Kaine, My Eyes And Ears

Guide and Service Dogs changing lives

I was born deaf with no auditory nerves in either of my ears. At the age of 18, I was diagnosed with Usher syndrome, a combination of deafness and retinitis pigmentosa. Over the years, I have gradually lost my sight. Currently, I have no peripheral vision and very little central vision in both eyes. After working for 32 years as a civilian administration clerk in the South African Navy, I was medically boarded as a result of my eyesight.

Before applying for a Guide Dog, I found it very difficult and frustrating to safely navigate my way on a daily basis. Public spaces and the shopping centres posed numerous challenges and were filled with obstacles. Because of my nerve deafness, I struggle with my balance. This would result in members of the public asking me if I was all right, because I could not walk straight – even with the aid of my white cane.