Unstoppable – A Guide Dog user’s perspective

3 Lisa and Clyde 2014By Lisa Batist

I used to think of myself as a real go-getter until I got Clyde, my Guide Dog. Now I am really a real go-getter! Never did I dream that on March 15, 2010 my life would be forever changed.  The joy, the unconditional love, the independence and the joyous one-on-one times I share with my boy could never have been given to me by any other.

I believe one of the true defining moments for Clyde and I was a situation where we were walking down a busy downtown street and a stranger followed us for a few blocks.  He finally stopped and talked to me.  He said, “Wow, when you walk together you both walk proudly and with such confidence.  You look straight ahead.  Your head is up and so is your dog’s!”   The reason this was such a defining moment for me relates back to my training with Clyde.  During training, I had a hard time looking up and forward.  I had to learn to trust Clyde enough so that I could walk looking straight ahead.  Not as easy as you all think!   But when a stranger complimented me that day, I realized that Clyde and I were there.  We are a team and a team that cannot be surpassed!

I could not have been matched more perfectly than I am with Clyde! I could never repay Guide Dogs of Texas for what they have given me. I will be eternally indebted to them for the unconditional love, independence and happiness that Clyde has brought to me and my family.

To help support more clients like Lisa who need a Guide Dog please consider donating to our non profit Guide Dogs of Texas.

Guide Dogs of Texas logoWhy Support Guide Dogs of Texas?
Guide Dogs of Texas is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that is supported strictly by the generosity of foundations, corporations and individuals. Our mission is to provide quality guide dogs to Texans who are visually impaired to increase their freedom, mobility and independence. We receive no funding from local, state or national government or insurance claims.

The cost to breed, raise, train and match a dog with a client is approximately $50,000 but we charge our clients only $1. Your gift will help us fulfill our mission while providing you with the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping an individual gain their freedom, mobility and independence.

Thank you for considering a gift to Guide Dogs of Texas. We are a qualified not-for-profit organization (Tax ID # 74-2530268) and all donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law. Guide Dogs of Texas receives no government funding or insurance payments and survives solely from donations. Your donation will greatly support our mission of providing quality guide dogs to visually impaired Texans.

https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=253