Blindfold Walks

Part of the Guide Dog U inductions was the opportunity to have a Blindfold Walk.  I jumped at the chance to understand what it feels like to be blind/vision impaired and how the Guide Dog is trained to lead a blind person safely on their route.

I put completely blackened glasses on and took the handle of the Guide Dog, Cash.

The trainer walked with me and explained what was happening and how to hold the handle in my hand and relax my arm. It wasn't easy to not be able to see anything and just move forward - trusting that the dog (and trainer) would keep me walking on the straight and narrow.

As I was walking I know I kept leaning and pulling Cash to the right. Now that I look at the pictures I realize why - I was trying to walk straight, but the path was NOT straight. Cash was doing the right thing by following the path. But I now realize I wasn't following him and allowing him to take the lead. I needed to learn to trust Cash.

 After what seemed like a LONG (and unnerving) walk, Cash just - stopped!

As a "blind person", it was MY responsibility to figure out why he stopped.

I was then instructed to feel the pavement with my foot and/or sweep the air.

Sure enough, with my foot I found we were at the curb and we had stopped before we crossed the street into traffic.

Just as I had taught Bucky - to stop and sit at street corners!

Then to turn around and go back I said "RIGHT ABOUT" - and around we went.

Just like I had taught Bucky to do!

The walk back to our starting point was much easier, because I knew Cash had got me there safe and sound, and I felt more confident he could get me back safe and sound.

Plus I wanted to get back and take off those black glasses!

The walk gave me insight and helped me understood and put together why we taught some of the commands that we had. Now I was using them on my Blindfold Walk.


At the end of my short walk, I was thrilled to be able to take the glasses off and see again - a luxury that a blind or vision impaired person does not have. But with faith in their Guide Dog, a vision impaired person can trust that they will get to their destination safely.

That is why we Puppy Raised Bucky.

And that is why John and I are so proud of Bucky and his future career - wherever it will lead him.