A blind woman says she feels 'left behind' since her guide dog was forced to retire but is determined to not let her wait for a new companion slow her down.
Louise Jenkins from Henllan will run the 13 mile London Landmarks half marathon this Sunday to raise money for Guide Dogs Cymru.
Her daughter, Michelle, will run with her as a guide.
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Six months ago, Louise’s beloved guide dog Trinity had to retire suddenly with a bad back.
The loss was devastating to Louise. and as guide dog training was put on hold during the pandemic, Louise is still without one six months on.
She said, “For me, life without a guide dog is horrendous in every single way. I have to use a long cane to get out now, and it’s a struggle. I feel left behind in so many ways.”
Louise, who manages the Camfan mental health drop-in centre in Lampeter, has found her confidence zapped in everyday activities most people would take for granted.
She has not been on a bus since losing Trinity, and reverted to a treadmill instead of running in public.
Louise told TeamDogs : “Your independence slips away, and you realise you’ve been avoiding people.
The situation has impacted Louise’s mental health, too.
As a result she says she sometimes feels as low as when she first lost her sight, if not worse because she now knows what life is like with a guide dog.
Guide dog training has now resumed in Wales, although it could still be some time before Louise is matched with the right dog.
“You don’t simply order another guide dog in the post.”
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As for Trinity, she has remained with Louise, who says she has gone into “old-girl” mode, lying around and enjoying the fuss.
If you would like to help Guide Dogs Cymru to provide more guide dogs for people like Louise, donate here .
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