Saying Goodbye to My Guide Dog & Flying to Tokyo! (first time leaving Elton behind - emotional)

[@meghankahn7025]

All it showed on my notification was "Saying goodbye to", and my heart skipped a beat. I was so afraid it was about Gallop! Your wording lately has been killing me!

[@victoriausher1390]

Same!!!!

[@Skylar4654]

Sameeeeeeeeeeee mollyyyyyyyyyy

[@rebekahpiper7773]

ME TOO!!!! My heart stopped!!

[@mysticgirl]

Clickbait clickbait clickbait

[@cheryl-lynnmehring8606]

Same! OMG, I thought Gallop had to go to Japan because of his health!

[@madethistocomment727]

"I miss Elton. He's so fluffy. Mom, he's just so fluffy!" Sleepy Molly is precious 😊

[@valeriel7642]

I just got back from Japan, and the first thing I noticed was how accessible it was to those with disabilities. Particularly for the blind! I thought of you immediately so this is awesome!

[@MaraReaper]

I hear that it isn’t service dog friendly, so it’s good to hear that it is accessible in other aspects at least!

[@anouksurmenian4257]

I don’t know one place that would refuse service dogs… I guess there are of course, I just don’t experience it myself so I wouldn’t know… most places I go around to refuse pets that are not in a carrier but there is always a sign saying service dogs are welcome.

[@anouksurmenian4257]

There are also boxes everywhere in supermarkets and some businesses to make a donation to the service dog association of Japan (or something like that, don’t know the exact title 😅).

[@siobhan-rae]

what’s it like for partially ambulatory wheelchair users?

[@tothestarsxx]

They missed the most important part but not surprising. Don't know why anyone would want to go there in the first place.

[@lindamoulton1560]

"And Lavender will...tolerate you..." I have two tortoiseshell cats of my own as well as an older dog and that statement couldn't be more true. The love that you and Elton have is beyond special and I know that he and the rest of your four-legged family will be so happy once you're back! Safe travels!

[@koconnell968]

Animals definitely know when we're leaving. Mine would always get so anxious whenever I would pack to go anywhere. She could even tell if I was going somewhere just from the tone of my voice on phone calls.

[@mygirldarby]

Yep! My dog knows right away when I'm going somewhere. She must watch my every move because when there's even the tiniest deviation in my normal routine, she starts worriedly following me around, staring at me, and if I sit down she jumps in my lap and clings to me. 😢. It breaks my heart! I always say to my husband that I wish dogs could understand when we tell them we will be right back because they don't know how long it will be. To them it could be 20 minutes or all afternoon. It's gotten worse since both my husband and I now work from home. I bet that happened with a lot of dogs during covid.

[@Lazytea]

I was traveling with a friend’s dog and at every stop my dogs would potty but hers wouldn’t go. After nearly 24 hours I called her. She is a vet, “What do you tell her when you want her to potty?” I would have never in a million years thought to say, “Give me a sample!” You can never leave enough instructions for the dog sitter.

[@michelemartin3360]

🤣🤣🤣

[@leeatkin9925]

I hope you enjoyed your time in Japan. It is a wonderful country and I love living here. For those curious, Elton couldn't go bc Japan has VERY strict import procedures that all cats and dogs must follow. It doesn't matter where they were born, or if they are service animals or not. It is a minimum 6-month process to bring them in. I know because I traveled to Japan-US-Japan with my cat a few times.

[@animeobssesent101]

There's also the fact that Japan only recognizes dogs from certain SD programs and unfortunately MiraFoundation is not one of those programs.

[@courtneypalmer2331]

Hope you had a great trip Molly. Side note: Love hearing Robyn's little voice overs but especially in this one because as my vision is getting worse, I actually couldn't see the rainbow underneath the wing and I'm so happy to know it was there because I'm a big kid when it comes to rainbows so thank you Robyn and apologies if I have spelled your name completely wrong.

[@marikotrue3488]

I had a 10 day visit to Tokyo, years ago. Those days in Japan will fly by at warp speed. So enjoy, visit, try new foods and SHOP. Animals do notice when we are gone, but have a different concept of time than we do. Reunions from short grocery trips and one week vacations can result in the same manic super glad to see you behavior. So very happy for Molly and her Mom.🏯🎎🇯🇵🎏🍡🥢

[@MischiefAndTrickery]

My cat absolutely flips out when she sees me packing my suitcase. Sometimes she'll even sit in it; I guess she thinks then I'll take her with me? Also, the place I work at has a shop dog that does the same teddy bear sit as Elton John does!! It's so cute. Anyways, so glad you got to visit Japan!! Considering your love of matcha I always thought it would be a great destination for you lol!!

[@catinabox3048]

lol reading this, I just had to say be careful, or else you might end up accidentally packing an extra ball of floof, and then you're gonna have some explaining to do at security

[@wheelz8240]

When you hugged Elton John, he said, I love you mom! It was really sweet

[@HaleyMary]

That is adorable how he puts his paws on your shoulders. Elton is like a big teddy bear!

[@gwillis01]

Hello Molly. I hope you have a good trip

[@ragnkja]

When the time zone change us more than 12 hours, ignore the date line and treat it like a smaller time zone change in the opposite direction. In that sense, 16 hours is better than the 14 hours you were anticipating, since it’s effectively 8 hours westwards, which is the easier direction to adjust to.

[@HeartCoils]

I like the guide dog care instructions in the description 😆💕

[@cheryl-lynnmehring8606]

Between the last video title and this one, I was panicking for Gallop's health!

[@dragonfly7729]

My daughter is stationed in Japan with the military. She says the light festival is great. With you liking the Christmas lights, I think you'd enjoy it

[@missbyanka]

So curious to see all the accessibility features you find! I remember being impressed by how often I saw the blind pathways on sidewalks. They're everywhere! Also, their Disney parks have tactile maps with Japanese braille!

[@HelloMoto_]

I’ve loved all your doggies, Gallop has a big place in my heart because that’s when I started watching you and he is so sweet, but Elton John has such a big personality hahah he cracks me up every time. & enjoy your travels! Japan is definitely one of my top vacation spots.

[@vocalnerd]

Agreed! I also started watching during the Gallop days, but who couldn't love all her dogs? 💖🐶😊

[@jkathrynxo]

Elton’s paw on your shoulder looks so big! What a beautiful boy 🥺💙

[@fidelianerina]

The cup thing on the flight is actually so smart. Most flights i've been on it has a round dent to fit the cup but if the plane happens to hit turbulence or something, it can still just knock over. This design makes it so much more sturdy.

[@shirleyz7400]

How exciting to be able to go there. I hope you had a wonderful time. I can’t wait to see what all you do. 👍❤️🤗✌️😁

[@TheAshypoo]

When I got the notification I thought something was happening with him. When I tell you, I was scared 😭

[@thirdplanetfromthesun]

What an amazing trip! I look forward to hearing about accessibility in Tokyo.

[@a-ms9760]

I like that you facetimed your dog, that was nice

[@paytonkade59]

I am so excited to be catching up on the Japan content, and also so excited to hear you'll be in Spain this summer! I am living in Spain right now and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do

[@littleprincess-dm1ne]

The voice you do for the dogs makes me laugh, I think this video might be the best and funniest video I've ever watched. ELTON John schratching on the suitcase had me literally laughing out loud. I'm blind as well and I have ROP and I'm applying for a guide dog at 16 at the seeing eye. You have no idea how much you've inspired me to owning a guide dog and hopefully start a youTube channel full of chaos and life experiences in story times and so much more. Thank you for being the inspiration and light I need and I know taking care of a guide dog is not all sunshine and rainbows, but I’ll get through it like the strong girl I am. You and Elton are so funny and I really enjoy watching your videos. keep up what you’re doing and I really want to meet you one day and have an interview with you if possible

[@barbaragarrison9133]

Could that dog be anymore adorable!!! Have a great time in Japan.

[@karstendavis5675]

“I miss Elton he’s so fluffy” 🤣 I teared up when you got emotional saying bye to him 😭 leaving a pet is so hard I can’t imagine leaving your guide dog 💖

[@DriftingMiasma]

Ugh the way he was sitting like bear with his big paws on your shoulders 🥺 baby

[@sibylledecarlo7108]

@Molly Burke & your mom have a wonderful time !😊

[@RiverWoods111]

Oh, I can hardly wait to see the fun part of your trip, and your reunion with Elton John. Seriously, you need to tag your Elton John more. I searched for him and only the singer came up!

[@RFStarkJapan]

Welcome to Japan! I live up north and don't get down to Tokyo enough. You're going to overwhelmed with sounds, smells, and tastes like you may never have experienced before. Enjoy everything and ignore the nay-sayers.

[@miaowatt3662]

Did I try to like this video like 5 times? Absolutely! Looking forward to hearing more about your Tokyo trip! So happy for you! Poor Elton John

[@trufamilybromontqc]

Hes gonna miss you❤

[@halandjal]

Hi from Tokyo. Hope you had a great time here! I wish we could have a chance to see you here! Please come back again sometime!

[@michelleheegaard]

100p get the pain of leaving your dog behind. I went to Uganda a couple of months back for 6 weeks without him! It was SO hard and I missed him every single day

[@Luckyduck82180]

I’m half Japanese and am dying to go to Japan. Have so much fun!

[@TS-eo9uf]

I have been listening to your videos on my phone as i work wity just audio. I love the voiceover and narration on the B-roll. Even though I'm sighted, it is much appreciated. :)

[@marienhornyak1941]

I went to Spain last summer and LOVED it. It was hard to leave my guide dog behind, but it was wonderful.

[@alicjakozowska1535]

my finals start tomorrow and this is just the perfect thing to help me calm down before sleep!

[@samileigh1]

Molly! Im so excited to see these videos because im planning a trip to Japan with friends for September 2024!

[@FrankiesUploads]

Elton John was picking up on all those vibes, and he was beyond cute! 😂🐾🩵🦮

[@alexandramarkus9987]

Are you me?? Seriously match and sushi are everything and I've wanted to go to Japan since forever!! It's so nice to see how accessible it is since I'm blind too :)

[@SoraiaLMotta]

congratulations on the dream trip

[@What.The.Chell_lol]

OMG ! The hair is so beautiful ❤️ ... Molly is what perfect looks like !

[@breearr1953]

Welcome to Japan! Hop a quick flight down to Okinawa for a little island paradise 🏝️

[@julietrudel2702]

I lived in Japan for two years, I wish I could go back!

[@1_viewer]

I decided to go to Japan on a Friday and left the next Tuesday for ten days. Last minute whirlwind trips are great!

[@laurenschenck5355]

How exciting Spain and France in July happy you are traveling filling your dreams and you deserve it and relax and have fun and make lots of memories on ur trips xoxo 😘 🧡❤️❣️💜💜🧚🏻‍♀️💔❤️‍🔥🌷🩵🖤🌼🩷🩷🩷🌼🖤💚🌷🌹💞🧚🏻‍♀️💜💜💛🤎🤎❣️❤️💙🧡💙❣️🤎🤎🤎🩶💖🧡💙❤️❣️❣️💐🧚🏻‍♀️💜💜🩵🖤🌼🩷🩷🩷🖤🖤🧡💙❤️❤️💙💔💓🌷💚🩵💚💚💚

[@anouksurmenian4257]

Omg! Welcome! Hope you enjoy your time here! 💖 I train for tea ceremony and I hope that someday I’ll be able to set a tea ceremony experience adapted for blind people! I’m also very curious about the situation with guide dogs in Japan… normally they are accepted everywhere but I just never see any around 😳 maybe because they are so expensive and Tokyo apartments are so small…

[@shalacarter6658]

I am very happy that you are training for blind people to have the tea ceremony!

[@PatPattycakes7]

I just got back from Japan two weeks ago and I was totally thinking about how accommodating japan 🇯🇵 is for ALL people especially the blind and special seats reserved for those with a disability on ALL forms of transportation especially on the subway, normal train, billet train, etc. you’ll love it and Molly guess what, there are bathrooms EVERYWHERE!!!!!!! And they are 99% ALL bidets !!!!! You’ll be in heaven haha 😂 enjoy you WILL NOT regret it. It’s soooooo amazing!!!! I want to live there.

[@tinamarie7777]

So happy for you to live your dreams Molly!!! 🥰

[@jneill]

Japan is really very well set-up for people with vision impairments, especially with tactile paving everywhere. For a few minutes I watched a man maneuver inner city Kyoto traffic using these (I had honestly not seen them used to that degree and it was really impressive). Travelling with Shinkansen train, the onboard bathroom had a "map" of the room for people with visual impairment. I hope you'll be pleasantly surprised and that you have an amazing trip!

[@pardonless]

Didn't watch you for two years. You're doing great!

[@SarahUnsane]

Oh my goodness that sounds like Elton. It’s being crazy. I feel like all the guide dogs wanna go on trips Apple was the same way

[@ma-dr5te]

yay! welcome to Japan! 🇯🇵

[@liamodonovan6610]

Beautiful elton john he is going to miss you you are awesome molly love your interesting videos you are stunning in everything love iyou molly always enjoy your videos hope you have a awesome time sweetheart molly you are a lovable person

[@janhatcher6991]

I think when they see that you're blind, and that your mom is sighted and she's away from you on the plane, I think they'll switch you, because that would be a little stressful sitting next to somebody you didn't know and not having your dog and all of that. I'm glad you have the opportunity to travel and that is just super super exciting that you're going to go to Spain also. My parents lived in Spain for six months because my stepfather in Spanish. American.

[@bumbleb792]

Molly - if we don't sleep.... also Molly - I feel like death I'm super glad you finally got to visit Japan!

[@natashaw401]

So so cute the way Elton hugging u

[@wild_raven_cosplay5234]

I went to japan once as part of a school trip and loved it, i miss japan and am definitely planning on going back at somepoint in the future

[@angelap32]

This is exciting!! Be safe have fun u2❤❤

[@laurenschenck5355]

Awww Elton John is so cute and adorable and so precious most sweetest and and big love bug xoxo 😘 💙🌼💜🌼💛💚💚🩵💜💜💜🌼💓💓🧡💐💐🩷💞🤎🌹💚💛🌼🌼💙💛🖤🩵💜💜💜💓🩷🩷🩷🩷🩵🩵🖤🖤💜💜🌼🌼💛❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥💚🌷💐🧡🩷💐🌷❤️💞💞🤎❤️🧚🏻‍♀️🌹💚💚💙🌼🩵🩵🖤🖤🖤

[@anouksurmenian4257]

Japanese shampoo bottles all have braille (“tenji”), the one with is the shampoo, the one without is the conditioner 👍✨

[@petgranny194]

Hope your trip is/was grand.

[@katc4786]

I love Japan. I went twice in 2016 and 2017 with my parents ❤ I went from DC to Japan one way

[@TheMessyDeskxyz]

I’ve read all your updates on patron but I’m still sooo excited to watch this video!

[@PinkTiefling]

Oh mai good!! you must visit barcelona if u come to spain 😍😍😍 it is a beautifull citty and pretty accessible for blindness

[@MashaT22]

Omg, Molly went to Japan!! So excited for you, Molly!! I always find it interesting to see how every service and guide dog organization handles travel and separation situations. With the organization I got my boy from, this type of trip would likely be a non-starter if the service dog can’t come - unless “maybe” (and that’s a massive maybe) the dog is left with the organization. I don’t know exactly how many times that’s even happened in their 35 years of operation for business or leisure travels. I only heard of one situation when a person was extremely ill during Covid and couldn’t manage her service dog, so the organization took him and until she was well enough (it ended up being like 6 months before she could take the dog back). Like it has to be an extremely extreme case to warrant that.m, so we have to be prepared to go to the ends of the earth to avoid separating. They want to be 100% sure that the dog’s training is being maintained, there’s no bonding with anyone beyond the handler, they are being cared for to their standard, that the dog isn’t getting worried and upset, etc. They make it very clear before we get started that we need to be able to plan well in advance to be able to take the dog on a trip, or we must make the choice not the travel. That’s not a commitment everyone can make, so if you’re looking for a service or guide dog and that’s an issue, you need to find an organization that would allow separation plunder certain conditions like Mira apparently lets. To be clear, I’m not judging or saying one way is right or wrong. I’m just pointing out that there are different rules and expectations with each organization, and you need to be fully prepared to ask these types of specific questions while looking for an organization to partner with if someone is looking into getting a guide or service dog for themselves. Travel is a perfect example of why you need to ask lots of specific questions and do your homework when choosing an organization. Make sure you let them know if you travel for work at all (even if infrequently) and what’s that like so you will be told what the organization’s rules are for that circumstance. Same goes for if you have to stay in hospitals frequently or any situation where there might be a problem with caring for the dog or taking him with you. Like someone in my class knew she was going to Ireland for leisure for weeks during our Team Training, and she had to jump on preparing him for the trip as soon as the dog came home with her, which was about 6 months ahead of the trip. Some countries aren’t strict and don’t need too much advanced notice (if any), but the UK is incredibly strict with animal quarantines - and there is a way to ensure that a service dog won’t be quarantined for an extended period, but it requires working with your own vet, your organization, and the UK’s government to ensure everything is smooth upon arrival with paperwork and vaccination all being in order, among other things. I’m super excited that Molly went on this trip. Elton was probably fine, but it comes with added worries when you have to separate from a service dog - will the person caring for him do everything as per the instructions? Will the dog be upset? Will the dog have any training issues with behaviors or tasks upon returning? It doesn’t take much to screw up a service dog. They’re not robots. A person may veer from instructions in a well meaning way, unknowingly make mistakes, etc. I’m sure Molly’s dad is on point, but even someone who is on point can misunderstand or do something thinking it’s helpful. I’m sure everything went great and that Molly had an AMAZING time, but I want people to realize that Molly did not take this decision lightly and had to also consider Mira‘a rules. She didn’t just lightly decide to leave Elton John at home, and I am certain he was on her brain the entire time and vice versa. If you’re getting a service or guide dog, you really need to be honest about your lifestyle and ask questions about the organization’s expectations in different circumstances. When you go check out organizations, you’re interviewing them as much as they’re interviewing you.

[@courtneyj2134]

LOOK AT HIS PAW ON YOUR SHOULDER OMG

[@cheryl-lynnmehring8606]

Molly, tell us about when you went to Kenya, India, and London! We would love a story time!😍😍😍💘

[@psychedelicpegasus7587]

I LOVE Gallop giving Elton John a pep talk

[@claudiajade624]

Yaaay Japan is amazing , only was there briefly (also for work) to Toyko and Kyoto but I loved it and would love to go back

[@lizr.9038]

Eyebrows look so good!

[@JaypetalJayfeather]

If you're still there I highly recommend checking out a light based illumination exhibit! teamLabs Planets is running in Tokyo right now. Much love from another Canadian on vacation in Japan!

[@natashaw401]

Great meal on the plane

[@sleepyote]

Molly sounds like her mom in the beginning

[@cherylf.4616]

Enjoy your trip Molly and Mom! Your Dad has got this Molly! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Two.working.canines]

I’m SO jealous lol. Japan is at the top of my list too!

[@MeeblesSporella]

So excited for you Molly!

[@Tina.bina.]

I cried leaving my normal dog behind when we went on vacation last year and we don't even have any where close to the bond I imagine you have with Elton as your eyes, so I can only imagine how hard it was yo say bye and be apart for a bit. But I trust you had an amazing time and Elton was very ready and excited for you when you got back 💛

[@natashaw401]

So dang cool and great ur mom also experience Asia 🌏 😊

[@emtasmic]

Really excited to see what you get up to on your trip

[@KCallia]

I picked up sushi for dinner on the way home, it just felt right today ☺ So excited for you! Japan is on my travel wishlist, I'm curious to see what you will be exploring. That pet travel paperwork is no joke, especially for places like Hawaii & Japan. Safety first!

[@melrhea12]

Aww amazing!! So happy for you miss Molly!! 💕

[@jessicahoward9046]

I'm Elton John Am very smart Protect my mum With all my heart

[@lokemikaze]

i hope you have/had a lot of fun!! i'm going to tokyo in a little less than a month, so i'm excited to see if you share something cool that i need to check out ❤

[@kathrynmilesfenton2755]

I'm glad you talked about why Elton John couldn't accompany you... Sorry! I want to see the Welcome Home video! ☺

[@kosipova01]

Yay have a great time!

[@Alinkssa]

I went to Japan for a month to study abroad and tour the whole country back in 2018 and TRULY it is my favorite place and favorite experience and trip I've ever been to. I miss it consistently, 24/7. I know you're already back by now most likely, but I hope you got to see the smaller countrysides and towns as well as Tokyo bc those are where the true culture and best experiences are at🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡 Also, matcha peach ice cream and the deer petting areas in Nara i still dream about and cry over missing. Definitely stop by the streets of Harajuku for fashion too!

[@vampgaia]

Enjoy your trip!

[@JM-ig4ed]

I really love Elton

[@megjulia4007]

Elton is such a sweet boy!! I bet it was so hard to say goodbye to him for 10 days

[@meganjackson4640]

Your so beautiful ❤

[@AnemoneEmily.]

I love that the airplane announcements for the take off and safety are in sign language! You love to see it!

[@zombbae]

Aw gallop looked so sad when he walked in 😢

[@grutarg2938]

Usually if you talk to other passengers on the plane, they will swap seats around, if they can.

[@lezbhonest6592]

“We can weaken it (the guide dog bond) a bit bug” as Elton John is on top of Mollys lap 😂 Such a mamas boy. So happy the universe brought Molly such a happy boy during such a dark time.

[@natashaw401]

Yes ya sweet great footage of plane landing