Blind Courage: Reflections of a Guide Dog Instructor in England, Australia, and New Zealand

59 This publication is a collection of brief experiential and ‘remarkably honest’ stories of the author’s life and ‘antics’ as a guide dog instructor over 48.5 years. The book is written with a clarity enabling the reader to visualise each situation. The author shares with the reader many experiences as a guide dog instructor whilst observing trainees with vision impairment completing their exercises. There is also a selection of coloured and black and white photographs of the training centres, groups of trainees, guide dogs, and the author which enhance the stories. The sections include: Preface: The misconception the public has of the guide dog and the explanation of the significant role the handler plays in the success of the team. Section 1. In search of passion: The influences which led the author to apply for a guide dog instructor cadetship in 1959. Section 2. In the beginning: Challenges of early training experiences at the training centre, Exeter, Devon, UK. Section 3. Film star: The author’s role in a promotional guide dog/trainer movie and some of the antics that ensued. Section 4. Reflex: Some unorthodox guiding. Section 5. Unique: Guide dog “Shandy” the boxer stole a bun while working. Section 6. Foresight: Outsmarting a police dog. Section 7. Temptation: A dog returning a biscuit to its mistress (an unlikely story?) Section 8. Cruel to be kind: A person giving guide dog “Jess” chocolate that contributed to her death. Section 9. Lost: A class of new guide users working in heavy fog. Section 10. And found: A guide dog sensing danger ‘saves’ the handler. Section 11. Fantasy: A chance meeting with the actress Susannah York. Section 12. Miracles: The explanation of guide dog client training techniques as well as a scenario describing the negative effect of a person with congenital blindness regaining sight. Section 13. Role-play: The experience of a continual two-week blindfold test and its impact on the public and author’s family. Blind Courage: Reflections of a Guide Dog Instructor in England, Australia, and New Zealand