In “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”, Marilyn Monroe sang about diamonds being a girl’s best friend, but Scooby-Doo, Snowy and Greyfriars Bobby are my inspirations.

For almost two decades, I have been a proud guide dog owner (GDO) and I can tell you my canine companions have more than earned their place as women’s best friend.

An offer I couldn’t refuse

This is Alfie, or Don Alfione, as he was affectionately known to many, the handsome big fella who made me an offer I couldn’t refuse in April 2005.

He was the definition of nonchalance. Fiercely loyal and tuned to my moods, he worked a room like a professional, was immovably stubborn and was a habitual thief.

During nine incredible years, we called three cities and one town home, completed a degree, started professional life together and embarked on the charm offensive that saw my two-legged love join our family.

The overgrown puppy I still can’t refuse

Meet Felix, the eternal puppy with those big soulful eyes, who stole my heart in 2014.

He is a lover, not a fighter, a timorous beastie, cheeky chappy, nosiness personified, eager to please and also a habitual thief.

Before his retirement, we also stepped out together for nine years, navigating self-employment, two job changes, a Covid pandemic and my favourite whisky distilleries.

Life begins with Guide Dogs

It may sound like an overused cliché but the impact of having guide dogs in my life has been transformational.

The level of independence I enjoyed immediately after qualifying with Alfie is what always comes to mind first. It literally has to be experienced to be believed.

My dogs and I have become a familiar sight, whizzing around our local community, hopping on the train to Glasgow and even mastering Heriot-Watt’s sprawling campus.

This is thanks largely to no longer needing to worry about ever-changing environments, and unforeseen events, i.e. temporary road works or street furniture.

The dogs are trained to navigate around obstacles, and once you trust each other’s movements, you don’t even know there’s anything in your path most of the time.

Going places quickly or spontaneously is also a huge part of that independence. I still love feeling that sense of freedom when I say yes to a cheeky unplanned Thursday night curry.

Of course, there are limitations to working in unfamiliar surroundings, but having a dog and a helping hand from your friends means those invitations aren’t always off the table.

The confidence I’ve gained from having my dogs is also inestimable. I am much more inclined to try new hobbies, tennis and archery most recently, not allowing myself to get bogged down in doubts.

Knowing I’m not alone when I walk into a strange place or group of people makes a world of difference.

In my experience, the dogs also help break down social barriers. For one thing, people are more aware of my access needs; neither is there any ambiguity about my eye condition.

The lads, handsome chaps that they are, have also instigated many a conversation with people on the street.

Funnily enough, the awkwardness around disability seems to fade when met with an over-enthusiastic paw and furiously wagging tail.

Finally, my boys could rival the very best of Doctor Who’s companions. At the end of the working day, they are my big pals and love a cuddle in front of the telly.

The side the public never sees

Contrary to public perception, guide dog partnerships are not without their challenges. Namely, the success of said pairing depends just as much on the work we humans put in as the dogs.

It’s on us to ensure our canine buddies have the loving, healthy and safe environment they need to thrive.

GDO’s are highly trained before they are given access to a dog, in grooming, spotting signs of ill health, learning routes and much more.

I would be a rich woman if I had a pound for every time someone’s asked me: “Do you just say Post Office and the dog knows where to go?”

Another intensely challenging side to these partnerships is transitioning between dogs.

I was totally unprepared for how unsettling the first months of my working relationship with Felix would be.

Being a different breed of dog (Golden Retriever cross German Shepherd to Alfie’s full Golden Retriever), meant new characteristics to get used to.

He is also much shyer and less confident in nature, so needs to be supported in different ways.

Add newly approved guide dog training methods into the mix and I felt like a rookie GDO again.

The ultimate challenge, and one that some GDO’s never come back from, is the trauma of your dog’s passing.

It happened very suddenly with Alfie because he contracted Leukaemia, leaving our family heartbroken.

I experienced a barrage of emotions: from guilt over making the decision to let him go, to the pain of finding his familiar things, to eventually confronting the question of applying for a new dog.

You might be wondering, why such a fuss?

Imagine, just for a few seconds, putting your complete trust and faith in one of these amazing dogs.

You spend 24/7 together, and you know each other inside out, so this goes way beyond losing a dearly loved pet.

Never work with children and animals

There are not enough hankies to finish this blog on such a sad note, so I thought I’d leave you with some of my best memories of two decades of dogs.

For instance, I still cringe when I think of Alfie presenting guide dog trainer Gavin with a pair of my knickers (clean, I hasten to add!). I had only met the man days before and could have done without sharing such intimate knowledge.

This was to set the tone however and the blushes rush up from my knees again when I remember the time the golden one swiped a sandwich from Scotland footballing legend Sir Kenny Dalglish.

King Kenny said he’d never seen anything move with such speed in a long while and offered to sign him up on the spot.

Not to be left out, Felix has shown a prodigious talent for collecting everything from a woman’s ice cream to other dogs and even children’s toys. 

What most makes me smile about him, however, is his knack for pulling a crowd.

Attending the final live episode of Still Game, he appeared on the crowd cam, complete with big glasses and a comedy beard, and was given a loud standing ovation.

Ditto at the TRNSMT music festival in 2019. Felix held court at the centre of an ever-growing crowd, being offered everything from pizza to a new home. We were left powerless against the “awwwww” factor.

Pride Partnerships

Over the years Alfie, and Felix in his stead, have not only played the role of confidante, comforter, and conscience, they have supported me to live my best life both personally and professionally.

For my part, I have been mum, enabling them to do what they did best.

Together we have created life-changing partnerships that shine brighter than any of the Diamonds on Marilyn’s iconic pink gown and I couldn’t be prouder.

Read more about the partnerships Guide Dogs (The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association) create.