My Nonprofit Reviews

I must give thanks to South Eastern Guide Dog (SEGD) for the opportunity they gave me to a second chance in life. Glaucoma has taken my right eye and slowly taken control over my left one. I had become depressed from worrying about losing my independence and having to wait on others to assist with guiding my every step. I went through classes for the blind to learn how to cope with this uncurable disease that has robbed me of my vision and previous lifestyle. In those classes, I learned that SEGD could give me some of my independence back. I became hopeful.

About a month ago, I arrived at the SEGD facility to be matched and trained how to take care of my guide dog. I was excited, yet very nervous. I had plenty of dogs in my lifetime, but this one would be different. This dog won’t be a family pet. This dog will be so much more. Suddenly, I felt like a bat trying to find its way in the early morning light. With having vision and hearing problems, I expected “Murphy’s Law” to set in during my 3 weeks training, but things turned out to be quite different.

One the contrary of my thinking, SEGD actually changed my life. The minute I walked through the doors, I was greeted by the friendly staff. Every staff member and trainer I met throughout my visit made me feel very welcome. They were excited I was there. The trainers were well experienced and extremely patience with my group as we learned skills and techniques to direct our dogs and keep our dogs and each of us safe. The trainers love for the dogs and what they do each day was epic. During our training, we traveled to many locations day and night to learn how to survive safely with our new pair of eyes. My group consisted of people that were legally blind (like myself) to totally blind. However, our trainers never complained or became frustrated or gave up on any of us. My group worked hard to adjust to this new lifestyle as we wanted independence. Our dogs were well trained and ready for work the first day. It was love at first sight for me and my peers with our new partners (dogs). The facility ensures our partners are well groomed, healthy, and ready for work. The stay at the facility was unbelievable. I was thrilled that my room had everything I needed and everything my partner needed. The building is fully equipped for people like me to navigate throughout easily. I was in awe of how well everything was ready to help people with my condition move around freely. During my visit, I bonded with the staff, my peers, and my new partner.... she’s amazingly beautiful. I highly recommend this experience and opportunity to anyone looking to get or regain their independence due to the loss of vision. I feel safe with my new partner guiding me. I can tell she feels safe with me too. I must also give thanks to the many donors for making this program available for me and others. -Edward Jordan Jr