of where sponsorships, donations and volunteering of time goes.

Thank you GDA Family!

Teresa Blevins