This month is National Guide Dog month. Although, I’m not too familiar with guide dogs for the visually impaired, I understand how much a service dog can affect someones life.
Over the years I have heard stories of Belle, The Great American Farm Dog, who was my grandfathers service dog. Although I never met her, it is amazing to hear how much she helped and impacted my grandfathers life. He never let his disability or “special ability” slow him down. And Belle became his right hand girl and you could say “Man’s Best Friend.” This incredible bond is one of independence, dependence, and ultimately love. My mom wrote a post in honor of Belle and my grandfather, I encourage you all to read. Here is the LINK.
This month, I’m partnering with Natural Balance (the maker of premium-quality pet food) and Guide Dogs for the Blind (a non-profit charitable organization that raises and trains exceptional guide dogs to serve the blind and visually impaired) to recognize the ‘Top Human-Canine Teams Who Make Us Believe.’
These nine teams are outstanding examples of the amazing partnerships possible between humans and canines. I was particularly inspired by Maile and her guide dog Jasmine, and I want to share their story with you:
Maile & Jasmine
Imagine, for a brief moment, that you’re in the prime of your life. You’re 23 years old and suddenly go blind overnight. For Maile George, this is not a fictional scenario—it’s what happened to her.
After losing her sight, Maile felt as if her life was shrinking. However, she met a woman who had a guide dog,who would become a role model and inspiration for her in living a fuller life.
Maile was introduced to her current canine companion, Jasmine, through Guide Dogs for the Blind.
“Jasmine is a superhero times three! Not only is she a wonderful companion—there’s no one in the world I’d want to spend all day everyday with except her. She also enables me to navigate any sidewalk in any city safely, gracefully, and confidently,” says Maile.
She adds, “I enjoy volunteer work, taking classes, and I’m 100% convinced that I’m as healthy as I am because it’s just so much fun to get out and meet people when you have an intelligent, gorgeous, healthy, friendly, well-behaved and, yes, perfect guide dog!”
