Nine years ago in August 2015 my life was changed immeasurably when I was matched with my gorgeous, intelligent, fun and faithful Guide Dog, Geordie. He changed my life again in May this year when he was diagnosed with cancer and died 42 days later on 25 June. To try and explain the heartbreak and loss is impossible. Anyone who has had a pet and lost them will understand that bond; anyone who has had an assistance dog will understand the double heartache of losing your best friend and the one thing that allows you to be independent and have the confidence to just be 'you'.

I was diagnosed with the hereditary eye condition Retinitis Pigmentosa in 1990, but was still able to drive and stay independent until being registered severely sight impaired/blind in 2009. I still had some useful vision and continued to work, although life was getting harder to navigate independently. After attending a Guide Dogs open day in Forfar in early 2015 it was suggested I apply for a Guide Dog, which I did, and that's how Geordie became part of my life. Once we completed our training and I was officially partnered with him I realised just how much I had relied on my family and luck to navigate getting to and from work, shop and do the things people with normal vision take for granted. Suddenly I didn't have to scan everywhere to make sure I didn't trip over, I could go out by myself (with my family having the peace of mind knowing Geordie was there by my side). He gave me back my confidence. He gave me back 'me'.

Geordie retired from guiding me in March 2023. He was getting slightly arthritic and it was time for him to slow down and enjoy life. By that time I was confident using my long white cane (something that before having him I wouldn't use, or dreaded using) and a few years ago I had become a speaker for the Guide Dogs charity - raising awareness of just how much of a difference a Guide Dog can make to someone like me. After he retired Geordie became an Ambassador Dog for the charity and he would accompany me to talks, school visits, Rotary clubs talks and various fundraising events. He loved wearing his Ambassador Dog jacket and being out meeting and greeting people.

Outwith his various Guide Dog roles, he met a lot of people and touched a lot of lives in so many ways.

Because of the huge impact Geordie had on my life, my family's life, and others I have decided to raise at least £2,500 in his memory to name a Guide Dog puppy after him. That way there will be another life changing Geordie helping someone in the same amazing way my Geordie helped me.

Thank you so much for reading my story and thank you in advance for your kind donation. Every pound will make a huge difference.

Love

Helen x