I recently gave a talk to a local group about sight loss and the work we do at Southampton Sight. The very first question I was asked was:
“Where’s your dog?”
Now, I do have a dog. Unfortunately, his chances of becoming a guide dog are… extremely slim. He suffers from what I can only describe as “park deafness”, can be a little unruly, and being a Jack Russell he’s also somewhat on the small side for the job. Wonderful companion? Absolutely. Professional guide? Not so much.
It’s a question that always intrigues me though, because guide dogs are incredible. They change lives and we absolutely love them. For the people who are able to have one, they can provide independence, confidence and a remarkable partnership. That’s a story worth telling in its own right.
But the reality is that most people living with sight loss don’t have a guide dog.
That’s where organisations like Southampton Sight are so important. We support people with sight loss whether they have a guide dog, a pet dog, or no dog at all. Our role is to help people navigate a world that is still largely designed around vision.
Through information and advice, help with benefits, emotional wellbeing support, and opportunities for social connection, we’re here to make sure people with sight loss in Southampton have the support they need to live well and stay connected.
Guide dogs are amazing. And the people living with sight loss who don’t have one deserve just as much support, advice and understanding.
That’s exactly what we’re here for.
Main image description: the photograph shows a small brown and white Jack Russell sat with his head cocked attentively. He is wearing a black collar and sitting in front of a wood block wall.
