My Story
By Brandon

    I knew things were going to change. I just didn’t know how much, considering I had never met her before. I knew she was petite, dark hair, caring eyes, and even a few weeks older than I had originally thought. What I didn’t know was that she would give me infinitely more in return than I could ever give her. She gave me; wisdom, experiences beyond what most 14 year olds ever experience, an understanding of those with disabilities, and the knowledge that I was truly making a difference in someone’s life.

   For 16 months we walked in the park, walked to fight Blindness, went to the mall, movies and meetings, even to Knott’s Berry Farm. Since we liked the beach and sand we went there often too. We went everywhere together.

   Even though she has been gone for over a year, she lives in Stockton now, I think of her often and remember the fun times and quiet times we had together and reflect on the impact she had on my life and I think I had on hers.

   I will never forget her. Her name is Ebony.

   You see, Ebony was our latest puppy from Guide Dogs for the Blind to arrive at our house for me and my family to love, train, socialize and then eventually to say Good-bye to when she was graduated from Guide Dog training and placed with a visually impaired person.