On 1 September 2020, my old friend and guide dog Trigger was put to sleep due to having developed cancer. The months following his death were difficult. Not only had I lost a mobility aid but (far more importantly) I had lost a companion who had accompanied me almost everywhere since 4 July 2011. Of course as time passes the sadness becomes intermixed with happier recollections of one’s time together. One never forgets but life goes on and, in time one smiles again.
I have, since Trigger’s death, been using a long white cane. Whilst I am a competent cane user, it is far easier when walking with a guide dog (in my experience) than when utilising a white cane. I was therefore delighted when on Monday 1 November I received a call from the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association informing me that I had been matched with guide dog Apollo.
My training begins on 8 November and will run for a period of 5 weeks. I shall be trained at home which is in accordance with my preference. I have undergone training in a hotel previously and whilst access to a swimming pool was wonderful (I swam most days, minus the dog of course)! Hotel food became somewhat tedious after a time and I longed for home comforts.
It is an irony that I shall be sharing my home with the god of poetry, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo. I wonder what impact he will have on my poetry …!
I shall write more about Apollo over the coming weeks. In the meantime, for anyone who is interested in learning about the work of Guide Dogs please follow this link, https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/
K Morris - Poet 
Congratulations, and how fitting for him to be named for the God of poetry. Also, amusingly, my tortoise is named for his twin sister, Artemis. Anyway, good luck with your training, and with forming a bond with Apollo.
Many thanks for your good wishes, Tori, which are really appreciated. Your tortoise being called Artemis made me smile! All the best. Kevin
That’s great news, Kevin, all the very best with your training (Apollo is probably already well trained lol)
Thanks Chris! I’m sure that Apollo is extremely well trained as you say, and that his behaviour is impeccable. I can’t say the same of my behaviour … All the best. Kevin
LOL
What good news, I guess you didn’t know how long it might be until a new dog came along.
Thank you. Indeed it is good news. And you are right, I didn’t know how long it would take before a new dog came along.
Best wishes. Kevin
That’s wonderful news, Kevin. I am so pleased for you, and Apollo, of course. I think Apollo (the god, not the dog) was looking out for a poet to send namesake to.
Many thanks for your kind congratulations, Vivienne. Your comment about Apollo looking to send a dog to a poet made me smile!
Kevin
I am very happy to know you have a new guide dog, Kevin. I have been wondering how you are managing without Trigger’s company and assistance.
Thank you, Robbie. I am greatly looking forward to meeting Apollo on Monday 8 November! Best wishes. Kevin
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Many thanks for kindly sharing my post, Michal. Kevin
Congratulations, Kevin! But one favor, please: Dont try to fly! 🙂 xx Michael
Many thanks for your kind congratulations, Michael. I can’t promise not to fly, but will do my best to avoid doing so! All the best. Kevin
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Many thanks for sharing this, Patty. Kevin
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