Kia ora readers!

Yes, I know it’s been a long time since I’ve updated this blog.

When we last met, it was my journalism blog focusing on disability and Te Reo Maori.

It’s a new year, actually a little over a month into 2019, I’m a newly minted journalist, and I’m revamping this blog.

It will be a mix of journalistic writing, personal reflection and ramblings, and anything else I choose to waffle about.

But for the next few weeks, I invite you to follow along as I train with my new Seeing Eye dog.

As a guide dog handler for over 20 years, I field countless questions on a daily basis about blindness and life with a guide dog.

My purpose in these series of posts are to debunk the myths of working with a guide dog and share the magic partnering with an intelligent, kind, sometimes naughty, imperfect being can bring to one’s life.

You will learn about the physical and emotional toll of class training and share the victories and setbacks as I learn to bond and work with a new guide.

I will not be alone on this journey.

Classes can have up to 24 students.

Some will be new handlers while others, like myself, are training with successor dogs.

For privacy reasons, identifying information on fellow students, trainers, and dogs will be omitted unless express permission is given.

This is my story.

So, prepare to laugh, cry, and follow me while I follow the dog.

Comments and questions are welcome.