Help us match more dynamic duos like Ocean and her amazing guide dog Lester.
Ocean was born with optic nerve hypoplasia, resulting in low vision. As an adult her vision began deteriorating further, and she was told by her doctors that she would eventually lose all her sight. Ocean initially didn’t respond well to their suggestion of a guide dog.
“I was like, what do I need a guide dog for? I’ve been getting around fine. I don’t need a guide dog.”
Ocean didn’t like the idea of needing help. But she realised that a guide dog was just what she needed to retain her valued independence. She applied for a guide dog, and around three months later was matched with her first guide dog, J.J. Having J.J. changed Ocean’s life.
But people can sometimes wait over a year to be matched with a guide dog. People who are blind, deafblind or low vision depend on the generous support of people like you to help us train these vital superheroes.
Ocean is now 35, with two adorable daughters, and her second life-changing guide dog, Lester.
After J.J. retired, Ocean had a two-year gap without a guide dog.
“It was quite an adjustment,” she says. “I felt like I had lost a part of me, confidence-wise. For those two years I wouldn’t go to friend’s places, wouldn’t catch a bus or taxi – I wouldn’t even go for a walk around the block.”
Since Lester arrived, Ocean’s life has changed dramatically. He helps her with catching buses, and navigates Ocean safely around busy malls. Lester has stopped Ocean walking into lampposts, scooters and other obstacles, including overhanging trees. And with Lester’s help, Ocean can walk her eldest daughter Breeze to school every day.
“It makes me feel confident, independent and proud to be a mum; to be able to take my child to school,” says Ocean.
Ocean gained so much confidence and independence with the help of a guide dog. But Blind Low Vision NZ and people who are blind, deafblind and low vision completely rely on donations from generous people like you, and each guide dog puppy can cost around $50,000 to train.
Want to help more Kiwis like Ocean? Donate today
Your gift helps us to train more guide dog puppies, and bring independence, freedom and confidence to so many people’s lives. Thank you.
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