The First Day of Guide Dog Training!

[@MollyBurkeOfficial]

In Tuesday's video you'll get to see the matching process and meet the dogs I worked, including the pup I got! :) So stay tuned with the notification bell on and give this video a thumbs up if you're excited to see the puppies!

[@Scarletlight525]

CAN'T WAIT!!!

[@laurenschenck5355]

CAN’T WAIT!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@Nini-hd7pd]

I'm so exited and can't wait to see the pups 😍

[@vampirebottom]

Aw, man, Molly. You really are selling me on going to Mira for my next Service Dog. You don't have to do a whole video on it, but I (and I'm sure other prospective handlers) would love more information about applying for and committing to this program as a non-Canadian!

[@alookinsideablindlife5143]

Can’t wait I have notifications on

[@maliaprescott]

My service dog organization also doesn’t prematch. We’re actually matched with our dogs at between 1-1.5 years old, before they go into advanced training. The staff chooses 4-5 dogs they feel would be a good fit for each client, then we spend an afternoon meeting them and working with them. Once we decide on our dog (a mutual decision between client and staff), the dog then goes into 6-8 months of advanced training to learn the tasks and public access specific to the client’s needs. I really enjoyed the whole process, it’s a really comforting feeling to know for sure you got the right dog for you.

[@andreaclark9398]

What state or country are you in?

[@maliaprescott]

@@andreaclark9398 the program is located in North Carolina, USA

[@izmckenna]

What is your program called?

[@madisonoctober]

That matching at a younger age and then the continuation of training specific to your needs seems so smart. I bet that makes it feel even more special knowing they’re training to help your individual needs. Sounds like a great program

[@julierfstorie]

@@maliaprescott that's awesome to know , I also live in north Carolina (I'm sighted) I just love animals and love to follow along

[@meaghanmcarthy7850]

It broke my heart when Molly was talking about having to do “sighted behaviors” in front of sighted people. Excited to watch the rest of the video though.

[@ElizabethDohertyThomas]

It was a great phrase though. I felt a heart-sinking feeling but also a sense of connectedness. I am sighted but have many other health issues and if I find someone with them, it's like this entire universe opens up and I can truly, 100% be myself, with every complex emotion.

[@Raevynwing]

I would just tell her to not bother, if she was talking to me, I have Aspergers and eye contact is one of the things I have trouble with, when talking to people so I don't mind if someone I'm talking to doesn't look at me haha. I'd want her to feel comfortable and not stressed. Would never think less of someone because of a disability!

[@annalese135]

@@Raevynwing As far as I know, I don't have anything like that, but I also have trouble with eye contact. I can hold it for a few seconds, then I have to look away.

[@mwernli2886]

@@ElizabethDohertyThomas I know exactly what you mean. Same here.

[@bluebirdoz9055]

Having chronic pain and illnesses it really hit me when she said that. Obviously it's different to being blind, but feeling like you have to wear a mask and change your behaviour around people is exhausting.

[@taralynna8776]

As someone with adhd I totally understood what she was talking about when masking to making other people comfortable. I do the same thing all the time and it's exhausted. When I don't do this I'm often times told im being rude

[@_emilooo_]

I love that you’re taking us on this journey with you, I would know nothing about the blind community if it weren’t for you!

[@christinadcosta723]

Same!

[@morgans_reptilia_familia4294]

Opened the door to a lot of the disabled community for me too :)

[@make.upexperiments7269]

SAME. I didn’t even know you’re not supposed to touch/interact with working dogs before finding this channel! 😳🤦‍♀️

[@nerdygirl1984]

I agree!

[@nanathekatz]

Yep same!!

[@mangajapo]

So proud to be a Mira Foundation donor for years now!

[@shalacarter6658]

"I'm getting new eyes!" Aw, Molly! Wanna make my eyes cry? xoxoxo

[@sheilamoehlenbrock9599]

Awww…so excited for you…can’t wait to see which fur baby you get😊🙏💕

[@meahlittle551]

Loosing gallop is such a different kind of emotional grief and pain because you can still go see him and he’s still alive and well but he’s not with you 24/7, he’s not leading you anymore and it’s like you’re just loosing them youre loosing your everything. It’s the pain of seeing him knowing he’s still here but things are changing and moving and your better half is missing. and I will forever think you are one of the strongest people I have ever known of Molly ❤️ can’t wait to see your new friend and see all the new memories they make with you

[@mspears_bobobuddytheseniorcat]

“I’m going to have a strange fluffy man sleeping in my room.” 😹😹😹

[@petitepigeon3174]

Ah, yes, I can hear my people, the Québécois

[@amelied4281]

Omg même chose pour moi, j'allais dire exactement ça! C'est le fun de voir de la représentation du Québec et c'était vraiment touchant l'histoire de l'autre homme

[@isabelleblanchet3694]

C'est toujours le fun tomber sur du français québécois en ligne. Notre français est tellement différent.

[@PonderingStudent]

My deputy headteacher (vice principal) at secondary school was blind. She was a great teacher and a great human being. Having her in the position she was in taught a whole generation of kids not to underestimate a blind person or assume that they were less capable than anyone else. I'm really glad I knew her.

[@Scarletlight525]

I so recognize that feeling of "acting sighted" and overcompensating when around able-bodied people. I've literally gotten into an argument at work at one point because people just didn't get how bad my eyesight actually is, due to how good I am at hiding it, so people were saying I'm faking... Yeah, I wish! I also have my guide dog in training (owner-training with support from a pro trainer) with me at work, and people were saying I'm "using my disability to bring a pet to work"... Sighted people can be so clueless! (I should add a bit more detail: Where I live guide dogs are tax funded, but the criteria to get one are super tough. If you have any remaining sight, or if you have not been trained to depend on a cane even in known environemnts, you can't get a guide dog. What you can do is work with a trainer to test and license your own dog, which then gets the title "service dog for person with visual impairment")

[@MollyBurkeOfficial]

Glad to know I'm not alone! I'd love to hear more about your experience owner--training your guide!! :) What made you make that decision? Good luck!!

[@Scarletlight525]

@@MollyBurkeOfficial Ok cheesy story time: When I was 11 years old my family bought a Belgian Tervueren puppy. He was just a family dog, but a few years in I started noticing something interesting: He was always more attentive to me when we were say walking in the woods than he was with the rest of my family, and would spontaneously start helping me when I was struggling not to trip or to find the way. I'm legally blind, but extremely good at adapting to environments I know well so I never got much O&M training as a child. Having this experience with just a family dog made me wonder what a dog could actually do for me. I put a lot of research into getting a guide dog, but realized I couldn't get a tax funded one due to my circumstances... So I kept digging and found the system in place for other assistance dogs in this country, whre you have a couple of standardised tests and a list of trainers to choose from and make a contract with, after which the dog and handler get a license and get public access rights. I had to put this off for a few years due to moving around for work, but, ironically just before the pandemic hit, I had seriously started looking at getting a puppy and had reached out to a couple of trainers. I spoke to my work and worked out a deal to be able to bring my puppy to the office before s/he got licensed. In january of 2020 I was a bit bummed after having to just scrap a deal I had lined up for a puppy, when my dad messaged me saying he had found me a prospect. I got a Belgian Tervueren, like I wanted, and due to him suffering from cryptorchidism he could not be bred, so the breeders were looking for a good pet home for him... They were thrilled to find out I was lookiing for a service dog prospect. I've had to take it slow with my boy, especially due to him being a bit shy and the pandemic not exactly being ideal for socialization training, but we are about to pick up more regular training sessions with the trainer I'm working with, and I have done a ton of work by myself! My dog already helps me a lot due to just watching and figuring me out, like helping me get around obstacles, marking steps/edges, and picking up stuff I drop! I'm hopefull we will have our license by the end of 2022! (For any Instagram users who might be curious, just search for adventurerfenix on there and you should find us!)

[@samjaymc]

Yes! Totally relate to this. For me, "acting sighted" is almost like a coping mechanism.

[@meghanfowell7306]

I so relate to this as well! Growing up I didn't understand my disability and no one explained it to me. In school no one believed that I couldn't see well because of how I masked.

[@anainesgonzalez8868]

I am really sorry you have to go through all that every day. I wish I never make anyone feel that way. but I will be extra vigilant about it now

[@sofiaferrara2259]

Not me crying when Molly got her new harness. I cannot express how excited I am to see this process and the new pupper!

[@elizabethgeorge9989]

I can't wait to see your new adorable guide dog that's a beautiful harness, and I'm super excited for you and this new journey. The anticipation is high to see the new pup for sure🙏😍

[@AMyrhh17]

I was adopted, my name originally was going to be Aleena. But when my mom adopted me she decided to name me Angel. She said it was because "I was her Angel." She adopted me unexpectedly and she felt nervous, but felt blessed to have me. Its sweet and a little cheesy but I am very lucky. I could've grown up in the system or into a family who wouldn't have cared for me, and I was chosen by a very loving mother. I'm very thankful 💜 and I'm so happy this new guide dog also gets the opportunity to be adopted into a loving home

[@aprildawnsunshine4326]

That's a beautiful story, and a beautiful name 💖 as someone who also has a slightly unfortunate name I highly recommend taking a peak at the studies on the life outcomes of people with more unique names vs common ones. There's alot of great things about having a name most people don't have or hear alot, but there's a few situations where going by a variation or a middle name works to your advantage. Sucks but most parts of society do bc people are judgemental and stereotypes are easy for our brains to fall into. But if you want to do anything artistic having a unique name is hugely helpful. 💖

[@ashleydawn8423]

When u said "so I have a dog" at the end and I heard the dog sniffing, I literally teared up 🥲 so happy for you 🥰

[@JennaGetsCreative]

Me too!

[@cait7223]

When Molly talked about her breakout and then said "... well mostly everyone here is blind so.." I don't know why but it truly made me laugh out loud. She so wholesome, and warm/fuzzy/comforting and has a natural humor about her

[@julskovalchuk6097]

Omg, last 30 seconds were everything 😃 I want moree. We all see how Molly is exited and nervous so I wish you all the luck! You are brave and strong person who we admire 👍🏻

[@haven9013]

That akward sit was everything

[@emilylozano3465]

I got my dog from the Guide Dog Foundation in New York. Absolutely loved everything about the program. It would be interesting to try matching with your guide once you got to the school though! Our program was two weeks and this was pre Covid. They started making the classes sizes smaller so they could minimize the duration of the training program so that way you got more one on one time with your trainer because they assigned one trainer for two people. As for the food. It was amazing! The chef has been there for decades, everything is made fresh and no matter what your preferences or diet restrictions are they will accommodate

[@ctwith3]

That’s so great to hear! I’m going to be going to Guide Dog Foundation too.

[@yiling1231]

@@ctwith3 I am too!! I had my interview in may and they want to do a second final in person interview and a test walk with a dog when I get situated at college. I’m so excited!!

[@sviolet892]

I'm so happy you can take comfort in other people's stories and know you aren't alone in the struggles!

[@mycraycraylife9481]

I’m pretty sure guiding eyes in New York does not pre-match. That’s where I was planning to go pre-Covid… But I ended up at guy dogs for the blind in Oregon and I’m so glad that’s where I ended up. My guide Roger is the best gift I could have ever asked for. Molly, I can totally relate to you in feeling like you were nine months pregnant ready to pop out a guide dog. So many of my friends were tell me that they thought I was having a boy or a girl… I only had one friend who got it completely right now. She got the gender, the color and the first letter of his name right on. And she was only off by 3 pounds when guessing his weight. When I was in training we had to wait until the afternoon of our second day at the school before we got our dogs. It felt like the last 48 hours of waiting took longer than the previous 18 months of waiting that I had to do. But once they gave me Roger… All the waiting was worth it! I felt an immediate connection with him, even though there were struggles throughout the two weeks we spent working together… I right away felt like he was supposed to be mine. I hope that’s how you feel when you meet your guy dog… Sending all the positive love, thoughts and prayers your way! Love from Alaska!

[@mansiondionne]

Hey Molly! I went to the seeing Eye. It is a guide dog school located in New Jersey here in the US. In comparison, I love so many things of the Mira campus and I love things at The Seeing Eye campus. For one, my all time favorite thing that is not a guide dog is the starbucks like coffee machine they had in one of the lounges. It made everything from mochas to hot chocolate and cappuccino. We had our own room and our own bathroom with an Alexa device in every room. Our chef is amazing. And instead of a park we have something called a leisure path. We do not practice recall out there; just walk around. I love that Mira does recall practice in an open area. Each of our rooms had a crate for the dog. We got bowls, grooming supplies, dog towels and the vault of food for them. We arrive on a Monday and receive our pups on Wednesday. The Seeing Eye prematches, so in comparison, I love that Mira does not for all the reasons you said in the last video. It cuts down on returned guides in my mind, you are working together as a team, you, your guide and the trainers. I am now on my second guide. I have never seen the Seeing Eye kennels, but I’ve heard the dogs barking at 4 AM. Everyone shares the area to take the dogs to the bathroom. Our command for the dogs to go to the bathroom is Park. So their park place is also on pavement. Easier to clean up and as you said, a lot of people in the city do not have access to grass. If you are a guide dog handler you know, we can talk about them, the schools and our experiences all day! If anyone has any questions please let me know and I’ll answer them as best as I can!

[@jasminequiett706]

You took the words right out of my mouth with your comments on TSE and differences from Mira. I actually didn’t have a confirmed match when I got my seeing eye dog from TSE, they had about 5 they wanted to try me with. After day one and doing the Juno walk with my trainer, he narrowed it to 4. Day two we did a Juno walk in town and he decided to whittle those down to 2 dogs. I asked if one was really fluffy and he said no, the 2 he was thinking about were a lab and a lab-Golden cross. I appeared disappointed it seemed. So he came to my room, before the big meeting with all the trainers to assign the dogs, and asked me if what I meant about fluffy was me wanting a full golden. He told me one full Golden he had from the 4 would actually be a good match, but if I got a breed I really wanted that it would make a lot of difference on how well we bonded/worked and he would select the Golden for me. So I told him yeah, I was really hoping for a full Golden. So on day 3 I got my full Golden girl, Nixie, and we’ve been a great match since our first walk until now, 2 years later. Anyway, my point was typically TSE has 60 dogs ready to go for a class of 22-24 students. They had 5 in mind for me before I went to class and my trainer talked a lot with me about my wants and needs and made the best decision ever for me. In contrast, I had my first dog from Guiding Eyes and they only had one dog matched to me. When I had issues with him in class and I asked why I didn’t have a couple walks with possible dogs they told me it was because I only matched one dog ready that month. This was a huge problem in the end. During class, I felt it being off and they kept telling me it would be better at home. They forced the match because otherwise I would have gone home without a dog. I stuck with him and had him for 2 months before he went back to the school with a huge list of bad behaviors. They did an eval on him and dissolved our team. GEB and TSE were complete opposites with almost every part of the process during class and the way the schools were ran. I will be a TSE lifer after my experience getting my perfect match, Nixie. It’s just funny I wouldn’t have gotten her unless I asked if the dog my trainer was thinking of was fluffy or not. I didn’t go in with a breed or gender request because I wanted the best match, but deep down I really wanted a Golden. I loved the fact TSE didn’t have just one dog for me, but multiple of different breeds/genders.

[@mansiondionne]

@@jasminequiett706 I love this and love that you had such a great experience at TSE. My first guide from TSE was flawless. I had no expectations, I just went for it. They gave me a cross and she bonded to me very very fast. She was sassy, I was sassy and we worked. She is my first love. My second dog though did not work out as well. I still have her, but I had to sacrifice a lot. They only had one dog for me, it was take her or go home without a dog. I have children under ten. Getting away for three weeks is just not something we can do very often so I took my current guide home. They said to give it six months. She has a whole list of things that are wrong. If I had not had pet dogs, I wouldn’t have known how to handle her. She is six years old this year, it took her four years to learn not to play with her teeth. My kids were afraid of her and didn’t want to play. My daughter tries, my son completely refuses. They aren’t afraid of our huge Bernese mountain dog though. She barked at the air conditioner across the street. One night, I went to groom her. You know how you sit behind them and tug them back into you a bit. I surprised her I guess, so she bent sideways and I felt for the first time in my life both sets of teeth on my arm. She did not bite down. She realized what she did and never did it again. Her pace. She was suppose to have two paces. She starts out strong, but slows down really really fast. She gets tired. Before I got her she had lime disease as a puppy so I think her stamina suffered. Regardless of that, she still guides me when we walk. It took time and loads of hard work to become a team. She refuses to walk me in the path of other dogs. Sometimes she is so on point she amazes me. I just have to walk really slow, really slow! She gets there. I did call the school, their suggestion was to treat her when we got to our destination. TSE is not a school that does food rewards, so it was strange to me but I tried anything and everything. So all that to say. All schools have good and bad. If you have repeat bad experiences, definitely switch schools. I’m going to do my best to not let my bad experience keep me from getting another guide or going back to TSE. My girl is a good guide, we just did not bond for many many months. When you don’t bond, you don’t trust. That is what is so amazing with Mira. They work as a whole team to decide what would be best. I love this series. I wish more people would do this very thing.

[@jasminequiett706]

@@mansiondionne some have done blogs, and others have done videos like Molly. I watched and read about a couple of people that went to TSE before I went myself. It was really nice to know what to expect ahead of time. But I do wish more from all the schools would share their class experience. It’s hard to find information about what’s different from school to school and make sure you’re making the right decision for yourself without all the facts. I’m sorry your current guide was a rough match. But I’m glad to hear you were able to work through most of your struggles. Sounds like you are a great handler to get your dog where you needed her to be. When I heard about Mira looking into schools before my first dog, I got really excited, and then found out they charge Americans if we want a dog from them, so staying in the US was needed. But I also don’t think I could handle such a large dog now that I’ve had two. My lab from GEB was 70 lbs and 23” tall and my Golden from TSE was 57 lbs and 21” tall. I like my smaller Golden so much better. She actually fits everywhere. ☺️ Anyway, I can’t wait to watch more of this series as well. 💗

[@SD-ns3hz]

Seeing how other guide dog schools do things is really interesting. Here in Ireland there's only one guide dog school so there's definitely less of a choice but I wouldn't choose a different school even if I could. Everyone there was just so invested and had such a deep love for the dogs and helping people. Which I can see there's definitely a similar vibe to mira. it's definitely nice being in a group of blind people because it's just a more relaxed environment (and the blind joles are great). The idea of not having a pre-matched dog is also interesting I feel like IGD kinda does a mix of that. As in some people try out different dogs bur you don't go on class until you have your dog. I actually matched really well with the first dog they brought to me. I've had Becca for about 4 months now. Wouldn't change it for the world. I also totally get having expectations, when I was younger I really wanted a black lab because it fit my "aesthetic" 😂 but by the time I actually applied and was at the matching stage I just wanted a dog that would fit well into my life and all those expectations sort of went out the window. So if anyone made it this far through my rambly comment and you're waiting on a guide/assistance/service dog. My best advice is to go in with an open mind and heart and just be prepared for an emotional journey. It won't all be easy but it's definitely all worth it.

[@OK-hi5ym]

Thank you for sharing this, it was a really interesting read but I’m dying to know what kind of dog Becca ended up being, you left us hanging haha

[@amberpenelopevd]

Ok but I need to know how Becca looks

[@SD-ns3hz]

@@OK-hi5ym haha she's a golden lab/retriever cross. Although she's considered a yellow lab most of her fur is actually white so I suppose she's the opposite of what little 13 y/o me would have envisioned

[@SD-ns3hz]

@@amberpenelopevd she's a lab/retriever cross. She's got the stereotypical guide dog look going on haha

[@hannahk1306]

@@SD-ns3hz My old yellow lab was almost white when he was young and then got darker as he got older, so yours might do the same

[@meghanfowell7306]

I'm also blind because of RP. I've had a guide dog. (Which ended up not working out for reasons I'm not going to get in to in this comment). But I absolutely loved the school I got him from, they also fed us really well. We got 3 meals a day and dessert at dinner time. My dog was an incredibly handsome 75 pound golden retriever/lab mix. Despite it not working out, it was so important for me and I'm so grateful.

[@annikabergstrom8733]

My favorite guide dog I’ve met was named Tesla. She was a golden/black lab mix, and a friend was doing her puppy training. She was the sweetest, most personality filled dog I’ve ever met, whoever got her was extremely lucky.

[@whitney2042]

I wonder how excited Niamh is to see the process of Molly getting her new dog since she hasn’t been there for this part before.

[@dogluver431]

It is very comforting to know that I'm not alone and to see another service dog handler that feels emotional when retiring and/or losing a service dog. I'm not blind but I use a multi purpose service dog that I personally trained. I had to retire my first service dog 4 and half years ago it was such a hard thing, then I got my new pup who is now my service dog. They we're both quite different but they both work fantastic for my needs. Last month I had to put down my first service dog who retired as his liver was failing, it's been difficult since then but it is very comforting to see you open up about your situation and to know that someone else gets what I'm going through.

[@mair887]

I'm currently pursuing a service dog (not blind but autistic) so thanks for sharing your experience so far it's been really helpful. As for almost names, I was almost called Anwen but I was born in the Anwen ward so my parents changed my name to Mair.

[@zincwell6503]

You're so lucky getting a guide dog! I wish we did support dogs in the UK for people with autism, I'd love to have one. I do have a pet dog though which is lovely although he's not always soothing for autism stuff!

[@maliaprescott]

@@zincwell6503 Autism Dogs is an ADUK charity that serves autistics of all ages :)

[@zincwell6503]

@@maliaprescott I had no idea! When I looked up support dogs for autism I couldn't find anything in the Uk, thank you for letting me know ☺️

[@Kelseyguurl]

Such pretty names. Where are you from? Seems Gaelic ?

[@Thatclimbingirl]

@@zincwell6503 there is Autism Dogs, and dogs for autism, in the uk.

[@laurenwallace8204]

Not a student or a trainer but I do work at a guide dog school. So this is a rough summary of how my school runs it’s class. Students go through an interview/background process before being approved to come in for training. A certain amount of time before class, the training team looks at the dogs they have available and who we have on the waiting list for dogs. Invitations are sent out. Class is 3 weeks long. Students arrive on Sunday but class starts on Monday. The first morning is spent with just the students and dogs and matches are further solidified. After lunch each student is told the name, breed, color of their dog then wait in their room. The kennel technicians, who take care of the dogs during their training, bring the dogs to their respective handlers. Training begins, the match is finalized by Friday though if needed there are usually extra dogs in the kennel to select from. Each morning and evening is a lecture while training is done throughout the day, we are located in Florida so we try to get most work done in the morning. Week 1 is the basics and bonding. Week 2 is obstacles they also have a puppy raiser reunion sometime. Week 2 into week 3 focuses more on public access and fine tuning. The amenities are very nice. The rooms are very nice and hotel like (they all have rain showers!) each room has its own mini porch and Astro turf potty area for the dogs. Meals are served 3 times a day but lunch is shared with the rest of the staff (except during COVID). The food is pretty good, our chef lives to make Cuban food which is always a treat. I’ve heard that on the evening they work on night walking they have a steak dinner. We also have a small gym on campus for students and staff. I’m not sure if other ways of running class is better or worse as I’m sure it’s up to personal preference. I’m excited to hear more about Mira’s process.

[@JNGHorses]

I would love for you to interview a trainer! I want to know their experience. If they get favorite dogs, if they get sad when they pick a dog that doesn't work out for the person they thought it would, etc.

[@zuzuspetals9281]

I’m glad you’re there with some very experienced guide dog users who can share their experiences with you about how they feel getting another dog. It is a huge change you’ll experience each time, but a wonderful adventure in being open to trusting relationships and unconditional love.

[@lovinPF4ever]

Scandinavian Guide dog user here, 6 months with my first dog now. We had 7 days at home-training with a pre-matched dog, then 2 months on our own, then 7 more days training. Then we get offered follow up training a few days every year. Wishing you the best with your new pup!

[@rrjohn5]

What you said about having to act a certain way around sighted people made me so so sad, as a sighted person. I can assure you, if I knew I was making an other-abled person feel that way would make me cry on the spot. I'm crying now thinking about it. I hope you regularly have interactions with similarly abled people as you are in order to connect and decompress at the same time. Hugs, Molly!

[@samrevelas398]

Southeastern Guide Dogs also doesn't prematch! Instructors may have a short list before calling students in, but final decisions aren't made until students come to class.

[@theblindmomnextdoor]

Aaaaah! Can’t wait to meet your new pupper!!! GDB has amazing food as well-I’ve heard that from a lot of handlers across schools. It feels like a gift though…. I think part of what they try to do is to keep us all in the best condition they can, with what they can control anyway, because there are so many huge things taking place during the training process: emotions, physical differences from day to day home life and the rigor of training, and the ups and downs of being away from home and family. I’m honestly so glad your mom gets to be there with you! What a light she is!! Watched the series about your training with Gallop and I bet your mom is SO happy to be there with you-they were so concerned about you and wishing they could be there during your last training! ❤️❤️❤️

[@victoriaturnershoemaker3723]

A wet sob burst out of me in the last 3 seconds when you said ‘I have a dog’ ❤️🐕‍🦺🐾 I’m so happy for you but I wasn’t expecting to react like that!

[@Investigativebean]

Yes! To be hearing from someone 10 dogs on, and still grieve the transition sounds like it would be immensely helpful. As someone that has worked with dogs professionally, and has been a dog mom for many years, I can attest that one never replaces those that came before. Even my personal experience of only owning German Shepherd dogs...they have all had breed standard traits, but still completely different personalities. Bernese mountain dogs here in the US are bred way too large, and sadly it causes all kinds of issues. I used to groom one that had to have knee replacement surgeries by the time she was 5 years old. I love seeing dogs that are bred knowledgeably, and carefully. I love even more seeing it done with love, and for work. These breeds love to work, and so it gives them the very best dog life. Thank you for sharing your journey, and being so vulnerable about the process. I appreciate it so much.

[@BryonyV]

When I tell you I clicked SO FAST I’m so excited for Mollys new dog 🥰

[@zoehicks880]

Right?????

[@WPudding007]

I'm always like: in this video we're definitely gonna see the dog!!!! And then we'll have to wait another few days, this is so exciting

[@ValerieC83]

my grand parents lived very close to the Mira installations in Sainte-Madeleine, we used to walk by all the time when we went to visit. My father worked with Mr. Eric St-Pierre as a kennel staff worker when he was young :)

[@sunnybun7656]

Bernese mountain dogs are the goofiest, sweetest babies. I work in a dog kennel and see a lot of them and I love them to bits

[@MollyBurkeOfficial]

OMG right?!!?

[@karstendavis5675]

This is the most exciting and interesting series I’ve ever seen of yours. Thank you for doing this. Not only for anyone who needs a guide dog but informing those who don’t is so important. I’m not blind nor need a guide for any other reason and I’ve never thought about this process but now seeing this it’s like how have I not thought about it and I’m so glad I’m being educated!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU 😍🥰

[@Maddym365]

Same!! Until I found Molly like 4 years ago I never thought about the difficulties the blind community faces, but out of malice but I don’t personally know anyone who is blind. So through her I’ve learned so much! I can’t financially donate at this point but Mira has become my favourite organization, and someday when I’m able to I’ll donate for sure!! It’s also a whole series of adorable doggies doing what they love! What’s cuter than that!! 😊😊😊

[@heythenameisash]

I think we are all just as excited! I know I am! I never thought I could have this much emotion for a stranger, but you've felt like my best friend for almost a decade now. So excited I got to meet new pup yesterday on live! Eeeee!!! I love the pooch already soooo much!!!

[@HaleyMary]

That's so cute how your friend texted you and are all like, "I think you're having a girl". Pets are so much like having kids. I adopted my cat Blue last year and I refer to him as my son. My mom almost named me Raquel, but eventually decided on Haley, naming me after the Halley's comet that passed through in the '80s. That's adorable how they have named some of the puppies beer names.. I don't even care for alcohol, but if there was a puppy named Labatt I think that name is awesome!

[@spiritofthewinds9089]

2:02 just noticed even Molly's coffee matches perfectly to her nail polish xDD just always such a fashion queen

[@tierracaccitolo]

I dated two blind men and they both preferred having a cane, but one of them loved his puppy and she was so cute with him, it was as if she knew he couldn’t see her because she NEVER used any facial expressions with him(she used her facial expressions with me and others), she was always extremely vocal and loved to talk with him. ♥️

[@JudeAnderson]

After watching the notebook for the first time, crying my eyes out, then coming onto KZbin to find something ‘happier’ finding one of Molly’s new video is such a welcome surprise!! I love these new videos!

[@CatherineStoweAuthor]

Molly, you're literally making this world a better place. 😍 I wanted to write to you for a long time - your videos are pure gold and you’re so inspiring! I am sighted, but I came across your name while studying for a neuroscience-fiction novel I was writing at the time. I had started with the idea of briefly mentioning an unsighted character, but later decided to dedicate a whole chunk of the book to unsighted people and raising awareness. Thank you so much for being Molly, for being authentic and for educating us all! You really touched my heart! Wishing you the best in the world, including the best guide dog for you! 🐕Love, Catherine.❤

[@awesomekat6681]

For whatever reason, my parents thought I was a boy. I was a bit early and weight only 4.8 lbs so they rushed me away to make sure I was healthy. I was returned to my mother all bundled up and the nurse asked "what are you naming your little bundle of joy"? When my mom said Patrick, the nurse took me back and said "you are not naming this little girl Patrick" .

[@rachealwood7840]

Thank you for the privilege of learning the process of obtaining a guide dog. I've learned how much work it is for the person not just the dog. I watched the documentary you did with Mera years back. I've also searched all guide dog vlogs I couldn't. It takes a great deal of courage to place your safety into a canine. It also takes a whole lot of courage sharing your life experience with no vision. Thank you Molly, thank for the vision into this unsighted world.

[@rachealwood7840]

Dad wanted to name me Tia. My mom said no way. Years later my dad named his dog Tia, lol.

[@rachealwood7840]

Can you let your dog sleep with you if you wanted to?

[@rachealwood7840]

@Dan Sgambelluri Why is that?

[@rachealwood7840]

@Dan Sgambelluri Well thank you Dan. Not to be mean but I don't like assumptions. I like facts, I'd never wanna assume and spread false info. I do appreciate you trying to inform me.

[@calicokitty333]

so excited to meet this good pupper and see all the adventures you guys go on!

[@Lizziel23]

In the UK all guide dog puppies spend the first year of their lives with volunteers who train them at all the ‘standard’ obedience things before they go into the bigger training facilities to learn their guiding skills - a close friend of mine is one of these volunteers and it seems so rewarding (and also - cute puppies all the time 🥰)

[@EmilySuydam]

I'm not blind but I can relate to the experience you were describing about having to act differently around able bodied people! I'm disabled and I definitely go out of my way to try to seem as non-disabled as possible and I'm super aware of my actions so I don't fit a stereotype. It's very relaxing/freeing when you are in a situation surrounded by people like yourself! You can just be.

[@thatonesingergirl]

As someone who is mostly deaf and lip reads 90% of the videos I watch, THANK YOU for subtitles when you are masked

[@simplyverena4658]

Omg I need a double episode 🤣 so excited and can’t wait to finally see your dog!

[@ravenrose7677]

I have autism and almost cried at the thought of you having to mask too. The relief of just getting to exist without thinking about if you’re acting sighted enough is something I heavily relate to. I also totally get the feeling of wanting to give a good impression as the first blind person they have met.

[@pobalex]

omgggg i wanted to see more puppers, i CANNOT wait! it's amazing to watch this journey with you! and as a québécoise mira has been a part of my "culture" since forever, so i love to see the behind the scenes (and hear you call us frenchies

[@heatherchapman-young4808]

My son's both showed as girls in my ultrasounds and I didn't know until they were born that they were boys! Lol So we had to give them different names. My Mom has trained her Lab sign language and behavioral training to be her handicap dog. We couldn't afford guide dog training. So Mom worked really hard & consistently with Echo. My Mom had a Brain tumour the size of a lemon and had a massive stroke right after they took it out. She had to learn how to do everything over again. From swallowing to walking, dressing & talking. Echo will jump the fence & find a neighbor if Mom falls. She let's Mom know when people are at the door. She helps us stand up and walk. My Mom is my hero! I have always wondered how the service dog process worked. Thank you for sharing your story with us!

[@olgapetrova6415]

Molly, I'm from able bodied part of your fam, and I'm so excited for you! Can't wait to see your new dog. I couldn't even imagine how this process goes, it's all very educative and interesting, and exciting! Thank you, Molly!

[@abbielunsford8485]

I am loving the way you are doing this series... As much as I have wanted to see your new guide dog already I like they we are all building up excitement and nerves as you were experiencing going through this. Thank you for sharing and educating many so many of us.

[@liepamarijabacauskaite1328]

Ok I’m here to tell this like for the 99th time but MOLLY YOU ARE LITERALLY AMAZING. You are just perfect in every way possible a person can be. You’ve helped me soo much and I can’t thank you enough. But also I’m soooo excited for the guide dog series! Love you remember that!

[@gabriele1783]

I see I'm not the only one watching from 🇱🇹 😄

[@liepamarijabacauskaite1328]

@@gabriele1783 lol yeah thank god bc I thought that too

[@ladylavacake4174]

I'd like to think that the dogs are all like "I wonder which human is mine! :D" and "Omg we finally get to meet the humans!" and are like all excited.

[@YouHaveAPurposeStickAround]

I often show my mom your uploads and she loves them!! I showed my bandmate your videos last year and anytime I bring you up, he always says "the cute girl right?" 🤣💖 Molly, you're the "cute girl!" 🤣🤣 Love ya!! So happy to see your journey of training and getting your new dog!! Best of luck🤞 #KillerBeeForever

[@terrymay2000]

Oh God I can't wait to see your new Guide Dog, Molly. Please don't torture us and make us wait too long. Love you, girl.

[@zoehicks880]

Lol I love being around other autistic people for the exact same reason you like being around other blind people. I for sure wouldn’t mind you not looking at me lol! It’s so relaxing not worrying about silly social norms 💖

[@rubytook8067]

I'm the same way with ADHD!

[@maliaprescott]

As an autistic I love spending time with my blind friend because there’s so much physical masking I don’t feel pressured to do around her. Having disabled friends in general is so nice because that pressured to mask is so much less.

[@thepamcakez]

@@rubytook8067 same! Also adhd!

[@PunkRockBarbie]

Also autistic and its SO NICE to be able to just relax and know that these people dont need the masking behaviors I'm so used to. It's just exhausting being around neurotypical people 24/7.

[@emilytrevino4023]

I just lost my service dog to cancer, and I’ve really been struggling. When you talked about the man having 10+ guide dogs in his lifetime I just started crying. But it honestly helped me so much. And just like you I will probably be the same way. My last service dog retired and went off to live with some family members and I wasn’t around for his death so in a sense it was a little easier. But this one happened so fast while he was still with me and I was really struggling trying to figure out what I should have done. But he’s right, you just gotta take the good and the bad and whatever comes with it. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I’m so glad that other people feel this way. And I agree this was very comforting. And I do feel like I’m not alone now, I really truly appreciate you sharing this.

[@Lauren-yp3th]

Oh my goodness I’m so excited! I’m dying! Tuesday can’t come fast enough! I I took my little boy to a farm yesterday at Country Dairy in Michigan! They had a lab Bernie’s Mountain dog! Reminded me of you and your journey getting a new guide dog! Congratulations on your new guide dog! Thank you for sharing your experience! Much love! 💜 🦮

[@ithilrae7726]

The way you show emotion in your videos makes me empathize with you so much. I cry with happiness that you are getting another dog

[@TheFtm22]

Good to see you finally relaxing some after a lot of stress in the past few months. Hope you are now settling in well with your new eyes and that Lavender girl has given her approval.

[@dianaw4072]

Molly, I love that you have this support system emotionally speaking. I am super allergic to cats and dogs but I have such a love for them. We humans are so blessed to have them! I can't imagine how hard it is to lose your guide dog or even have to retire them. Wishing you all the best and can't wait to meet the new family member tomorrow! 🤗🤗

[@simodn28]

This is such a beautiful process, I understand how emotional and overwhelming it must be, but it’s beautiful to watch as you’re literally being matched with a partner for the next few years. Can’t wait to meet the new dog 💕

[@gingerblonde11941]

Thank you Molly for being so open and honest about your experience with able bodied people. It hurt a little to hear how hard you mask or the things you say about not feeling good enough. I hope you know that blind or not you are an amazing person with a very special gift. Your heart is so kind, your personality is so soft and down to earth 💕 Thank you for creating and sharing your life with us.

[@Hjuvenoman]

Omg I'm so invested in this series!! Can't wait to see it all. It cracks me up that I instantly forget all of this has already happened, the moment the "next episode" preview begins :D This whole documentary is so well made, edited and all, it's amazing. Your professionalism really shows. PS. I was so worried for that cup of coffee all through the segment with it. The coffee was sloshing similar to how I always manage to get it to spill. The drama! ;)

[@sneums6610]

Whatever one you get, I can tell you they're all so cute! So excited for you Molly!

[@alyssachristine6930]

My mom considered naming me either Mallory or Kendal, or Kyler if I was a boy. But, decided to name me Alyssa instead. I received my first guide dog a year ago, when I was 19, from Guide Dogs for the Blind, which has two campuses located in San Rafael, California, and Boring, Oregon. It took me nearly two years before I finally went in for training. My initial class date was March 2020, but sadly that got canceled two days prior to heading to campus. It was heartbreaking beyond belief, but in the end I know that it worked out the way it should’ve. Since I loved so close to the Boring campus, I was fortunate enough to be the first to train after having been closed due to COVID. So, I ended up having in-home training, which certainly had its perks, but I can’t help but feel like I missed out on that experience too. At GDB, Monday is Dog Day, and training lasts for two weeks. Since I got in-home training, I met my guide dog, Diva, on Monday, and she was with me from then on. I love her with all my heart, and can’t imagine doing life with anyone else. Love you Molly!! Thank you for helping me not to feel so alone. ❤️

[@servicecollie6581]

I owned train my own service dogs and it’s so tiring, Mira truly is amazing for doing what they do and thank you Molly for giving us the inside perspective on guide dog life 💙 love it and love being a fan ☺️

[@RealDream112]

It's so weird to hear my native language in the background of your videos (I live near Montreal), but I'm so excited for you! That tail wagging at the end is everything!

[@rahxx]

I’m so happy for you Molly, I received a call to days ago from Guide Dogs Victoria here in Melbourne Australia, letting me know that they have found a potential match for me, and I will have my first walk with him on Monday :-) This will be my first guy dog, I’ve been on the waiting list for over 18 months, due to restrictions of the pandemic. I’m super excited! :-) and it’s so awesome that we will be getting our new guide dogs around the same time :-) Congratulations Molly, love your channel.

[@serenaw358]

Thank you Molly for sharing your journey with us!! ❤️

[@majorzipf8947]

Aaaand I now I’m crying. Lol. Just got to the end!! I can’t believe how emotionally invested I am in this whole situation. Thank you for taking us on this journey with you Molly.

[@kaits6296]

Hi Molly! I'm so happy the you have your new guide. And I'm so glad you're documenting this journey and showing us who are thinking about getting guide dogs and wondering where we should go! Xoxo 🐝❤️

[@anthonyperry141]

This has to be so emotional for you, to feel and hear your dog for the first time ,I’m so happy for you.

[@SlugcatEmporium]

The food at GDB was also excellent! Homemade meals and desserts. You'd order the day before what you wanted to eat for the next day, there were a few options at every meal and always a veg/vegan option.

[@that_one_ghost]

I'm sure if someone who didn't know a lot about guide dogs or gd handler talk they'd think its slightly weird hearing "I'm getting new eyes. I have to take my eyes to the vet" luckily for all of us viewers we have learned about the lingo through you or already know about it

[@tatyayherondale2497]

Thank you Molly for doing these videos! I find them so interesting and I absolutely love how you tell your time through this process ☺️

[@loupelizzo2399]

You are a strong independent capable person I think and excited for you so much, and it’s lovely to here you have people you can have a journey with and enjoyed all the information you gave us. I love how openly speaking to us about all the things going on, and enjoyed and loved this video and excited for you and can’t wait for the next video

[@Midnightknotts]

Molly talking about not looking at people when talking. Me a sighted person with ADHD and social anxieties who never looks at people when we talk. 😆 Also I was almost Veronica (Roni) instead of Heather.

[@robyn_rainbow]

That's interesting Heather - I have trouble looking at people as well (as a sighted person). I feel like everyone probably thinks I'm lying because I look at them and look quickly away. Are you glad you're a Heather instead of a Roni? The only story I have for my name is my middle name (Tracey) - I was named after Cyclone Tracy which hit Darwin and wiped it out a few years before I was born. And guess what? I'm really messy so it kind of fits!

[@Midnightknotts]

@@robyn_rainbow I do the look and look away thing too. Yay masking. 😅 For a long time I wished I was Roni. But I used to hate flowers and that's what Heather's are. There were also several Heather's who picked on me in school. Plus, one of my dad's ex's was named Heather and that just felt icky. 😆

[@melanieouderkirk7651]

Thank you Molly. You've been there in a lot of dark moments always that little bit of light! ❤️

[@BirdiesX3]

IM SO HAPPY FOR you! I'm here within 10 minutes of this being posted and I'm so pumped

[@foullily8325]

Pets are as much apart of your family as your parents or siblings are, you never forget them and you never stop loving them even when many years have passed

[@frauleinfrosch2024]

"OK, so I have a dog" .. how can one sentence be so wholesome? 😭🥰

[@lorifiedler13]

And Molly was glowing. Her eyes sparkled.

[@HasabeMizurukara]

Thank you for sharing your experience and hosting such a supportive community. I'm not blind but I am disabled and I totally get what you mean about having to "act good/normal/not-disabled" because you don't want people to think you're not worthy of attention. Recently I had a bunch of job interviews and the pressure was on! I kept thinking about how to present myself in a palatable way, and that's hard. So excited to meet the new dog.

[@julieannemichelle]

I can only imagine how emotional it would be to get used to a new dog. I can’t wait to see your new dog!!!

[@brittneyrichmond6724]

This is so exciting. I just lost my dog of 15 year on Wednesday. Not a guide dog but my little best friend. Watching this brings me joy.

[@venusstars4963]

I just love how she explains everything it's so informative and and insightful xx

[@mariaacosta867]

Sighted person here! Molly I’ve been following you since Shane! I love your videos you’re such a light to the world, my parents almost named me REBECCA Maria Luna Acosta and luckily they dropped the Rebecca! Can’t wait to follow the journey with your new guide dog! Give gallop extra love and cuddles for me!

[@tinti1486]

Everytime I watch an episode and it ends I go "Dude, that's SO mean! I wanna see more! I wanna see the dog!" :D I really enjo this :)

[@Stef.B]

I'm a big fan of your channel, and I've been so emotional with what you're going through, and when you said 'okay I have a dog' I just started crying and I'm sitting here thinking what are you going through if I'm just a fan and I'm here crying. I just want to say you are so strong, even when you don't feel like it, you have been through so much but you're still such a positive person, you are changing the world for the better by sharing your experiences, your journeys and your knowledge with the world ❤️

[@iratiegana4327]

I met Ian the main trainer when I went to MIRA France two years ago. He told me that he knwe's you and I was so excited. I couldn'5 get the dog because I was struggleing a lot with mental health but I loved it. This september I ask for a guide dog here in Spain!

[@kawaiife]

I cried a river at the end of this video for some reason, I'm so emotional about this whole experience and can't imagine how this is to Molly. Super excited to meet the new dog

[@meganroberts2558]

My kids and I were literally squealing at the end of this video! We cannot wait to hear about your new eyes!!!