Guide dogs for the blind change lives by providing new vision for their owners. How can a relationship with God give us new vision?
A Alvey and her guide dog, Larry. Photo courtesy of Guiding Eyes.
By Karen O’Connor:
James (“Jimmy”) Leach in a recent issue of Guidelines (Fall, 2012), the newsletter for the organization Guiding Eyes for the Blind, said he knows a lot about horses since he raises Tennessee Walking Horses in his home state of Kentucky. But since spending time at Guiding Eyes, he now knows a lot about dog guides too.
“My cane had no brain,” he said. But when referring to his new guide dog and others like it, he was quick to assert, “These are some of the smartest dogs I’ve ever been around. And the people at Guiding Eyes really care about the students and dogs.” They are trained to be the eyes of the blind and those with limited vision.
No wonder people like Jimmy are finding God in guide dogs. These loyal animals provide protection, security, affection, and vision. This reminds me of a verse in the bible that says:
For we live by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7). The blind must have faith in their dogs for earthly vision. But for each one of us––whether we are able to see or not––only God can give us through his teachings in the bible, the vision and grace we need to live a full and satisfying life. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path (Psalm 119:105).
If you’ve ever considered raising a puppy to be a guide dog, think about Jimmy Leach or my nephew, Corbbmac whose dog Phoenix was a constant and trustworthy companion and guide for many years. Finding God in guide dogs is another way the Lord makes himself known to those who look to him for a new vision for life.
For more information, click here: Guiding Eyes for the Blind.
Also enjoy this informative and inspiring YouTube video, to hear the testimony of people who are raising puppies for Guiding Eyes for the Blind.
©Karen O’Connor. Karen is an author, writing mentor, and frequent contributor to the Finding God Daily blog. Visit Karen on the web at www.karenoconnor.com, on Facebook or follow on Twitter: @karenoconnor
What an inspirational and helpful article byKaren O’Connor article about guide dogs for the blind! I hope it motivates more people to raise puppies to be trained as service dogs. I have taken our daughter’s trained service dog, a Westie, to visit several people with needs. It was beautiful to see their responses.