Having guide dogs has been “a lifeline”

Our Sense Ambassador, Jaina Mistry, 41, from Leicester, lost her sight in her late teens and says the support she’s had from her three guide dogs has been “a lifeline”.

Growing up, Jaina had a fear of dogs and never imagined she’d be a dog owner one day. As a teenager, she was chased by a dog, and that fear and anxiety stuck with her during her early adulthood.

When she lost her eyesight, it took Jaina about a decade before she felt ready to apply for a guide dog. She’d spent time meeting friends with guide dogs, and could see they were calm, friendly and relaxed.

All of Jaina’s dogs have been placed with her through the charity Guide Dogs. Her current dog is called Dave; he’s two-and-a-half-years old and a black Labrador Retriever. She’s been with Dave for nine months, after the pair hit it off on their first meeting. Jaina spoke to us …

Laura

My first dog was called Laura, and I was nervous to meet her at first. But as soon as Laura walked into my life, I could sense how calm and kind she was. I spent some time with her, and she stayed overnight in my home.

She placed her head on my lap, and any fear I was holding onto immediately disappeared. It was as though she could sense my nerves and knew exactly how to respond.

I was matched with Laura when I turned 28, and we were together for ten and a half years, working together for eight and a half of those, and then two years in retirement.

Laura retired aged 11 and was later re-homed with actor Martin Clunes and family.

Kath

My second dog was Kath. We were partnered in 2023, but sadly were only together for 20 months, as I lost her very suddenly and unexpectedly when she was three years old.

This was a real trauma to deal with – I lost my best friend and my independence at the same time. But Guide Dogs were very supportive and understanding of my situation.

As with any new partnership, there can be teething problems when you’re matched with a new dog.  The dogs have been through a lot of training, but you still need time to bond with them, build trust, and for them to get used to your home and local area. It’s very much team work, and the training involves learning how to communicate, and work with your dog using positive reinforcement. Over several weeks, we learn how to read harness tension, give commands, navigate obstacles, and care for the dog while building confidence.

Sometimes, when you’re learning new routes together around your area, you can end up getting lost. There have been occasions when I have been learning a new route with her, and she’s ended up in the wrong place or even on someone’s driveway by accident.

But it’s all a learning experience. Over time, the dog gets used to your area, and you learn to get used to the dog. The dog also needs time to settle into your home. I live with family, so all my dogs have had to get used to them and their routines as well, so that can take time.

Dave

I now live happily with my third dog, Dave. Within two months together, Dave had learnt all of the routes I needed support with – about ten in total. These include going to the gym, which involves catching a bus, getting to the supermarket, and getting to the vet.

I also established some new, longer routes with Dave. For example, I wanted to learn the route to Loughborough, which involves travelling by train. Guide Dogs sent us a mobility instructor who worked with Dave and me to practice the route. Now, Dave knows how to find the train station, how to get on and where to get off.

Having a guide dog gives me the freedom and independence I used to have when I was sighted. Before getting a dog, the last time I’d caught a bus was when I was 17 – I didn’t do that again for over 10 years because I didn’t have the confidence.

But the benefits go beyond this. I love having Dave’s companionship at home – it means I never feel alone. He’s supported my wellbeing, built my confidence, and helped me reconnect with my community.

Having a dog helps you engage with people. People want to ask about Dave, and for other dog owners out on the street, walking with a dog provides an instant common interest and point of connection.

People are friendlier and approach you for a chat, and I really noticed a shift in how people engaged with me when I first got Laura. I’ve built a network of friends around being a dog owner, and that’s been life-changing.

The Guide Dogs process

With Guide Dogs, there’s a thorough assessment and process to finding a match, and the charity takes a lot of things into consideration, including your walking pace and lifestyle.

Various meet-ups are arranged, including monitored walks and home visits. The entire process can take a while depending on each persons individual nneeds and when a suitable match can be found.

All of my dogs have brought something new and fun to my life, as they all have different personalities and quirks.

Laura used to snore loudly in the corner when I worked as a holistic therapist, which would always make me and my clients laugh. Kath was more cheeky and would often gather apples from outside and store them in the house. I thought my mum was picking the apples from the tree, but Kath was the real culprit! Dave has a penchant for nabbing tea towels and socks. He has a mischievous personality and loves to turn everything into a fun game!

As a guide dog owner for almost 14 years, I’ve thankfully had very few negative experiences, although I know some disabled people do face challenges because of people’s attitudes towards their guide dogs.

I do remember one time going into a parcel shop and being told pets weren’t allowed. But once I explained how my dog supports me, the staff were much more understanding and helpful. Often, it really comes down to a lack of awareness and information.

To anyone thinking of getting a guide dog

Having a guide dog is truly life-changing, and I didn’t fully realise that until I was paired with Laura. Any anxiety or fear you may have around dogs soon disappears, and you realise they’re a lifeline. My guide dogs help me feel like a part of society again.

Of course, having a dog of any kind comes with huge responsibility, but that’s totally outweighed by the freedom they give you. My dog helps me get to where I need to be, bypassing obstacles so I get to places a lot quicker, and there’s the huge benefit to your social life too.

Dogs give you a sense of purpose, and if you’re having a down day, the dog is always there to lift you.