When I think back on all the wonderful years I’ve had with Carlo, there’s one moment that stands out, and it wouldn’t have been possible without kind supporters like you. It was the moment I walked on stage with Carlo to collect my degree at the end of university. At that moment, I felt all the puzzle pieces came together. I realised that no matter what challenges I would face, I could handle them with Carlo by my side!

But now, sadly, the time has come for Carlo to hang up his harness and enter retirement...

I don’t mind telling you, this is an emotional time. Carlo isn’t just my guide dog – he’s my friend, my companion and my left-hand man (I always joke about this as guide dogs are trained to walk on their owner's left-hand side). It’s so rare to see one of us without the other. And thinking about life without Carlo does make me think back on how much I struggled before he came into my life.

I’ve had a vision impairment from birth, but my eyesight deteriorated quite rapidly during my first year of university. I was trying to navigate a new campus and a new city with my cane, but it was so hard. University students don’t always look where they’re going and I was becoming a recluse - it got to the point where I wouldn’t leave my room except to go to lectures.

Then, thanks to support from someone like you, everything changed when I was matched with Carlo. It was such a special moment - when I walked with Carlo for the first time, I suddenly felt confident and free. I could hold my head up high instead of focusing on my cane and what was directly in front of me because I knew Carlo was safely guiding me. Carlo helped show me that my sight loss didn’t define me!

It’s because of all that Carlo has done for me, that I’m asking for your help. Your support could help train the next guide dog that goes on to fill the very big shoes (and harness) that Carlo will leave behind now that he has retired.

Thank you so much for all you do to support Guide Dogs, and partnerships like mine with Carlo!