Humans with CNIB Guide Dogs: Taylor & Wallace

“I believe that everything happens for a reason. Because of the pandemic, my wait time was almost two years before I was finally matched with Wallace in July 2021. These two years were filled with anticipation and worry, as Wallace would be my first guide dog. I wasn’t sure if it was ever going to work out – or if a guide dog would actually help me because I am partially sighted. Little did I know, this would be the greatest gift of all! When I finally met Wallace, I was ecstatic. He immediately became my best friend. I later found out that around the same time I had applied to the guide dog program, Wallace was added to the program, so the whole two years I was waiting, Wallace was being trained. In a way, it was kind of like we were meant to be together. Wallace definitely has a personality all of his own. He is a big goofball, especially when it comes to his toys. When he wants you to play, he’ll stand about five feet away, stamp his big front paws on the floor and throw his toy at your feet. Wallace is also very vocal and stubborn when he plays and expresses his thoughts with his sassy attitude. I can’t help but laugh in these situations – he is so funny. Wallace has forever changed my life. Before him, I used my cane to get around and I would constantly have to focus and try to figure out how far things were so that I didn’t trip or run into things or people. By the end of each day, I would be mentally exhausted. Now with Wallace, I can enjoy being out and about, and all I have to do is trust him. Wallace has not only increased my independence from guiding me around hazards, but I also feel safe when I am with him. He is my best friend, and I don’t know what I would do without him.” – Taylor