The Guide Dog Training Footage You Never Saw…

[@MollyBurkeOfficial]

I love my fluffy lap sits

[@allyschick9674]

Absolutely love watching your guide dog journey! Congratulations on your new journey with your fluffy pal

[@laurenschenck5355]

Can’t wait! Love you Molly and Elton John and you picked the best and sweet guide dog ❤

[@RiverWoods111]

It is perfectly okay to fall in love with Elton and continue grieving Bennix. I just love the way Elton runs back to you when you recall him. The way he moves is so sweet even when you two are just walking. Then the lap sitting is totally awesome! He will be such a blessing in your life, and he is perfect for helping you heal. I think he will be good for when you are dealing with anxiety too.

[@sandimartin8394]

I love you and Elton John. He loves you so much. Love watching his tail wag in circles!! Lol Curious, what is SSRI? I think that is what you said when you were talking about crying. Crying is such a good release that I truly miss. The medicine I takes doesn’t let me cry and it may sound strange, but I miss having a good cry.

[@opalsnook6743]

Elton John is so fluffy and cute!!!! 🥰

[@shereah]

Elton just standing there eating grass is a whole mood honestly

[@Hadraniel94]

29:35 “being disabled is messy sometimes…. the world isn’t made for us so life is harder” never heard of anything more true. I may not be blind, but I have a service dog for different disabilities. And I have been and will always be a hot mess at least 70% of my life, and I am learning to embrace it and enjoy it. Thank you for sharing Molly, knowing I’m not alone is very comforting.

[@dogables]

Couldn't have said it better myself.

[@nomichan]

Elton looks at you with warm and very loving eyes and the way he sits on you is like "my hooman". I wish you many happy years with him

[@ivy5554]

The way he leaps towards Molly excitedly when she calls him is soooo cute!

[@kittykerri]

Watching Elton John run off harness was the cutest thing! He's so bouncy and joyful. He always looks extremely happy and excited anytime we see him. He's a beautiful dog inside and out and seems to be the perfect match to be your new guide dog during this next chapter of your life. Thank you for being honest and sharing this journey with us.

[@catherinepattersonmcelroy8336]

His little hops of happiness when off-harness and his lap sits just melt my heart. I hope he's healing for your heart as well. He seems like such a good and talented boy! I wish you both years of happiness and adventures together!

[@LionessHiker]

I liked meeting your friends at Mira. I really enjoyed hearing each of their stories. But the video when you realized that Elton was the right dog for you and your teachers agreed. Well, I cried tears of happiness for you.

[@Maddym365]

“The next chapter.” Yes he will be. He’s so stinking cute. I’m glad you found your next bestie. Ben will never be replaced, but he is here to heal you I think. Such a good boy😊

[@conlon4332]

I'm confused about her guide dogs. Because she has Elton now, but she also had Gallop who was retried and died recently, but how does Ben fit into all this?

[@Maddym365]

@@conlon4332she got Ben after gallop, had him for 8 months. He developed an issue (that she didn’t disclose, nor does she need to) that wouldn’t allow him to continue guiding anymore. He’s back with his puppy raisers and she now has had Elton for over a year 😊

[@timmer13]

@@conlon4332she had Ben for 8 months before he was medically released from being a guide dog

[@Maddym365]

@@conlon4332she only had Ben for 8 months. He developed an issue that caused him to have to retire early. She didn’t specify what it was and she doesn’t need to. It was traumatic for her. She’s had Elton for almost 2 years now already 🤯🥰 hope that helps!

[@miridium121]

Seeing Elton John outright skipping back to Molly during recall training was heartwarming!

[@Liz_Dave]

As a sighted person I appreciate you showing the hard times, because I don't know the challenges the low/no vision people go through. If I ever need to help someone I'll know how to handle it better.

[@ekl1457]

The way Elton John looks at you Molly is so filled with love and pride. During the far. Training every few steps he looked back so happily like "am I doing a good job? I am right?" With a waggy tail.

[@alexiabettencourt7603]

Hey Molly, I don't know if you will ever read this, but I had to pick a Champion (or personal hero) for my Psychology class. Here is what I wrote, "One of my champions is Molly Burke, a KZbinr who was born with Retinitis Pigmentosa and eventually went blind at age 14. I chose her because she deals with a lot of problems I also deal with; anxiety and depression and more, but she also deals with being blind alongside it all. I tell my self if she can keep persevering through life with the same problems as me, but also being blind, that I can also do it. Molly is super open about her issues, which has helped me open up more about mine. I think she has helped me come to terms with the fact that life throws you curve balls, life strikes you down sometimes, but that doesn't say anything about you. It is never your fault you go through hard times, and you are truly never alone through it all. She taught me that it is okay to talk about it, and it is okay to not be okay sometimes."

[@mirandahart4550]

My second service dog retired at only 4 and a half years old. He will be 8 soon and I’ve now been with my new dog for almost 2 years. I still grieve the working partnership. Kaz (my retired dog) is now a therapy dog and I love doing visits with him (he retired due to mild medical that effected his tasks but not ability to walk and go places). But it’s so hard and some days I still have to try really hard not to compare them. It’s better than it was but still there. Kaz is my heart dog and has LITERALLY saved my life. So it’s not fair to Ely (current dog) to compare them.

[@julielines5929]

Listening to you talk about the anxiety you have with leaving Mira this time around made me think of my experience being pregnant after three miscarriages. It ended up being a healthy full term pregnancy but I had incredible anxiety throughout it. The thing that calmed that anxiety was learning and singing often the song “Be Still My Soul”. You might find another song that would help bring you peace. Whatever you do, I wish you the best! You have been so strong through incredibly difficult things.

[@alishac5096]

Music can be so healing, thanks for sharing your experience. That sounds incredibly difficult to contend with.

[@sydneycostantino1574]

As someone who lost a young dog this year, she was less than 2, and I'm going to start to look for a new pup the end of Oct. and hearing about your journey is helping me feel okay about it all. thank you.

[@JankoWalski-hz3lu]

Omg, such a young pup :( really sorry for your loss, it must've been hard, hope your next pup will be the one you spend many good years with.

[@marox79]

I lost my cat when she was way too young as well. Luna was only 4. But a couple of weeks after passing, I sort of felt she gave me permission to adopt a new cat into the family. In came Pol, a male ginger cat that was a sweetheart from day one. Don’t dwell on your dog’s passing. I’m sure you gave him/her the best life possible and that’s what matters.

[@andreil1313]

It happened to me too…

[@sydneycostantino1574]

@@marox79 if it was up to me, I would have had another pup all ready, but my husband needs a tad more time, and she wouldn't want me to be sad, she knows how much I like training, and how much time i put into her.

[@AuthorTinaMoss]

SSRIs can be so life changing and life saving. I’m glad you were able to use them to help you, even if you feel like a crier now. Crying is okay. It’s allowing you to be in touch with your emotions. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@bixby451]

The way Elton looks at you Molly is so sweet, it’s like he’s saying “am I doing good? Am I a good boy?”. You’re the best boy, Elton 💕

[@IonaPairOfShoes]

Thank you so much for bringing us along on the journey Molly, even when it was hard. You’re amazing, wishing you both a wonderful career ahead xx

[@kaitfatale]

awww the little look in his eye for his first time on a plane, what a good sweet boy

[@emilyniedbala]

I love Naimh so much! Those background noises mid heart-to-heart were just perfection😂

[@Mare00711]

Your relationship with your Mom is just the best

[@Lindseyisloony]

The ID law there is good cause as you know, many many many many Americans feel it's completely fine to violate service animal laws and refuse entry and service to legitimate service dog users in all sorts of stores, restaurants, transit, event locations etc. Canadians understand that they are in trouble if they discriminate against a service animal user because of that verification requirement. Personally I'd sacrifice a little privacy to ensure that crappy people would not be able to make excuses for discrimination so easily. Americans rarely report such bad behavior because the police know absolutely nothing about disability laws in general. The Canadian ID requirement helps the police know what to do and also helps make sure that they'll actually do it, as they can be held accountable if they facilitate anybody else's discrimination against a service dog user who has shown identification.

[@missitheachievementhuntres560]

It isn’t embarrassing to be a mess. You’re a super woman for sharing your true self 💜

[@jenna2051]

I feel like Elton John is the perfect doggie for you. He gives the vibes that he has the power to bring you happiness and comfort which you need while healing and after that.

[@---BAM---]

He is so happy being close to you. His little hop and run back to you is absolutely adorable. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@karissafay44]

The “human tripod” part had me in tears! You and your mom are so funny!

[@catloverKD]

Yes, I loved that, and watching the male trainer in the background at the mall. Being a typical guy whose been dragged shopping, lol.

[@susanclow5384]

Grief is hard and losing Ben brought on grief and I can totally understand your feelings. You have every right to feel the way you do. I hope this dog works out for years and I'm guessing it will. Elton is very devoted to you. I love how he sits in your lap.

[@breebrat56]

The loving and concerned look Elton is giving you when you’re reassuring him before takeoff in the plane is too adorable! You both have a amazing future together! ❤My SD is a long coated black Labrador retriever female. Her expressions are quite similar to Elton’s when they are showing how they are feeling on their face. ❤️ She gets a lot of compliments on her beauty and stunning looks just like mr Elton! ( She knows it too! She starts strutting her gorgeous working self and looking incredibly proud of herself! ❤️❤️) 😂😂😂

[@charliee578]

I love seeing your dog guiding you. It’s impressive to see how smart they are, they are angels with paws

[@annbann6]

I know this process is hard to go through and film, but I find these videos the most educational and emotional actually (im not generally an emotional person I cried like 3 times within this 30 minute video). It's just watching how these animals have the capability to do what they do and want to serve you. Its beautiful to watch your bonding and training process with this fluffy dog who wants to work for you even though you met a few days ago and now his whole life will change yet they accept their destiny in this and even more so are excited to do the job. We really dont deserve dogs. lol

[@annapodborny6339]

it's been so lovely to see you and Elton training! i'm about to enter the final stages of training with my own service dog and seeing you going through it makes my own experience so much more manageable

[@MollyBurkeOfficial]

We're in this together! Good luck

[@TheKatarinaGiselle]

Good luck! You are doing great and in the home stretch! 💓💗❤️

[@Lynda_NicAirt]

My 14 year old dog has been gone for almost 6 weeks now and I still tear up on almost a daily basis. So watching you grieve Bennix has hit me really hard coz I can relate in a way. In one way I’m glad I’m no longer hyperventilating ugly crying on a daily basis but I sometimes get upset when I realise how I’m not grieving quite as intense as I was at the beginning. It’s a weird feeling. I’m thinking of getting a tattoo of his name so I can convince him and myself that I will never forget him and I will never be completely finished grieving!

[@MalinaCC]

Elton is so sweet and silly. Molly, so proud of you and your ability to persevere. You went through something incredibly tough that you hoped to never experience, but here you are on the other side, slowly moving forward and helping others realize although not so great things may happen in life, it will pass and you will grow through it and experience so many good things and beings you never could have imagined ❤

[@ninaandianfan21]

So cute seeing how Elton runs immediately towards Molly whenever she calls him

[@elianatorontow]

this is fantastic! thank you molly for being so raw and real about how things can happen,as a service dog user this helps me see diffrent views from other handlers and that we also get the funny bits of your new journey with him

[@MiliMusicOfficial]

I like how every time you called him he just ran towards you. And I think it’s so cute how he just goes on your lap. Adorable.

[@Hanarchyreigns]

Random point but your "dog voice" is PRECIOUS none of my cats have the personality for your dog voice but I love it sm

[@bassmansydney]

Molly, I thought of a cute tattoo idea to incorporate your guide dogs! You could get the first letter of their names in braile, like G and right after G, then B and then E. It's good because it isn't big, but it's special because you can always add on throughout your life and it wouldn't be a huge tattoo, and braile correlates with their meaning to you and how special they are ❤️

[@silvermoon2281]

So I’m halfway through the video, and… I love Elton so much. His happy running is so cute. 😭 An absolute fluff muffin of a guide dog… ☺️💖

[@LostEveryMarble]

🤣🤣😂 Fluff muffin!! I love this!!

[@aleksandrastojanovic3172]

I heard somewhere a saying that grief is the price we pay for love, and it makes so much sense when you look at it that way. I hope it will get easier soon. Thank you for sharing. On a brighter note, I loved the recall footage, and you and your mom's dynamic, you are so funny even when you are having a heart to heart.

[@MusicLover7545]

I don't know why, but that little moment of picking out makeup really got me! Makeup isn't a necessity but it can be so fun, and yet so daunting to get into. There's nothing like having a friend with that lovely sister vibe show you the ropes! (Have fun playing Cinnabar!)

[@anikafrey6803]

Elton has the best puppy eyes!! and how adorable is the way he runs to you when you call??? I can’t 🥹

[@alyssanautica7583]

It BLOWS my mind how well you dress and how you maintain your own style and know all the fashion trends and fashion terms that I don’t even know.

[@ShutterbugVideo671]

I love the happy little hop he gives when he’s running back to your side!

[@GenericBeans]

Thank you for speaking about the difference between Canada and the US for service dog laws!

[@voneyeva]

I've never seen a dog express joy so clearly and freely. Elton is the happiest dog i have ever seen.

[@Yazulove11]

You have helped me so much this weekend. I lost my older dog and I'm struggling. But your quote about reality sums up my situation. Thank you for sharing your story 🖤

[@jessicaleigh8317]

Watching him in the grass run around melted my heart 🥹 he is such a happy dog with you Molly! ❤️

[@rentechpad]

That's quite funny that Elton John came down an escalator and immediately turned around and wanted to go back up. That is how his training probably went at least to desensitize him to an escalator. He was taken down and right back up over and over. We do that with dogs we train for Urban SAR, and they quickly learn the training patterns and they will always revert to something like that by using a training pattern. We try, if we have time once they are comfortable with the escalator to then split it up into riding up or down and then search the floor they arrive on before going up or down again. It's not always possible to do that enough that they then associate it with just going somewhere and not going back. We see it with young puppies that have been raised in a one story home and learned stairs on an agility course, and are immediately looking for the down side once they go up. Most times they figure out stairs as a way to reach another level pretty quickly, but often it's the handler they end up with that has to get the idea into then that an escalator is not just an up and down game. It should not take but about 3-5 experiences for them to get the hang if going to do something else when they get off the escalator. If you have a place in LA you go to that has escalators that go to many floors you may need to introduce him to the idea that he can go down and then down again if he had shown you he expects to go down and then back up.

[@hunterisagirl]

The Way Elton runs, he like.. prances omg its so stinking cuuuuute

[@clementine_possum5725]

Thank you so much Molly for giving us all some insight into this journey! Your wise words honestly brought me to tears, it’s so true, the world isn’t made for us disabled folk, but with wonderful people like you, it’s been made a much brighter place! ❤

[@toniajeen]

I like to see you cry over the emotional things. It makes you more relatable and lets us know that you really care. Don't be ashamed to cry.

[@susangill5]

You are an amazing young woman, Molly! So are your parents. God bless you all and much love.

[@samantha7309]

LOVED seeing all the extra training footage. Made me miss my days as a trainer

[@May-or-May-not]

He is so adorable when he runs back to you. He does this little bounce with both hsi front legs and I am dying of cute 😍

[@LostEveryMarble]

My heart is so full and happy to see yours healing. Already love this good boy! Can't wait to see your adventures together! Thank you for sharing your life stories with us 💕

[@MossyBear]

Elton John not running at all when it's his free time is so relatable! My SDiT, Gravy, is so much more interested in sniffing things than with running. Thanks for showing us what guide dog training is like, even when you don't really want to have to be there

[@Yosatorn.Asavapatr.Naptvik]

Oh, maybe Elton John together with Gallop will be busy sniffing too 🐶🐶

[@EvelineUK]

Every time you show us or talk about Mira I think I could not be more impressed, but I always am. What an incredible organisation. The dogs are amazing. It sure was a blessing that you ended up in a very small class with your lovely class mates, I hope you stay in touch. Elton has already given you his heart, I am sure the bond will grow stronger every day. Lots of love to all of you.

[@halez1407]

Nothing wrong with expressing your very valid emotions with tears Molly. I was never a crier but then I went through so much and when I finally let myself be vulnerable and accept my anxiety and depression diagnosis I was a total crier. Also on ssris but really, I think the emotions were always there but now I am healing and having some self compassion and allowing myself to cry. Let it out, you deserve it.

[@hannaleigh]

I wish I had a mama like yours Molly. You are so lucky!

[@beckywhokid]

I cant get over how FLOOFY HE IS!! ❤❤❤❤

[@jm-ny5jr]

Seeing your spirits lift throughout this journey has been so lovely to watch! I hope you continue to heal and enjoy your new buddy!

[@Cosmo-Young]

I’ve seen two guide dog users on my college campus and it’s really funny cause their dogs look so small but it’s really just that I’m used to seeing you, a petite person, who has big dogs

[@jordanlexton7354]

That sweater vest thing fits on your small frame perfectly

[@Mike-sj9si]

As much as I validate how you feel when you say you feel embarrassed, I don't think there's anything to be embarrassed about regarding crying in your videos. Personally I'm very grateful that you're showing yourself crying because it helps me to know it's okay to be sad. I know that's like a really common thing to say or whatever but it's true

[@franniebear777]

I've loved all your pups💕 As soon as I saw your "option E" I INSTANTLY KNEW he was meant to be yours, I don't cry a lot but I cried with you through all of this because I saw how amazing Ben Ben was with you and loved him too. I ended up falling in love with Elton and watching you do so slowly as well through this series 🥰🥺💞 Elton also has qualities from all of your past pups😉

[@williamalexander7481]

This video made me want to hug you and cry. My SD will be retiring soon. I'm not ready.

[@amysin]

I'm going to miss the Mira content so bad but Molly, I wish you a super long life with M. Elton John! He's such a good dog and it's so amazing to see him put a smile on your face. Looking forward to many years of content with the little bear!

[@mycraycraylife9481]

Watching this made my heart so happy because when I was in training my guide did something very similar to Elton John. When we were doing our recall exercises he would not walk and or run away from me… So calling him back to me was hard because he hadn’t moved. He is not much of a runner… He would rather just stay in one place… Unless he’s working of course.

[@Yosatorn.Asavapatr.Naptvik]

Wonder whether Gallop ran away back then 😅

[@machther]

Just for clarification the two questions you can ask in America are: Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? For more information you can read the Frequently asked questions on the ADA website! Hope this helps someone 😊!

[@KarinVoll]

about ssris, I can relate to being much more emotional without them since starting. What I interpret it as is, b4 ssris, i thought i had to be strong and cope with shit in a way the never allowed me to realky feel stuff, bc ppl always thought I was "overly sensitive" and needed to "toughen up". since I startes therapy and added medication to my treatment, it was like my body learned, for the first time, what it was like to not be chronically afflicted by anxiety and depression and all that stuff. It understood a lot better where my boundaries lay and what life looks like when you are not in constant survaival mode. than you take the ssri away, and life keeps hitting you, and you now know that those hits were supposed to hurt all along, and then instead of internalizing and denying and putting up a front (and honestly, getting a whole lot of somatic diseases bc the stress will go SOMEWHERE), you cry. it's awful, vulnerabke, awkward and a lot of other stuff, but overall much healthier,

[@ChimeraTruely]

This process is such a beautiful, & painful, thing. Thank you for sharing it with us, I have shed many tears with you. 🥰

[@angiecastro9345]

Awe elton john is just the sweetest! ❤ thank you for bringing us with you on your journey. Best of luck to you and your little teddy bear on this journey as a team.

[@mariavargas2402]

Every video I watch of Molly is always so heartwarming even With all the feelings 💗

[@cheryl-lynnmehring8606]

Molly, you made a huge difference being there for those two girls. This is something they will never forget, guide dog school with their favorite KZbinr and idol! 💘

[@mylovablepets2018]

I'm watching this video after just finding out that I may only have 1-3 months left with my dog who has a very aggressive cancer. I've had him for 12 years now and it's breaking my heart to see him declining and knowing that my time is coming to a close with him. Even though Ben Ben is still alive he is no longer in your life and that's just as bad as his not being on this earth anymore so you take all the time you need to grieve that loss Molly

[@crystalgentry9133]

Hi Molly I just wanna say that I cannot even imagine how difficult this journey and transition has been for you just want you to know that there are people out there who are good to and care about you I am one of them hope to hear from you sending you lots of love and hope and joy❤

[@SarahGuadagnin]

Hey Molly, I'm a viewer that lives in Brazil and have been following you for about 5 years or so, I know that we may not understand the reason why some things happen, but I'd like to say that you are the only contact I've ever had with someone who is blind, and because of you next year when my boyfriend and I move in together we have already looked into a nonprofit from our city so that we can be a dog's foster family, I had no idea this was a way I could help out and thanks to your videos I have learned that and will soon be a mommy to a dog who might guide someone someday, so thanks for teaching me 💜

[@Liz-rt2rh]

A lot has been happening for me and my family lately and recently I lost my childhood cat she passed away at age 16. I understand our situations are very different but I feel less lonely in my grief watching your videos. The grief comes in waves and some days it feels like it’ll be ok and some days I just cry. In a selfish way I’m glad that I’m not alone in these feelings of loss and grief. I guess I’m also grateful for this new found empathy that I didn’t really understand before. I send my prayers and love through these trying times to you Molly and anyone else here suffering.❤️ and when it rains it pours but I think things will get better ❤️

[@spoidabetch]

seeing all three of them strut down that path together with their puppers has convinced me that y'all need to walk in a fashion show together

[@pjb261]

Experienced the exact same thing as you in regards to SSRI never was a cryer before or during and now I cry at the littles of things…learning to be ok with that, we don’t have to be so strong all of the time:) feeling less alone thanks girl

[@madethistocomment727]

I love how he wanted to go back to the escalator. It's like a ride to him. ❤️

[@eatveggies8058]

I love this video! And honestly don’t feel bad about crying, Molly! I was bawling like a baby yesterday because my new optometrist told me that she feels really good about me applying for a guide dog and that it’ll probably really help me. I never got that with my old ophthalmologist, who wasn’t understanding at all about my circumstances and thought that since I could navigate his office fine that I didn’t need a dog or white cane

[@Knightfall28]

Incredibly happy to see you growing to love Elton like you both deserve ❤

[@saratexas5181]

Prepping my shower and my tea, I’ll listen to this one while I get ready for tomorrow ♥️. This has been a tough summer for me, thank you for your honestly through this adventure. I’m hoping that I’m turning the page to my next chapter, too. ☀️

[@tabby92]

I absolutely love this molly. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. Just to see this part, of what it takes is amazing how hard you all work. It's beautiful the relationships you have with your dogs. They are lucky to have you. Sending you all love ❤

[@serakahyaoglu1556]

Ahhh Elton is the cutest doggy! I hope this will be a beautiful and long journey with him ❤

[@silvermoon2281]

Sending all the hugs and positive thoughts in the world to you and Elton John!! 💖💖💖

[@cindyb8193]

The ID card is actually voluntary in BC! I have one for my service dog but just thought I would let you know it isn't a requirement, it just makes life easier :)

[@Nikotastik]

I love how much dogs love helping people

[@Kay_Dabbles]

Personally, I found the whole 'training dog montage' fascinating! I had not realized the intricacies involved in all of it.

[@chanelle7510]

sending so much love to you Molly!!!

[@markthomas715]

Another amazing video Molly 😘! Because of you I will be giving Mira a donation every year from now on . Such amazing work .❤️

[@learningservicedogs]

I have always wonder how guide problems did the dog distraction training and I absolutely loooove this!!

[@patriciarowan4104]

Fear is ok…… you and Elton will be just fine. Much love 💕

[@myribunt5261]

The way you and your mum interact is amazing and really makes me laugh

[@WackyLisa]

Gutter walking was one of the things I really prefer doing with a dog over my cane. Food refusal was such a big problem when I was working elder care. So glad you’re working on it with your trainers

[@moontidemoontide6209]

Hi Molly, i really like how you've announced your new dog, not making us wait too long and then continued the series. this was a good video.

[@Weepingghoul]

Thank you for showing us the training! It was so interesting to see