The inner thoughts of an independent blind girl

The pronouncement of #IdaTheGuider in my life has exploded the interactions I have with inquisitive and well meaning people on a daily basis. As an educator and disability activist I (on most occasion) am more than happy to indulge the curiosity of the public and set them straight on a few things but sometimes a girl’s just gotta go to work and when you’re going to be educating all day, I just want to take those fleeting moments on my commute to be uninterrupted.

I have been directly asked these questions or overheard these comments during my 3 year partnership with Ida, and on the very rare occasion I’m in a sassy mood (don’t look at me like that Grant), this is how I reply to those conversations in my head.
If you’re not easily offended then read on because I have a few.

“How does your dog know what bus to get, can she read the numbers?”
Picture the scene:
“Ida, what bus number is it?”
Hearing her name, her head whips up towards my face, looking quizzically, tail wagging furiously.
Silence.

Although it would be truly fantastic if dogs had the ability to read, they cannot do so. I, as a blind person have to check with a member of the public or the bus driver what bus number has just pulled up.

“Oh look, it’s a blind dog!”
Ahh now wouldn’t that be a sight to see, a visually impaired person being dragged along the street by a dog who cannot see either.

“”Are you in training?”
“No, she’s my guide dog.”
“Wow, that’s amazing, you don’t look blind!””

Please share with me curious member of the public, what exactly does a blind person look like?
The perceived stereotype of a greasy haired, middled aged, man adorning a rainmac and black sunglasses, is not what any of us actually look like.

“How do you pick up your dogs poo?

With a lot of wild hand gestures and a few obscenities thrown in for good measure. Each dog is typically trained to do their business and stand still once they are finished, this allows the owner to point their foot in the direction of the dogs’ behind, and if necessary trail their hand down the dogs back leg to locate the poo and pick it up.

“So is she a dog when she’s at home?”

Sometimes she likes to dress up in princess clothes and pretend she is a fairy.
But yes, when at home, all working dogs are just pets. They will play, sniff, scratch, run around and sleep until the harness comes back out.

““Excuse me, Could you tell me where X is?”
“Sure,”” bends down to speak to the dog, pointing. “It’s just over there.”

Both Ida and I look from the person to one another in utter bewilderment and confusion.
You know dogs don’t talk, right?
It’s safe to say that the person asking you for direction is also the one requiring your instruction.

““Mummy, why is there a doggy on the bus?”

“Because it is a special dog. It helps the lady see.””

Teaching a young child that the dog helps us get around from A to B safely is far more accurate than saying they help us see.

“You’re so lucky being able to take your dog everywhere. I wish I could!”

Thanks Margret, please feel free to take my disability and open it with welcoming arms.
My loyal, hardworking and cheeky dog is a blessing amidst the daily grind and angst of living with sight loss. She is a beautiful and kind companion that makes my life easier, but she is my eyes, and right now she really needs to concentrate. If you took your dog to work it would run riot and most likely poo and pee everywhere… So if you fancy getting reprimanded at work then please be my guest.

“Can I say hello?”

To me or my guide dog?
When out in public we will be working. As it says on her white harness: Scrolled in big black writing “I am a working dog, please do not distract me.”
This should be giving you a very clear indication that it is not appropriate to come up and say hello to her.

”I know I shouldn’t but…” *person automatically puts their hand out to stroke Ida*
Well Janet, the fact that you KNOW. You shouldn’t touch or distract my guide dog whilst she is in harness is quite frankly infuriating! Oh wait one moment. Sorry Janet? You don’t think me thrusting my hand into your bag and keeping eye contact the entire time is justifiable? Am I overstepping boundaries and interfering with your personal space. Sorry, I’ll just remove my hand ever so slowly, swiping your lipstick as I do…

I genuinely cannot comprehend that grown adults who I’m assuming can see and read, are completely aware of what they are doing and yet don’t think it’s inappropriate?
I would guess that you being able to see and all would quickly suggest that my dog wagging like crazy and almost taking me off my feet, would be an indication that you’re getting her excited, thus utterly distracted, in which case anything could potentially happen.

The dreaded kissing noises – you know the one that everyone makes to dogs? I brace myself for Ida’s excitement. “No, leave it, good girl.”
When Mr kissyface has realised I’m restricting her from saying hello. “Oh don’t worry, it’s OK, I love dogs!”

*Slow claps* thank you Dave for sharing that pointless piece of information with me, not only do I NOT care that you love dogs but this one is MINE and she just happens to be working. So would you kindly fuck off and let me get on with my day?

No matter how bizarre the situations or conversations may be, I love interacting and educating the public. But most importantly I’m grateful for the kindness of strangers. without whom i’d be on a bus to timbucktu.

Are you a guide dog or assistance dog owner? Do you get these questions and comments? Leave me yours below, I’d love to hear them.