Going on holibobs :)

Hiya all.

Hope you are all well. Me, Ulay & Max went to Butlins Minehead this weekend and it was great but hard work.

Thankfully Max's brother in law gave us a lift on Friday - 1 case, 1 large rucksack and two bags packed and we got there. Staff very helpful -in check in. Room was a little dated & plugs not great.

Ulay was awesome but distracted, hundreds of sprigs wanting to see her. 

First night was ribs for dinner & a few drinkers. We left Ulay for the evening so we could hear some music - it was awesome & the guy was a great singer. When we returned - Ulay was a happy girly. 

The second day was Minehead town walk to knacker the girly after a spot of brunch. Naughty madam scavenge red the floor for a croissan.. A telling off given. But she loved the walk, however not able to go on beach.. Boo hiss! 

In the afternoon, the poochus was left so we could go swimming. Butlins pools are amazing - we went on the flukes & mucked about. But, Max nearly shit himself on the Space Bowl (look it up) but I loved it despite plunged upside down in 2metres of water.

The evening was show time - Shaolin Monks and more music. Another great evening was had, the Shaolin are awesome & full of bad assness! 

Sunday, both of us humans were tired so a mornng swim then a chill before a meal out at the Hairy Dog in the town - beef madras for me & crab and lobster burger for the other half. 

Advantages of being a GD owner on holiday  - more assistance, lots of fuss & lots of green areas.

Disadvantages - bring more equipment/supplies, a tired pooch, the fussing & being tied down. Like having a child.

Overall, we had an awesome time but glad to be home & looking forward to the next holiday. This is a brief insight. 

warning : non Guide Dog Post. A bit about me. (part 1)

Hi there.

People have an odd perception of sight loss; they expect sunglasses, comlpletely blind & boring. Others may have other ideas. 

When you tell people what has caused it - they tell me I am a bad diabetic - which isn't true.

My sight loss journey began just over four years ago, I had some low level issues being treated what doctors call mild retinopathy (damage to small vessels in the back of the eye) - I had laser coagulation (this stops or slows blood vessels from leaking), however this treatment can cause issues with peripheral vision & night blindness. 

In 2011, a lot happened. My Dad was diagnosed with extensive oesophageal and stomach cancer the year before, he had chemotherapy and radiotherapy but it did not resolve issues relating to the cancer. My Dad passed away in the Summer - I am thankful I was there. Totally heartbreaking, I still miss him and always will.

Unfortunately, my relationship also broke up. I am fortunate that I can class Stavros as my best friend still - we have a mutual respect that is still strong.

Then I had an accident, I was getting off a bus about 7pm in Autumn and due to the dusk insets, I was swiped by a cyclist leading to a mild concussion. This was my moment that I needed help - I realised I was losing my night vision and peripheral. I was scared & angry.

I have had a lot of issues in reference to getting support and being treated correctly according to the rapid deterioration. Including delays in treatment & pushing for cane training training. 

In early 2013, my right eye had severely deteriorated to from 6/36 (poor vision) to just light perception. I had a series of retinal bleeds leading to a traction of the retina and macula. I was at risk of losing my sight completely - the consultant recommended an operation to sort the damage out called a pars plana vitrectomy but there were delays. I went to Moorfields in the end, was told that there is little chance  of recovery - I went through hell during the weeks leading up to the op and post op - face down positioning for 5 days, post op pain and left only with some light perfection.

My life had changed, I promised my Dad that I would fight every battle & I did. I still will!

My best friend

Imagine losing your sight over four years, mainly from the treatment to save your vision. Yeah, that's me. It's getting worse - I have a vitreous haemorrhage (bleeding in the jelly substance of the eye) & it's causing a few issues on my macula and retina. Keeping a watchful eye and not panicking is difficult.

However, four months ago I met a beautiful black & white beauty who became my Guide Dog. It was a challenging time with training, knowing own limits -health wise, sight wise & even mentally. You are pushed to the limit but it is still worth it. The learning never finishes and it never will.

I was told Ulay may not be suitable for a totally blind person, but yesterday she was my Samaritan - whilst going to the Spar shop near my work, Ulay approached the crossing. I checked after pressing the button that it was safe-I thought it was clear however I then heard a car as I was about to cross; Ulat stood still - this is what they should do & prevented me getting injured.

She got a worthwhile cuddle.

Definitely my best friend.