Last week, we welcomed the charity ‘Guide Dogs’ to talk the 3^rd Form about the fantastic work the charity does. Here our new Editorial Team of the School magazine, The Dolphin, consider the importance of a guide dog for our guest speaker, Liss.

Unfortunately, Liss has suffered from persistent problems with her sight, which has ultimately resulted in her needing a guide dog. Since her early twenties, she has owned four dogs and currently has a dog named Nancie. When asked what the dog gave her, the focus was independence, having a guide dog has changed her life dramatically as she is no longer dependent on others. Nancie has enabled Liss to carry out everyday activities that we would normally take for granted such as:

• visiting the local shops 
• simply emptying the washing machine
• crossing the road
• opening the door

Not only does the guide dog provide independence to their owner, but when Liss spoke of Nancie, her face lit up and it was clear that she provided friendship unparalleled to any other relationship. This happiness radiated throughout the room, and it was clear that we made the right decision to support this charity. We were also privileged enough to hear from Mike, Liss’ husband, who was evidently very passionate about the charity, due the benefits of having Nancie in their lives.

Nancie managed very well considering the number of children firing questions and being loud and she maintained her composure. By the end of the talk, the 3^rd Form were so engaged and were asking many interesting questions about Liss and her perspective on life with a guide dog. However, when presented with the idea of naming the King’s sponsored dog ‘Ian’ she was less enthusiastic, Sorry Mr Wilmshurst!

This article was written by The Dolphin Editorial Team

Read Deputy Head, Alison Grant's report about the charities King's is supporting this year here.

Flickr album: Guide Dog Talk to 3rd Form - 4th October 2019 | Height: auto | Theme: Default