1 00:00:00,466 --> 00:00:02,200 [ Mid-tempo music plays ] 2 00:00:02,300 --> 00:00:05,433 -Whoa. Whoa. [ Chuckles ] [ Package crinkling ] 3 00:00:05,533 --> 00:00:06,800 Oh, yeah. 4 00:00:06,900 --> 00:00:09,933 Doc Martin, the character I played for 18 years, 5 00:00:10,033 --> 00:00:11,500 hated dogs. 6 00:00:11,600 --> 00:00:13,400 Come here. Come here. Come here. 7 00:00:13,500 --> 00:00:16,733 In real life, I like them so much, I've got four. 8 00:00:16,833 --> 00:00:18,233 ♪♪ 9 00:00:18,333 --> 00:00:22,766 Having a dog as your company works for me. 10 00:00:22,866 --> 00:00:26,066 Just watching them interact. 11 00:00:26,166 --> 00:00:28,333 Everybody -- Sit, Penny. Penny. [ Clicks tongue ] 12 00:00:28,433 --> 00:00:31,533 Jimmy's a bit tough to sit. 13 00:00:31,633 --> 00:00:35,233 I kind of dig it when two species come together 14 00:00:35,333 --> 00:00:36,600 and share their ambitions. 15 00:00:36,700 --> 00:00:37,700 It's great. 16 00:00:37,800 --> 00:00:41,066 Now, do you want to go out there? 17 00:00:41,166 --> 00:00:43,700 [ Dogs barking ] 18 00:00:43,800 --> 00:00:45,700 Yeah? 19 00:00:45,800 --> 00:00:47,000 [ Dog growls ] 20 00:00:47,100 --> 00:00:49,433 [ Chuckles ] That was quite tame. 21 00:00:49,533 --> 00:00:52,133 But that bond reaches a whole new level 22 00:00:52,233 --> 00:00:55,900 with guide dogs and their visually impaired owners. 23 00:00:56,000 --> 00:00:59,700 There are around 4,000 of those partnerships in the UK alone. 24 00:00:59,800 --> 00:01:01,700 -Hey, pup. 25 00:01:01,800 --> 00:01:03,033 -I've applied to adopt 26 00:01:03,133 --> 00:01:05,233 a retiring guide dog called Laura... 27 00:01:05,333 --> 00:01:07,433 -Good girl. -...and in preparation, 28 00:01:07,533 --> 00:01:10,100 I've been getting to know her remarkable owner, Jaina. 29 00:01:10,200 --> 00:01:11,800 -How are you? -I'm grand! How are you? 30 00:01:11,900 --> 00:01:12,933 -Good to see you. Very well, actually. 31 00:01:13,033 --> 00:01:15,000 -Hey, Laura! Laura! 32 00:01:15,100 --> 00:01:19,066 This is Jaina's search for a new canine companion. 33 00:01:19,166 --> 00:01:20,533 -Oh, no licking me. 34 00:01:20,633 --> 00:01:24,066 -But it's also my chance to discover the secret world 35 00:01:24,166 --> 00:01:25,933 of the guide dog... 36 00:01:26,033 --> 00:01:27,533 What you up to, girl, eh? 37 00:01:27,633 --> 00:01:29,266 ...how they became such clever... 38 00:01:29,366 --> 00:01:31,933 Pay attention, Pat. ...reliable partners... 39 00:01:32,033 --> 00:01:34,933 And these are good for your soul, aren't they? 40 00:01:35,033 --> 00:01:38,533 ...and how they change so many lives for the better. 41 00:01:38,633 --> 00:01:40,933 -Good boy. [ Dog barks ] 42 00:01:41,033 --> 00:01:49,900 ♪♪ 43 00:01:50,000 --> 00:01:53,866 ♪♪ 44 00:01:53,966 --> 00:01:57,466 -I always thought I knew about guide dogs. 45 00:01:57,566 --> 00:02:00,866 Then something set me off down a road of discovery. 46 00:02:00,966 --> 00:02:02,333 ♪♪ 47 00:02:02,433 --> 00:02:05,133 Last year, I was listening to this program on the radio 48 00:02:05,233 --> 00:02:06,733 called "Life Changing," 49 00:02:06,833 --> 00:02:10,833 and there was a young woman, having lost her sight, 50 00:02:10,933 --> 00:02:12,966 getting together with a guide dog. 51 00:02:13,066 --> 00:02:18,966 But now the guide dog was 11 and had to retire. 52 00:02:19,066 --> 00:02:21,000 So I just e-mailed the radio program 53 00:02:21,100 --> 00:02:25,633 and said, "Well, we could give that dog a nice retirement." 54 00:02:25,733 --> 00:02:31,500 One thing led to another, and, well, here we are. 55 00:02:31,600 --> 00:02:34,500 ♪♪ 56 00:02:34,600 --> 00:02:35,800 -She likes Laura. 57 00:02:35,900 --> 00:02:38,100 -That young woman was Jaina Mistry 58 00:02:38,200 --> 00:02:43,266 and her dog, a black Labrador retriever cross called Laura. 59 00:02:43,366 --> 00:02:46,100 -She loves to be the first one to say hello to everyone 60 00:02:46,200 --> 00:02:47,300 at the door. -She does. 61 00:02:47,400 --> 00:02:48,766 -Every time. 62 00:02:48,866 --> 00:02:52,800 -At the age of 17, a rare allergic reaction to penicillin 63 00:02:52,900 --> 00:02:54,766 cost Jaina her sight. 64 00:02:54,866 --> 00:02:56,000 -No. -Come on. 65 00:02:56,100 --> 00:02:58,333 -After overcoming a fear of dogs, 66 00:02:58,433 --> 00:03:00,933 Jaina had her first trial walk with Laura. 67 00:03:01,033 --> 00:03:02,600 -Yeah. She's a bit shy today. 68 00:03:02,700 --> 00:03:05,466 -She's a bit shy. She's not normally shy. 69 00:03:05,566 --> 00:03:07,766 I was a little bit nervous around her at first. 70 00:03:07,866 --> 00:03:10,600 I didn't know what to expect. 71 00:03:10,700 --> 00:03:13,100 And then we did a walk around the block, 72 00:03:13,200 --> 00:03:16,100 the route that I'd been doing with my cane for so long, 73 00:03:16,200 --> 00:03:17,766 and it just blew my mind. 74 00:03:17,866 --> 00:03:21,433 She flew around the block so quickly, avoided obstacles, 75 00:03:21,533 --> 00:03:24,366 and it's the most free I'd ever felt in my life. 76 00:03:24,466 --> 00:03:25,566 ♪♪ 77 00:03:25,666 --> 00:03:28,066 -With the freedom that Laura brought her, 78 00:03:28,166 --> 00:03:31,733 Jaina became the first blind woman in Britain 79 00:03:31,833 --> 00:03:34,033 to qualify as a fitness instructor. 80 00:03:34,133 --> 00:03:35,400 [ Applause ] 81 00:03:35,500 --> 00:03:38,333 Together, Jaina and Laura have won many awards. 82 00:03:38,433 --> 00:03:40,533 ♪♪ 83 00:03:40,633 --> 00:03:43,233 But there comes a point when every aging guide dog 84 00:03:43,333 --> 00:03:46,300 must retire -- for their own health and welfare. 85 00:03:46,400 --> 00:03:48,466 ♪♪ 86 00:03:48,566 --> 00:03:51,366 When Laura retired 18 months ago, 87 00:03:51,466 --> 00:03:54,066 Jaina lost a lot of her freedom. 88 00:03:54,166 --> 00:03:55,833 ♪♪ 89 00:03:55,933 --> 00:03:58,600 -When your dog retires, you kind of go through 90 00:03:58,700 --> 00:04:02,300 a little phase of almost grieving for your independence 91 00:04:02,400 --> 00:04:05,600 'cause you've gotten so used to being able to go for walk 92 00:04:05,700 --> 00:04:09,100 with your dog, and that all suddenly stops. 93 00:04:09,200 --> 00:04:12,166 ♪♪ 94 00:04:12,266 --> 00:04:14,833 [ Dog barking ] -[ Barks 95 00:04:14,933 --> 00:04:15,700 ♪♪ 96 00:04:15,800 --> 00:04:17,033 -Hi, Jaina! -Hello! 97 00:04:17,133 --> 00:04:19,166 -And hello, Laura! -Hi, Martin. How are you? 98 00:04:19,266 --> 00:04:21,533 She's very excited to see you. [ Both laugh ] 99 00:04:21,633 --> 00:04:23,566 -How are you? I'm coming in for a kiss. 100 00:04:23,666 --> 00:04:25,166 -Yes. Come in. Come in. Come in. 101 00:04:25,266 --> 00:04:27,600 Good to see you. [ Dog barks ] 102 00:04:27,700 --> 00:04:29,366 -Do you want a kiss as well, Laura? 103 00:04:29,466 --> 00:04:31,866 -Good girl. Good girl. 104 00:04:31,966 --> 00:04:33,866 [ Down-tempo music plays ] 105 00:04:33,966 --> 00:04:35,933 [ Birds squawking, chirping ] 106 00:04:36,033 --> 00:04:38,233 ♪♪ 107 00:04:38,333 --> 00:04:40,700 -Like hundreds of other Brits with sight loss, 108 00:04:40,800 --> 00:04:44,733 Jaina is on a waiting list for a new guide dog, 109 00:04:44,833 --> 00:04:47,700 a wait that's been made longer by COVID delays. 110 00:04:47,800 --> 00:04:49,866 ♪♪ 111 00:04:49,966 --> 00:04:52,966 In the meantime, Laura still needs her walks. 112 00:04:53,966 --> 00:04:55,366 But ultimately, 113 00:04:55,466 --> 00:04:58,666 Jaina won't be able to manage both dogs at once. 114 00:04:58,766 --> 00:04:59,800 -[ Laughs ] 115 00:04:59,900 --> 00:05:03,100 -Has your relationship with her changed 116 00:05:03,200 --> 00:05:05,100 since she stopped working? 117 00:05:05,200 --> 00:05:08,133 -I think it's grown stronger. -Has it? More of a friendship? 118 00:05:08,233 --> 00:05:11,600 -I believe so, yeah. We've grown much, much closer. 119 00:05:11,700 --> 00:05:15,333 We're all not talking about the moment where you have to say -- 120 00:05:15,433 --> 00:05:17,266 when you have to leave her with us, aren't we? 121 00:05:17,366 --> 00:05:19,933 -Yeah. -It's gonna be really difficult. 122 00:05:20,033 --> 00:05:21,200 -Oh, yeah. 123 00:05:21,300 --> 00:05:23,466 'Cause the bond is so strong that we have. 124 00:05:23,566 --> 00:05:27,900 With Laura being my first dog, she'll always be my number one. 125 00:05:28,000 --> 00:05:33,900 ♪♪ 126 00:05:34,000 --> 00:05:37,266 -In 1931, Britain's first-ever guide dogs, 127 00:05:37,366 --> 00:05:40,100 Flash, Folly, Meta, and Judy, 128 00:05:40,200 --> 00:05:43,333 were trialed by four blind World War I veterans. 129 00:05:43,433 --> 00:05:46,733 ♪♪ 130 00:05:46,833 --> 00:05:50,100 Within a few years, this quirky experiment 131 00:05:50,200 --> 00:05:53,100 had grown into Britain's best-loved charity, 132 00:05:53,200 --> 00:05:55,366 Guide Dogs for the Blind. 133 00:05:55,466 --> 00:05:57,666 [ Mid-tempo music plays ] 134 00:05:57,766 --> 00:06:00,900 Today, the charity has a finely tuned system 135 00:06:01,000 --> 00:06:04,066 designed to produce the best possible results. 136 00:06:04,166 --> 00:06:06,200 -Martin! Hello. Caroline. -Hi. 137 00:06:06,300 --> 00:06:07,800 -Nice to meet you. -Nice to meet you, too. 138 00:06:07,900 --> 00:06:09,766 -Come on in. -Thank you. 139 00:06:09,866 --> 00:06:11,333 -Come and meet Georgie and the puppies. 140 00:06:11,433 --> 00:06:12,966 -Oh, boy! 141 00:06:13,066 --> 00:06:15,866 And it all begins at birth. 142 00:06:15,966 --> 00:06:19,200 This litter of nine pups was produced just a week ago 143 00:06:19,300 --> 00:06:23,300 by Georgie, another Labrador retriever cross. 144 00:06:23,400 --> 00:06:25,033 Don't get up, sweetheart. 145 00:06:25,133 --> 00:06:26,766 Oh, look, they're all having a drink. 146 00:06:26,866 --> 00:06:29,833 Hi. Hello, sweetheart. Look. 147 00:06:29,933 --> 00:06:31,466 They're not like this for long, are they? 148 00:06:31,566 --> 00:06:32,833 -They're not, no, not too long. 149 00:06:32,933 --> 00:06:34,300 [ Both laugh ] 150 00:06:34,400 --> 00:06:36,200 -When do their eyes open? 151 00:06:36,300 --> 00:06:38,300 -Oh, their eyes will probably open in another week. 152 00:06:38,400 --> 00:06:40,066 -Right. 153 00:06:40,166 --> 00:06:42,100 Tim Bloomfield is a breeding dog advisor. 154 00:06:42,200 --> 00:06:45,000 Also known as a puppy midwife. 155 00:06:45,100 --> 00:06:48,300 -Oh, don't they smell nice. -New puppy smell, Martin. 156 00:06:48,400 --> 00:06:49,933 -Mmm. [ Both chuckle ] 157 00:06:50,033 --> 00:06:52,433 He makes sure the first few weeks go smoothly. 158 00:06:52,533 --> 00:06:54,300 Hello, little puppy. 159 00:06:54,400 --> 00:06:56,666 So how many of these are you dealing with a week? 160 00:06:56,766 --> 00:06:58,533 How many... 161 00:06:58,633 --> 00:06:59,566 You know, er, are they popping out all the time? 162 00:06:59,666 --> 00:07:00,833 -They are, Martin, yeah. 163 00:07:00,933 --> 00:07:02,333 Each of our supervisors have probably got five 164 00:07:02,433 --> 00:07:05,666 or six litters on the go at each -- at any one time. 165 00:07:05,766 --> 00:07:07,600 It's enough to keep your hands full. 166 00:07:07,700 --> 00:07:09,500 -Yeah, well, what a nice gig. 167 00:07:09,600 --> 00:07:11,300 -It is a lovely job, it is a lovely job. 168 00:07:11,400 --> 00:07:12,666 There's definitely worse jobs Martin. 169 00:07:12,766 --> 00:07:15,900 -Yeah. Yeah. 170 00:07:16,000 --> 00:07:19,233 Volunteer Caroline Clifton keeps both the brood mum 171 00:07:19,333 --> 00:07:20,966 and the pups in her house 172 00:07:21,066 --> 00:07:24,500 so they're familiarized with a home environment. 173 00:07:24,600 --> 00:07:27,700 -My son Harry and I, we helped to deliver -- 174 00:07:27,800 --> 00:07:29,366 deliver all these puppies. 175 00:07:29,466 --> 00:07:31,366 And it was incredible. Incredible experience. 176 00:07:31,466 --> 00:07:34,033 -Magical, isn't it? -Very magical. 177 00:07:34,133 --> 00:07:36,033 -Oh, good luck little guide dog. 178 00:07:36,133 --> 00:07:40,500 [ Laughs ] Actually, wow, yeah, if you think -- 179 00:07:40,600 --> 00:07:44,733 think of all the lives that can be changed right here. 180 00:07:44,833 --> 00:07:46,400 With a helping hand from me, 181 00:07:46,500 --> 00:07:49,000 each pup must be given the once over... 182 00:07:49,100 --> 00:07:50,433 Hello, poppet. 183 00:07:50,533 --> 00:07:52,366 ...to make sure their health is good. 184 00:07:52,466 --> 00:07:55,666 -Pop him on there, nearly 800 grams. 185 00:07:55,766 --> 00:07:59,033 -Their tiny nails are clipped so they don't scratch their mother. 186 00:07:59,133 --> 00:08:00,633 -See those little white tips there? 187 00:08:00,733 --> 00:08:04,066 -Yeah. -Take the ends off. 188 00:08:04,166 --> 00:08:05,833 -There he is. 189 00:08:05,933 --> 00:08:07,666 There's your little dingbat. 190 00:08:07,766 --> 00:08:11,000 -That's good. There you go. 191 00:08:11,100 --> 00:08:13,433 -Oh, she's a bit lighter. 192 00:08:13,533 --> 00:08:15,566 -She's the last born. -Is she? 193 00:08:15,666 --> 00:08:17,300 -Yeah, last born. 194 00:08:17,400 --> 00:08:21,400 I called her Hope, because she just didn't breathe for, 195 00:08:21,500 --> 00:08:23,833 it felt like minutes. 196 00:08:23,933 --> 00:08:25,833 I was really rubbing her. -Were you? 197 00:08:25,933 --> 00:08:27,833 -Georgie was licking her and then suddenly 198 00:08:27,933 --> 00:08:28,866 she just started... -You got her going. 199 00:08:28,966 --> 00:08:30,566 -...squeaking. 200 00:08:30,666 --> 00:08:33,600 And she's just such a little feisty girl. 201 00:08:33,700 --> 00:08:35,466 A real fighter. 202 00:08:35,566 --> 00:08:38,966 So she's my favorite. 203 00:08:39,066 --> 00:08:40,766 -Well, all their bellies are full. 204 00:08:40,866 --> 00:08:42,800 They'll go and sleep that off. 205 00:08:42,900 --> 00:08:46,133 [ Chuckles ] 206 00:08:46,233 --> 00:08:48,166 They'll spend eight weeks together as a litter 207 00:08:48,266 --> 00:08:50,666 before they're rehomed for the next stage. 208 00:08:50,766 --> 00:08:52,833 [ Puppy squeaks ] -It must be so nice 209 00:08:52,933 --> 00:08:54,600 being part of a litter, don't you think? 210 00:08:54,700 --> 00:08:56,366 -Yeah. 211 00:08:56,466 --> 00:08:58,500 -When you're warm and furry yourself just to... 212 00:08:58,600 --> 00:09:00,500 -Cuddle up... -cuddle up, nuzzle in, 213 00:09:00,600 --> 00:09:03,266 roll around. 214 00:09:03,366 --> 00:09:05,466 I should have been a dog. 215 00:09:05,566 --> 00:09:07,000 [ Laughter ] 216 00:09:07,100 --> 00:09:08,700 -What dog would you've been? 217 00:09:08,800 --> 00:09:10,333 -One of those I think. -Yeah! 218 00:09:10,433 --> 00:09:13,233 [ Laughter ] 219 00:09:13,333 --> 00:09:17,666 ♪♪ 220 00:09:17,766 --> 00:09:23,566 ♪♪ 221 00:09:23,666 --> 00:09:25,766 On an icy day in Leamington Spa, 222 00:09:25,866 --> 00:09:28,800 the charity has lined up some newly-trained dogs 223 00:09:28,900 --> 00:09:31,766 for Jaina to try out. 224 00:09:31,866 --> 00:09:33,600 -Right. You ready? You feel okay? 225 00:09:33,700 --> 00:09:36,300 -We are ready. -Okay, when we're ready. 226 00:09:36,400 --> 00:09:38,866 -The first is a 21-month-old Labrador called Pat 227 00:09:38,966 --> 00:09:41,666 with her trainer Nicola. -Forward. 228 00:09:41,766 --> 00:09:43,266 That's it. 229 00:09:43,366 --> 00:09:44,233 And then, "Good girl." -Good girl. 230 00:09:44,333 --> 00:09:46,066 -Lovely. Then she moves back into 231 00:09:46,166 --> 00:09:47,200 the right, just around a tree. 232 00:09:47,300 --> 00:09:50,366 So, have a little shake. Good girl. 233 00:09:50,466 --> 00:09:52,300 -Okay. -With the shakes, 234 00:09:52,400 --> 00:09:54,033 do you just let the dog have a shake? 235 00:09:54,133 --> 00:09:55,633 -Yeah. 236 00:09:55,733 --> 00:09:57,266 And it's a little bit of an anxiety release. 237 00:09:57,366 --> 00:09:58,266 So that's what we want them to do. 238 00:09:58,366 --> 00:09:59,200 It's like shake it off. 239 00:09:59,300 --> 00:10:00,733 "I feel a little bit anxious, 240 00:10:00,833 --> 00:10:02,633 but I've gotta shake things off." 241 00:10:02,733 --> 00:10:04,200 Now, we'll get her to find 242 00:10:04,300 --> 00:10:06,700 a Pelican crossing for you as well. 243 00:10:06,800 --> 00:10:09,566 -Right, and the button. -So when you're ready. 244 00:10:09,666 --> 00:10:12,200 -Right, good girl. 245 00:10:12,300 --> 00:10:13,966 -And she's off. Now, you'll feel... 246 00:10:14,066 --> 00:10:15,866 This is hard work for Jaina. 247 00:10:15,966 --> 00:10:18,033 Not only assessing Pat's suitability... 248 00:10:18,133 --> 00:10:20,166 -Button! 249 00:10:20,266 --> 00:10:22,566 -...but also learning more up to date training methods 250 00:10:22,666 --> 00:10:24,333 than she's used to. 251 00:10:24,433 --> 00:10:27,600 -Yeah, just bring that down, there we go. 252 00:10:27,700 --> 00:10:29,600 So what we're doing is... -Oh, right! 253 00:10:29,700 --> 00:10:31,266 ...the treat comes from the thing you want the dog to find. 254 00:10:31,366 --> 00:10:33,033 -Oh! 255 00:10:33,133 --> 00:10:34,900 -And that's where the dog thinks it comes from. 256 00:10:35,000 --> 00:10:36,500 -That makes sense. -Trying to give that impression. 257 00:10:36,600 --> 00:10:38,466 That's good. -Good girl. 258 00:10:38,566 --> 00:10:41,433 -Next challenge, to find a post box. 259 00:10:41,533 --> 00:10:43,566 -Post! -Post! 260 00:10:46,633 --> 00:10:48,033 Ah. -Yeah, that's brilliant. 261 00:10:48,133 --> 00:10:49,900 That's lovely. -Yep! 262 00:10:50,000 --> 00:10:51,866 -And really give her a fuss. -Well done! 263 00:10:51,966 --> 00:10:53,900 -So, that's a word cue you're using... 264 00:10:54,000 --> 00:10:55,566 -Yes. -...for Pat? 265 00:10:55,666 --> 00:10:57,633 -But we teach the behavior without the cue first. 266 00:10:57,733 --> 00:11:00,300 So you get a response and then attach a word to the response? 267 00:11:00,400 --> 00:11:02,966 -Yes. And that's what we say... -[ Laughs ] 268 00:11:03,066 --> 00:11:04,600 -...will the dog do the behavior? 269 00:11:04,700 --> 00:11:06,400 If you would risk a 100 quid, 270 00:11:06,500 --> 00:11:08,100 cos you're so certain the dog will do it, 271 00:11:08,200 --> 00:11:09,833 then attach that word to what you want... 272 00:11:09,933 --> 00:11:12,366 -Oh, my Gosh! Wow! -...then that's what we say. 273 00:11:12,466 --> 00:11:17,700 -The second dog's another black Lab, 19-month-old Ken. 274 00:11:17,800 --> 00:11:19,900 -He's got a bigger head. -He has! 275 00:11:20,000 --> 00:11:22,766 And he's a bit stronger. -Nice. Ready and forward. 276 00:11:22,866 --> 00:11:25,500 -Forward! 277 00:11:25,600 --> 00:11:28,366 -Getting the right pace is crucial. 278 00:11:28,466 --> 00:11:31,033 -So he might be a little bit quicker. 279 00:11:31,133 --> 00:11:35,600 -Dog number three is Kath, a 22-month Lab retriever cross. 280 00:11:35,700 --> 00:11:39,966 -Oh, wow, look at you! -[ Chuckles ] She likes you. 281 00:11:40,066 --> 00:11:42,400 Hello, sweetie. Hello, sweetie! 282 00:11:42,500 --> 00:11:44,433 -Oh, my gosh! 283 00:11:44,533 --> 00:11:46,300 Oh, yeah, she does feel quite different. 284 00:11:46,400 --> 00:11:47,866 I know. -No licking, please. 285 00:11:47,966 --> 00:11:49,100 Are you licking my face? 286 00:11:49,200 --> 00:11:50,333 [ Laughter ] 287 00:11:50,433 --> 00:11:51,333 -You can slide your right foot back. 288 00:11:51,433 --> 00:11:52,900 -Kath's trainer is Emma. 289 00:11:53,000 --> 00:11:54,633 -Give her the word "forward". 290 00:11:54,733 --> 00:11:56,266 -Forward! -Good girl. 291 00:11:56,366 --> 00:11:58,433 Okay to say, "Good girl." 292 00:11:58,533 --> 00:11:59,966 -Good girl. -That's it. How's that feeling? 293 00:12:00,066 --> 00:12:03,833 -Yeah, good pace. -Yeah? 294 00:12:03,933 --> 00:12:05,266 We're now back at the van, 295 00:12:05,366 --> 00:12:06,866 so you could just ask her to "stand". 296 00:12:06,966 --> 00:12:09,400 -Stand. -It's fine. Good. 297 00:12:09,500 --> 00:12:11,200 -That was... 298 00:12:11,300 --> 00:12:14,066 How was Kath, Jaina? -She was lovely, actually. 299 00:12:14,166 --> 00:12:16,233 She reminds me of Laura. -She what? 300 00:12:16,333 --> 00:12:18,266 -She reminds me of Laura. -Stop saying that. 301 00:12:18,366 --> 00:12:20,000 [ Laughter ] 302 00:12:20,100 --> 00:12:23,133 So different -- different to Ken and Pat? 303 00:12:23,233 --> 00:12:26,000 -I would say so, like, she's much longer in the body. 304 00:12:26,100 --> 00:12:28,466 -Mm. -Her walk pace is different. 305 00:12:28,566 --> 00:12:30,266 And just something felt different, like, 306 00:12:30,366 --> 00:12:32,066 more relaxed with her. -Oh, wow! 307 00:12:32,166 --> 00:12:35,066 -Yeah, very much so. -Hey, how about that! 308 00:12:35,166 --> 00:12:36,933 Very, very, clever. 309 00:12:37,033 --> 00:12:38,200 [ Laughter ] 310 00:12:38,300 --> 00:12:39,433 -Okay, I'll give you the leads. 311 00:12:39,533 --> 00:12:40,800 -Thank you very much. Thank you, cheers. 312 00:12:40,900 --> 00:12:43,000 -Bye. Next! 313 00:12:43,100 --> 00:12:45,233 There are two more dogs for Jaina to try. 314 00:12:45,333 --> 00:12:49,533 Sally, a 22-month-old golden retriever Labrador cross... 315 00:12:49,633 --> 00:12:52,566 -Good girl. Good girl, Sally. 316 00:12:52,666 --> 00:12:55,766 Yeah, she goes a little quicker than, um, Kath. 317 00:12:55,866 --> 00:12:58,133 -Yeah. -So, yeah, and... 318 00:12:58,233 --> 00:13:01,200 -...and 17-month-old yellow Lab called Mr. D'Arcy. 319 00:13:01,300 --> 00:13:07,100 -Forward. Good boy. Good, good boy. 320 00:13:07,200 --> 00:13:11,733 -She must be exhausted. Just -- just, er... 321 00:13:11,833 --> 00:13:13,600 I can't -- I can't imagine what it is 322 00:13:13,700 --> 00:13:16,200 to sort of mentally hand yourself over to this animal 323 00:13:16,300 --> 00:13:18,833 with so much at stake cos it means so much to her, 324 00:13:18,933 --> 00:13:20,933 her independence. 325 00:13:21,033 --> 00:13:23,300 But anyway, she's gonna get a dog. 326 00:13:23,400 --> 00:13:25,233 [ Laughs ] That's the happy ending. 327 00:13:25,333 --> 00:13:28,900 It's win-win. Just which one? 328 00:13:29,000 --> 00:13:31,566 How was that? It was a bit F1 coming down there, wasn't it? 329 00:13:31,666 --> 00:13:33,833 -He was taking me for a walk! [ Laughter ] 330 00:13:33,933 --> 00:13:36,600 He was quite quick, yes. -Was he? 331 00:13:36,700 --> 00:13:38,233 Doesn't make him a bad dog, though, does it? 332 00:13:38,333 --> 00:13:40,133 It's all about being the right dog. 333 00:13:40,233 --> 00:13:42,566 -Exactly. That's -- that's the thing. 334 00:13:42,666 --> 00:13:45,366 He's, um, might not be the right dog for you, 335 00:13:45,466 --> 00:13:47,233 but I'm sure there'll be a client out there 336 00:13:47,333 --> 00:13:48,800 that will be the right match for him. 337 00:13:48,900 --> 00:13:50,333 -Yeah. 338 00:13:50,433 --> 00:13:52,333 -So, overall, a brilliant day. 339 00:13:52,433 --> 00:13:55,100 Good experience for me. -Brilliant day, yeah. 340 00:13:55,200 --> 00:13:58,866 Yeah. Yeah. And potentially a new dog! 341 00:13:58,966 --> 00:14:01,433 -Fingers and paws crossed. -Fingers and paws crossed. 342 00:14:01,533 --> 00:14:02,466 That's the link. 343 00:14:02,566 --> 00:14:04,066 [ Laughter ] 344 00:14:06,800 --> 00:14:09,433 Blind fitness guru Jaina Mistry 345 00:14:09,533 --> 00:14:13,500 has been waiting nearly two years for a new guide dog. 346 00:14:13,600 --> 00:14:16,633 When her first dog, Laura, retired aged 11, 347 00:14:16,733 --> 00:14:19,866 Jaina lost much of her independence. 348 00:14:19,966 --> 00:14:21,533 Here we go. 349 00:14:23,266 --> 00:14:25,633 She's here. -Exciting! 350 00:14:25,733 --> 00:14:29,866 Now, at last, it seems she may have found a good match. 351 00:14:29,966 --> 00:14:30,900 -Hi. -Hi, Emma. 352 00:14:31,000 --> 00:14:33,800 [ Gasps ] Hello! 353 00:14:33,900 --> 00:14:38,066 Trainer Emma has brought Kath for a trial home visit. 354 00:14:38,166 --> 00:14:39,466 At 22 months, 355 00:14:39,566 --> 00:14:41,933 Kath has far more energy than elderly Laura. 356 00:14:42,033 --> 00:14:45,233 -Good girl. 357 00:14:45,333 --> 00:14:46,633 -Oh, what's it like, Jaina? 358 00:14:46,733 --> 00:14:48,133 -Aww! -Two dogs. 359 00:14:48,233 --> 00:14:53,300 -It's lovely having both. They're very lovely together. 360 00:14:53,400 --> 00:14:56,266 -Sadly, Jaina just can't meet the different needs 361 00:14:56,366 --> 00:14:58,533 of both dogs at once. 362 00:14:58,633 --> 00:15:00,566 For me, it was a personal decision to have to 363 00:15:00,666 --> 00:15:03,633 rehome Laura, 'cause I just didn't think it would be fair. 364 00:15:03,733 --> 00:15:05,500 -No, I think that's it. 365 00:15:05,600 --> 00:15:06,866 You know, you're doing it for the right reasons, 366 00:15:06,966 --> 00:15:08,733 aren't you, when they go to someone else's? 367 00:15:08,833 --> 00:15:12,133 Because you know they deserve that retirement. 368 00:15:12,233 --> 00:15:13,666 She really deserves it. 369 00:15:13,766 --> 00:15:16,933 She's been an amazing guide dog for me. Just truly remarkable. 370 00:15:17,033 --> 00:15:19,600 And you're going to the best home! 371 00:15:19,700 --> 00:15:21,033 If only Martin could adopt me, too. 372 00:15:21,133 --> 00:15:24,000 -[ Laughter ] -Claridge's for dogs. 373 00:15:24,100 --> 00:15:25,166 -Yeah. 374 00:15:25,266 --> 00:15:27,300 -You're gonna have a wonderful time. 375 00:15:28,466 --> 00:15:30,733 -If the training with Kath goes well, 376 00:15:30,833 --> 00:15:35,433 Jaina will have no option but to hand Laura over to me. 377 00:15:35,533 --> 00:15:38,500 -You're a good girl. -Wow! 378 00:15:43,800 --> 00:15:46,533 But first, at the charity's national center, 379 00:15:46,633 --> 00:15:49,066 in Leamington Spa, I want to learn exactly 380 00:15:49,166 --> 00:15:52,366 what goes into making a good guide dog. 381 00:15:56,000 --> 00:15:59,633 -So, in here, we have a team of reproduction technicians, 382 00:15:59,733 --> 00:16:03,266 who help us produce some really happy and healthy puppies. 383 00:16:05,266 --> 00:16:07,100 -Oh, now. -Hiya. 384 00:16:07,200 --> 00:16:09,733 Of all the puppies trained by the charity, 385 00:16:09,833 --> 00:16:13,066 only around 60% go on to qualify as guide dogs. 386 00:16:14,766 --> 00:16:16,166 To improve that rate, 387 00:16:16,266 --> 00:16:20,666 the science team analyze dog DNA for clues to their success. 388 00:16:22,066 --> 00:16:24,600 Though, as Dr. Helen Whiteside explains, 389 00:16:24,700 --> 00:16:28,200 there's actually a complex mixture of factors involved. 390 00:16:29,600 --> 00:16:31,833 -So, with our dogs here at the breeding program, 391 00:16:31,933 --> 00:16:33,266 what we want to do is produce dogs 392 00:16:33,366 --> 00:16:36,700 with the best possible potential of being a guide dog, 393 00:16:36,800 --> 00:16:38,166 and that's linked to the genes 394 00:16:38,266 --> 00:16:40,166 that they inherit from mom and dad. 395 00:16:40,266 --> 00:16:42,066 And then, actually, as well, training. 396 00:16:42,166 --> 00:16:44,366 So that mixed together is what you get at the end 397 00:16:44,466 --> 00:16:46,133 with that wonderful guide dog. -Right. 398 00:16:46,233 --> 00:16:47,766 -And then, actually, there's another layer. 399 00:16:47,866 --> 00:16:49,366 So, there's the person and the dog 400 00:16:49,466 --> 00:16:50,933 and how we match those together. 401 00:16:51,033 --> 00:16:53,633 So right dog, right time, right place. 402 00:16:53,733 --> 00:16:55,700 And there is a whole bunch of science 403 00:16:55,800 --> 00:16:56,900 that sits underneath all of that. 404 00:16:57,000 --> 00:16:59,566 -So, with all this science, 405 00:16:59,666 --> 00:17:02,733 will there come a time when you can say, 406 00:17:02,833 --> 00:17:04,500 "Here on this slide -- 407 00:17:04,600 --> 00:17:07,366 that's what's causing anxiety in a dog"? 408 00:17:07,466 --> 00:17:11,033 -In certain health conditions, we absolutely do have DNA tests. 409 00:17:11,133 --> 00:17:14,000 In terms of behavior, it is a lot more complicated, 410 00:17:14,100 --> 00:17:16,966 because that nature versus nurture is very complex. 411 00:17:17,066 --> 00:17:18,600 But here at Guide Dogs, we're hoping to 412 00:17:18,700 --> 00:17:20,833 really understand, what is it that's inherited, 413 00:17:20,933 --> 00:17:22,700 so what is it from their genes, 414 00:17:22,800 --> 00:17:24,700 but then what is it that is learnt in their environment? 415 00:17:24,800 --> 00:17:26,133 But for us, it's really important 416 00:17:26,233 --> 00:17:28,400 that we share the findings that we have with the rest 417 00:17:28,500 --> 00:17:30,600 of dogdom for the benefit of dogs everywhere. 418 00:17:30,700 --> 00:17:33,866 -Ah, right. Yeah. Yeah. 419 00:17:33,966 --> 00:17:35,800 And then, at the end of the day, you go, 420 00:17:35,900 --> 00:17:37,833 "You're a very good dog." 421 00:17:37,933 --> 00:17:39,400 -Yes! -[ Both laugh ] 422 00:17:39,500 --> 00:17:41,766 -Which is all any of us wants to say, isn't it? 423 00:17:41,866 --> 00:17:43,566 -They're all good dogs. 424 00:17:46,800 --> 00:17:49,333 -As well as studying puppy genetics, 425 00:17:49,433 --> 00:17:52,166 the science team conducts behavior tests 426 00:17:52,266 --> 00:17:55,700 to find out exactly how puppy intelligence develops. 427 00:17:59,166 --> 00:18:01,566 Becky Hunt, one of team's researchers, 428 00:18:01,666 --> 00:18:04,900 is bringing in a lively, inquisitive Pat. 429 00:18:05,000 --> 00:18:06,600 Oh, hello, Pat. 430 00:18:06,700 --> 00:18:07,966 -Because we're all kind of in here, 431 00:18:08,066 --> 00:18:08,900 and it's a bit new for him. 432 00:18:09,000 --> 00:18:11,233 -Hello, sweetheart. 433 00:18:11,333 --> 00:18:14,966 -Hello! Hello, sweetie! -How old is Pat? 434 00:18:15,066 --> 00:18:17,600 -He's about 7 1/2, nearly 8 weeks. 435 00:18:17,700 --> 00:18:20,333 -Don't you think puppies' breath smells of leeks, raw leeks? 436 00:18:20,433 --> 00:18:21,866 -Leeks? I mean, I'd never thought that, but... 437 00:18:21,966 --> 00:18:23,133 [ Laughs ] 438 00:18:23,233 --> 00:18:25,066 -Every puppy's breath smells of raw leeks. 439 00:18:25,166 --> 00:18:26,166 [ Snorts ] 440 00:18:26,266 --> 00:18:27,533 -So, we're gonna look at the puppy... 441 00:18:27,633 --> 00:18:30,166 -It's important to know how well Pat responds to humans. 442 00:18:30,266 --> 00:18:31,333 ...task that we put in front of him. 443 00:18:31,433 --> 00:18:34,266 Puppy! Pup! Good boy. 444 00:18:34,366 --> 00:18:36,400 Get that. Good boy. 445 00:18:36,500 --> 00:18:39,366 Okey-doke. So, now I will say the phrase that we do. 446 00:18:39,466 --> 00:18:41,900 Hi, pup! Are you a good puppy? 447 00:18:42,000 --> 00:18:44,533 Yes, you are! Look how cute you are! 448 00:18:44,633 --> 00:18:46,333 [ Barks ] 449 00:18:46,433 --> 00:18:48,033 With those big eyes and floppy ears! 450 00:18:48,133 --> 00:18:49,733 -[ Laughs ] -You're such a cute puppy! 451 00:18:49,833 --> 00:18:51,866 So, essentially, we're interested in how they -- 452 00:18:51,966 --> 00:18:55,833 -But he did respond to that -- to your enthusiasm. 453 00:18:55,933 --> 00:18:57,233 -Yeah, yeah. -Oh, Pat! 454 00:18:57,333 --> 00:18:59,666 [ Laughs ] Oh, Pat! 455 00:18:59,766 --> 00:19:03,066 Pat, you're such a nice little puppy! 456 00:19:03,166 --> 00:19:05,566 You're so lovely! Pat! 457 00:19:05,666 --> 00:19:08,966 Ooh! Ooh! [ Chuckles ] 458 00:19:09,066 --> 00:19:11,500 Next, we check his sense of smell... 459 00:19:11,600 --> 00:19:15,633 Pay attention, Pat. Mm-hmm. Okay? 460 00:19:15,733 --> 00:19:17,633 ...and how keen he is to find a treat. 461 00:19:19,100 --> 00:19:22,900 Straight to the kibble. -Yeah. He's a clever one. 462 00:19:23,000 --> 00:19:24,533 -So, that smell -- he's getting that. 463 00:19:24,633 --> 00:19:25,966 -Yeah. So, we're looking at his smell, 464 00:19:26,066 --> 00:19:28,233 'cause they look the same to him, they are the same. 465 00:19:28,333 --> 00:19:29,700 One's just got food in and one hasn't. 466 00:19:29,800 --> 00:19:33,933 -Finally, a brain-teaser for Pat to solve. 467 00:19:34,033 --> 00:19:36,000 -Puppy, look! Okay. 468 00:19:36,100 --> 00:19:38,533 -First, he's shown a treat. 469 00:19:38,633 --> 00:19:42,400 -Good boy! There we go! Good lad! 470 00:19:42,500 --> 00:19:43,900 So then, if we do start again, 471 00:19:44,000 --> 00:19:45,400 but don't let him go until I say, "Okay." 472 00:19:45,500 --> 00:19:48,266 Puppy, look! 473 00:19:48,366 --> 00:19:50,000 Okay! 474 00:19:53,033 --> 00:19:55,566 -Oh, Pat, you really let yourself down there, lad. 475 00:19:55,666 --> 00:19:57,666 [ Laughs ] 476 00:20:01,333 --> 00:20:02,366 Oh! 477 00:20:02,466 --> 00:20:03,500 -He's worked it out. -There you go. 478 00:20:03,600 --> 00:20:04,633 -So, this is actually really good, 479 00:20:04,733 --> 00:20:06,433 because he's worked it out himself. 480 00:20:06,533 --> 00:20:08,733 For them to be able to work out a problem like that is great. 481 00:20:08,833 --> 00:20:10,266 -He's a genius. You're a genius, Pat. 482 00:20:10,366 --> 00:20:12,500 -Normally, it takes probably four or five times to get it. 483 00:20:12,600 --> 00:20:15,500 Puppy, look! 484 00:20:15,600 --> 00:20:17,400 Okay! 485 00:20:17,500 --> 00:20:18,666 -Oh, come on. -Second time, straight in. 486 00:20:18,766 --> 00:20:21,300 -He's smashed it! -So, yeah, he's got it. 487 00:20:21,400 --> 00:20:23,800 -This will go on Pat's report card, 488 00:20:23,900 --> 00:20:25,433 how he's done with this test? 489 00:20:25,533 --> 00:20:27,200 -Yes. Essentially, because they're still so young, 490 00:20:27,300 --> 00:20:28,700 we're gonna follow these puppies through 491 00:20:28,800 --> 00:20:31,533 till they get their end result, probably around 18 months, 492 00:20:31,633 --> 00:20:32,800 -two years of age... -Sure. 493 00:20:32,900 --> 00:20:34,200 -and we're gonna see if there are any links 494 00:20:34,300 --> 00:20:35,900 then between the behaviors they show here 495 00:20:36,000 --> 00:20:38,166 and if they make it as a guide dog. 496 00:20:39,466 --> 00:20:42,400 -I've got every confidence in Pat. 497 00:20:46,533 --> 00:20:49,200 There's one more vital experience for the puppies 498 00:20:49,300 --> 00:20:51,766 while they're still together as a litter -- 499 00:20:51,866 --> 00:20:54,066 exploring the world around them. 500 00:20:56,100 --> 00:20:58,800 -They just get to experience lots of different things 501 00:20:58,900 --> 00:21:01,433 to develop their socialization. 502 00:21:01,533 --> 00:21:03,400 -Right. -As you can see, they love it! 503 00:21:03,500 --> 00:21:05,733 [ Both laugh ] 504 00:21:05,833 --> 00:21:08,000 -This group play is hugely beneficial 505 00:21:08,100 --> 00:21:09,633 not only to the puppies... 506 00:21:09,733 --> 00:21:11,766 Oh, everything's great! 507 00:21:11,866 --> 00:21:15,266 -...but also to the volunteers, like Harriet Pearce, 508 00:21:15,366 --> 00:21:18,100 who help make it happen. 509 00:21:18,200 --> 00:21:22,066 -I used to be a maths teacher, actually, quite locally, 510 00:21:22,166 --> 00:21:24,566 a secondary-maths teacher, which I loved. 511 00:21:24,666 --> 00:21:27,100 Then I got quite poorly and very stressed 512 00:21:27,200 --> 00:21:30,533 and I had to reassess what my priorities were 513 00:21:30,633 --> 00:21:32,533 and get myself better. 514 00:21:32,633 --> 00:21:36,033 And one of the things was, "I'm gonna volunteer at Guide Dogs," 515 00:21:36,133 --> 00:21:38,600 because I love dogs and I love helping people, 516 00:21:38,700 --> 00:21:40,666 so that's exactly what I've been doing, 517 00:21:40,766 --> 00:21:43,133 like, getting more and more involved, which is great. 518 00:21:43,233 --> 00:21:45,766 It's been -- It's been a bit of a journey, but -- 519 00:21:45,866 --> 00:21:47,566 -But a healing one. -Yeah, exactly. 520 00:21:47,666 --> 00:21:50,533 A healing one, and it's ended up in an excellent place, 521 00:21:50,633 --> 00:21:52,400 where I get to see these lovely puppies. 522 00:21:52,500 --> 00:21:54,900 -Yeah, and these are good for your soul, aren't they? 523 00:21:55,000 --> 00:21:57,600 -And they're all starting to go and get a bit sleepy, look. 524 00:21:57,700 --> 00:21:59,333 -Yeah, they are. This one is. 525 00:21:59,433 --> 00:22:01,333 -We're gonna have a pile of puppies in a minute. 526 00:22:01,433 --> 00:22:03,200 [ Both chuckle ] 527 00:22:05,633 --> 00:22:08,700 -At 8 weeks, the puppies are individually rehomed 528 00:22:08,800 --> 00:22:11,733 with volunteer families all over Britain. 529 00:22:13,933 --> 00:22:17,466 I've traveled to South Wales to meet one of those families, 530 00:22:17,566 --> 00:22:19,666 known as puppy raisers. 531 00:22:20,433 --> 00:22:21,433 -Oh, my God. -Hi. 532 00:22:21,533 --> 00:22:22,566 -Come in. 533 00:22:24,633 --> 00:22:26,366 -Cliff and Carrie Vanstone and their daughters, 534 00:22:26,466 --> 00:22:29,166 Sienna, Aria, and Isla, 535 00:22:29,266 --> 00:22:32,966 have looked after Hobson since he was 8 weeks old. 536 00:22:33,066 --> 00:22:35,066 [ Dog barks ] 537 00:22:37,100 --> 00:22:40,366 Now a strapping 9 months, he's learnt to deal with 538 00:22:40,466 --> 00:22:43,933 many of the things that life might throw at him. 539 00:22:44,033 --> 00:22:46,433 Is there, like, a manual of the things you have to -- 540 00:22:46,533 --> 00:22:48,700 -So, we have, like, training guidelines for sure, 541 00:22:48,800 --> 00:22:51,333 right the way through from even the toilet training 542 00:22:51,433 --> 00:22:53,733 to things like getting them to chin rest for examinations 543 00:22:53,833 --> 00:22:56,300 and things like that so they can have their eyes checked, 544 00:22:56,400 --> 00:22:58,566 their ears checked, all those sorts of things. 545 00:22:58,666 --> 00:23:01,566 And just living with a family must be -- 546 00:23:01,666 --> 00:23:03,566 -He's very resilient, shall we say. 547 00:23:03,666 --> 00:23:05,100 [ Both laugh ] 548 00:23:05,200 --> 00:23:09,433 He's brilliant with trains, buses, tractors, loud spaces. 549 00:23:09,533 --> 00:23:10,900 And with the children, as well. 550 00:23:11,000 --> 00:23:12,866 They play with him a lot and, 551 00:23:12,966 --> 00:23:14,333 you know, sometimes climb on him and things like that. 552 00:23:14,433 --> 00:23:15,866 -Mauly. -They're just naturally -- 553 00:23:15,966 --> 00:23:17,966 Yeah, mauly! -They're all mauly. 554 00:23:18,066 --> 00:23:19,666 Like all puppy raisers, 555 00:23:19,766 --> 00:23:22,566 the family get to keep Hobson for about a year. 556 00:23:22,666 --> 00:23:25,500 Then he'll be rehoused with fosterers 557 00:23:25,600 --> 00:23:29,200 while he goes to daily training classes for a guide-dog career. 558 00:23:31,200 --> 00:23:33,300 Can you tell me, 559 00:23:33,400 --> 00:23:36,500 what's the best thing about having Hobson in your house? 560 00:23:36,600 --> 00:23:38,600 -What's the best thing about having Hobson, Aria? 561 00:23:38,700 --> 00:23:43,166 -Uh...because he's so soft. 562 00:23:43,266 --> 00:23:44,433 -He's so soft? -Soft. 563 00:23:44,533 --> 00:23:47,033 -I do think I wanna keep him. 564 00:23:47,133 --> 00:23:48,766 -You wanna keep him? -Yeah. 565 00:23:48,866 --> 00:23:51,033 -But we know we cant keep him, don't we? 566 00:23:51,133 --> 00:23:54,166 Because Hobs is gonna go off to help somebody else, isn't he? 567 00:23:54,266 --> 00:23:57,633 -The Vanstons were inspired to become puppy raisers 568 00:23:57,733 --> 00:24:00,200 because Aria was born blind. 569 00:24:01,333 --> 00:24:03,666 She's too young to have her own guide dog, 570 00:24:03,766 --> 00:24:07,333 but could soon qualify for a child's equivalent. 571 00:24:07,433 --> 00:24:09,400 One of the things that we've since learned 572 00:24:09,500 --> 00:24:12,266 from our experience with Aria is that from the age of 4, 573 00:24:12,366 --> 00:24:14,166 you can apply for a buddy dog, 574 00:24:14,266 --> 00:24:16,600 and that's perhaps where dogs haven't been 575 00:24:16,700 --> 00:24:18,966 successful in their training to become 576 00:24:19,066 --> 00:24:20,766 a fully fledged guide dog. 577 00:24:20,866 --> 00:24:23,833 They can be repurposed for companion dogs. 578 00:24:23,933 --> 00:24:26,066 -He kissed me on the hand. -He kissed you on the hand? 579 00:24:26,166 --> 00:24:28,466 -Yeah. -That's 'cause he loves you. 580 00:24:28,566 --> 00:24:31,033 Just seeing the reward it brings to Aria, 581 00:24:31,133 --> 00:24:33,900 given that she has a sight loss, is just -- 582 00:24:34,000 --> 00:24:36,233 It's been something that, you know, I can well imagine 583 00:24:36,333 --> 00:24:37,700 we'll always have a dog. 584 00:24:37,800 --> 00:24:39,500 -Mm. How about that, Aria? 585 00:24:39,600 --> 00:24:42,566 A buddy dog of your own. Just specially for you. 586 00:24:42,666 --> 00:24:44,000 Would that be nice? 587 00:24:44,100 --> 00:24:45,633 -Yeah. -Yeah. 588 00:24:46,866 --> 00:24:48,300 -I've loved having Hobson. 589 00:24:48,400 --> 00:24:50,833 I've loved the raising part of it. 590 00:24:50,933 --> 00:24:54,066 I think that, inevitably, I'll be sad when he goes. 591 00:24:54,166 --> 00:24:56,133 Of course I will. I'm not kidding myself. 592 00:24:56,233 --> 00:24:58,033 I think we call it Kleenex Day, 593 00:24:58,133 --> 00:24:59,433 the day that the dogs go, because it's -- 594 00:24:59,533 --> 00:25:02,133 you know, it's tears, but I think the tears come 595 00:25:02,233 --> 00:25:03,766 a lot from feeling... 596 00:25:03,866 --> 00:25:06,033 -I think it's Andrex with Labradors, isn't it? 597 00:25:06,133 --> 00:25:08,133 -They are! -[ Laughter ] 598 00:25:11,233 --> 00:25:13,833 -Volunteer puppy raisers, like the Vanstons, 599 00:25:13,933 --> 00:25:17,766 currently house around 1,200 puppies nationwide. 600 00:25:17,866 --> 00:25:20,633 That's an improvement after the pandemic lull, 601 00:25:20,733 --> 00:25:24,400 but more puppy raisers are always needed. 602 00:25:29,533 --> 00:25:31,666 Meanwhile, with the help of trainer Emma... 603 00:25:31,766 --> 00:25:33,200 -Good girl! 604 00:25:33,300 --> 00:25:36,600 -...Jaina's making good progress with her new guide dog, Kath. 605 00:25:36,700 --> 00:25:39,866 -Straight on. Good girl! 606 00:25:39,966 --> 00:25:42,833 -Which means the time has finally come 607 00:25:42,933 --> 00:25:45,966 to say goodbye to Laura. 608 00:25:46,066 --> 00:25:48,066 -Good girl. 609 00:25:48,166 --> 00:25:54,333 ♪♪ 610 00:25:54,433 --> 00:26:00,600 ♪♪ 611 00:26:00,700 --> 00:26:03,500 -It's early April in Dorset, 612 00:26:03,600 --> 00:26:05,566 and I'm about welcome a new member 613 00:26:05,666 --> 00:26:07,133 into the Clunes household. 614 00:26:07,233 --> 00:26:10,033 -Hi, hi, hi, hi! [ Dogs barking ] 615 00:26:10,133 --> 00:26:14,033 Laura! [ Chuckles ] 616 00:26:14,133 --> 00:26:18,233 Oh. Hello, Laura. 617 00:26:18,333 --> 00:26:19,666 I'm sorry. I'm greeting the dog first. 618 00:26:19,766 --> 00:26:20,766 How rude! 619 00:26:20,866 --> 00:26:23,133 Now that fitness expert Jaina Mistry 620 00:26:23,233 --> 00:26:24,533 has a new guide dog... 621 00:26:24,633 --> 00:26:26,400 -Yes, how are you? -Hello. I'm grand. 622 00:26:26,500 --> 00:26:29,866 -...she can no longer look after her old guide dog, Laura. 623 00:26:29,966 --> 00:26:31,533 -She's a bit unsure, I think. 624 00:26:31,633 --> 00:26:33,933 -It was nearly a year. Ah! That's it! 625 00:26:34,033 --> 00:26:36,033 [ Laughs ] 626 00:26:36,133 --> 00:26:38,400 So Jaina and her mum, Hansa, 627 00:26:38,500 --> 00:26:42,100 have brought Laura to live out her final days on our farm. 628 00:26:42,200 --> 00:26:45,766 -Now you remember. -[ Snorts ] 629 00:26:45,866 --> 00:26:47,400 That's better. 630 00:26:49,433 --> 00:26:51,966 Three of my dogs seem happy to see Laura. 631 00:26:52,066 --> 00:26:53,866 The one who's not so sure 632 00:26:53,966 --> 00:26:56,233 is a very rude Jackahuahua called Penelope Jennifer. 633 00:26:56,333 --> 00:26:58,266 -[ Dog growls ] -Penny, language! 634 00:26:58,366 --> 00:27:00,266 -Oh, dear. -[ Laughs ] 635 00:27:00,366 --> 00:27:03,766 Dear Penny, you better get over it. 636 00:27:03,866 --> 00:27:06,766 Get over yourself. -She's got a new friend now. 637 00:27:06,866 --> 00:27:09,733 -Laura! [ Smooches ] 638 00:27:09,833 --> 00:27:13,133 Hello, baby. No, Penny. Watch your language. 639 00:27:13,233 --> 00:27:16,300 Jim's showing Laura his ball. 640 00:27:16,400 --> 00:27:19,966 -Oh! Toys. -[ Laughs ] 641 00:27:20,066 --> 00:27:21,100 -Laura's your new friend! 642 00:27:21,200 --> 00:27:23,366 -Laura takes it all in her stride. 643 00:27:23,466 --> 00:27:24,900 She's really livened up. 644 00:27:25,000 --> 00:27:26,533 She's been rather quiet, actually, 645 00:27:26,633 --> 00:27:28,366 the drive up and -- 646 00:27:28,466 --> 00:27:30,500 So its nice to see her happy like this, yeah. 647 00:27:30,600 --> 00:27:32,066 -Well, she's... 648 00:27:32,166 --> 00:27:33,500 She'll be knowing how you're feeling, won't she? 649 00:27:33,600 --> 00:27:35,666 How are you feeling? -Oh, gosh. 650 00:27:35,766 --> 00:27:38,266 Ah, I think the lead-up to Laura coming here 651 00:27:38,366 --> 00:27:41,566 has been quite emotion-- like, difficult, 652 00:27:41,666 --> 00:27:45,433 quite tough, just accepting the fact that I have to let go now, 653 00:27:45,533 --> 00:27:46,600 after 10 1/2 years. 654 00:27:46,700 --> 00:27:47,933 It's a long time. 655 00:27:48,033 --> 00:27:49,966 But, erm... 656 00:27:50,066 --> 00:27:51,500 I know she'll be very happy here. 657 00:27:51,600 --> 00:27:55,100 I notice you don't have collars on your dogs, Martin. 658 00:27:55,200 --> 00:27:58,000 Is that something -- Is there a reason for that or... 659 00:27:58,100 --> 00:27:59,733 -Because we don't need them. 660 00:27:59,833 --> 00:28:01,833 We have the kind of leads that... 661 00:28:01,933 --> 00:28:03,600 slip over their heads. 662 00:28:03,700 --> 00:28:05,566 -Oh, those are safer for them, aren't they? 663 00:28:05,666 --> 00:28:08,033 -Yeah, we may let Laura go naked. 664 00:28:08,133 --> 00:28:09,266 -Oh! -[ Laughter ] 665 00:28:09,366 --> 00:28:10,800 That'll be quite strange, 666 00:28:10,900 --> 00:28:12,600 'cause she's always had her collar on. 667 00:28:12,700 --> 00:28:14,433 She'll be very naked. -Whoa, what about that? 668 00:28:14,533 --> 00:28:16,300 Topless! -Oh, my... 669 00:28:16,400 --> 00:28:17,400 -She'll run after you for her collar! 670 00:28:17,500 --> 00:28:19,700 -She will! -"Put it back on me!" 671 00:28:19,800 --> 00:28:20,900 [ Laughter ] 672 00:28:21,000 --> 00:28:22,233 -She'll have something to say about it. 673 00:28:22,333 --> 00:28:24,500 -Oh, yeah. 674 00:28:24,600 --> 00:28:27,300 After handing over all of Laura's accessories... 675 00:28:27,400 --> 00:28:29,466 -This is her bowl. 676 00:28:29,566 --> 00:28:31,866 -Oh, right. We were gonna dig out one of Arthur's, 677 00:28:31,966 --> 00:28:34,200 but, yes, no, of course, her bowl. 678 00:28:34,300 --> 00:28:36,433 -This is her bone. -That's her bone. 679 00:28:36,533 --> 00:28:38,366 -And this we like to call her spaceship. 680 00:28:38,466 --> 00:28:40,166 -Yes. -And you put her kibble 681 00:28:40,266 --> 00:28:42,466 in there, and she likes to knock that around. 682 00:28:42,566 --> 00:28:45,500 -We'll just brush between these two bushes. 683 00:28:45,600 --> 00:28:50,433 The moment finally arrives for Jaina to bid Laura farewell. 684 00:28:50,533 --> 00:28:57,500 -Sit. Hello! Ooh! Here. Hey, Laurie, sit. 685 00:28:57,600 --> 00:28:59,966 Laurie? 686 00:29:00,066 --> 00:29:02,900 We've had the best 10 1/2 years together, haven't we? 687 00:29:03,000 --> 00:29:05,866 The most awesome, pawesome partnership. 688 00:29:05,966 --> 00:29:09,366 You really enriched my life in so many ways. 689 00:29:09,466 --> 00:29:13,633 You've -- You've helped to rebuild my health... 690 00:29:13,733 --> 00:29:18,433 my confidence, my independence. 691 00:29:18,533 --> 00:29:23,733 You'll always be my number one, my special little girl... 692 00:29:23,833 --> 00:29:27,600 the remarkable guide dog who changed my life forever. 693 00:29:27,700 --> 00:29:33,700 Love you always. I love you. You'll be happy. 694 00:29:33,800 --> 00:29:36,466 She'll be happy. 695 00:29:36,566 --> 00:29:40,166 Come here. Give Mummy cuddles, yeah. 696 00:29:40,266 --> 00:29:43,000 Yeah. [ Laughs ] 697 00:29:43,100 --> 00:29:44,633 You'll be happy here. 698 00:29:45,900 --> 00:29:48,066 Special girl. 699 00:29:57,766 --> 00:30:01,500 Back home in Leicester, Jaina's now walking solo with Kath 700 00:30:01,600 --> 00:30:03,300 as they practice the important routes 701 00:30:03,400 --> 00:30:04,666 around her neighborhood. 702 00:30:04,766 --> 00:30:07,200 -Good girl! 703 00:30:07,300 --> 00:30:08,700 It's like any new partnership. 704 00:30:08,800 --> 00:30:11,766 Even with Laura, we had, like, challenges along the way, 705 00:30:11,866 --> 00:30:15,000 which we've had to work together to get through. 706 00:30:15,100 --> 00:30:17,866 Door. There you go. Good girl. 707 00:30:17,966 --> 00:30:20,900 Kath particularly likes to go up peoples' driveways. 708 00:30:21,000 --> 00:30:22,333 Good girl. 709 00:30:22,433 --> 00:30:24,633 I think that was the main distraction. 710 00:30:24,733 --> 00:30:27,833 Step by step, our bond is getting stronger, 711 00:30:27,933 --> 00:30:29,600 my confidence is growing with her, 712 00:30:29,700 --> 00:30:32,066 and it just feels like I have my life back now. 713 00:30:32,166 --> 00:30:33,600 Good girl. 714 00:30:33,700 --> 00:30:35,200 -As well as helping Jaina qualify 715 00:30:35,300 --> 00:30:36,966 as a health and fitness expert... 716 00:30:37,066 --> 00:30:38,500 -Up to the door. 717 00:30:38,600 --> 00:30:41,533 -...having a guide dog has meant she can travel twice a week... 718 00:30:41,633 --> 00:30:43,500 -Hi, Lewis, how are you doing? -How are you? How are you both? 719 00:30:43,600 --> 00:30:47,233 -Good! -...to Lewis Bradford's gym. 720 00:30:55,033 --> 00:30:59,100 So, I've been training you since 2016, right? 721 00:30:59,200 --> 00:31:01,566 -2015. -2015. 722 00:31:05,166 --> 00:31:07,133 -I'm a very different person now to what... 723 00:31:07,233 --> 00:31:08,566 -Exactly. -...to what I was 8 years ago. 724 00:31:08,666 --> 00:31:10,500 -Yeah, for sure. 725 00:31:13,066 --> 00:31:15,500 Personal training is about the mental side 726 00:31:15,600 --> 00:31:17,200 as much as the physical. 727 00:31:17,300 --> 00:31:19,200 It's not just about pushing yourself in the gym. 728 00:31:19,300 --> 00:31:22,466 It's about mind-set outside the gym, as well. 729 00:31:22,566 --> 00:31:27,266 -Laura's retirement was a real blow to Jaina's fitness regime. 730 00:31:27,366 --> 00:31:30,833 But with Kath, she's getting right back on track. 731 00:31:30,933 --> 00:31:33,800 -Having a dog in general, just for the general clientele, 732 00:31:33,900 --> 00:31:35,233 is very positive. 733 00:31:35,333 --> 00:31:37,400 It gets them walking, right? -Yeah, absolutely. 734 00:31:37,500 --> 00:31:39,166 -And we've noticed the difference 735 00:31:39,266 --> 00:31:41,200 since you've transitioned between Laura and Kath. 736 00:31:41,300 --> 00:31:44,166 Your activity levels have shot back up again, haven't they? 737 00:31:44,266 --> 00:31:45,566 -I've really missed that for two years. 738 00:31:45,666 --> 00:31:47,400 -Yeah. Yeah. 739 00:31:47,500 --> 00:31:50,233 -Yeah, she's enabled me to do that. 740 00:31:50,333 --> 00:31:51,633 Like, without a guide dog, 741 00:31:51,733 --> 00:31:53,866 my quality of life would be so different. 742 00:31:57,933 --> 00:32:03,166 -Good lad. Good. Well done. Good boy. 743 00:32:03,266 --> 00:32:05,666 -Back at the guide-dog charity in Leamington Spa... 744 00:32:05,766 --> 00:32:06,866 -Do you want to head in? 745 00:32:06,966 --> 00:32:09,233 -Good lad. -Yeah, good boy. 746 00:32:09,333 --> 00:32:11,466 -...I'm finding out what it feels like 747 00:32:11,566 --> 00:32:13,733 to trust a canine with your sight. 748 00:32:13,833 --> 00:32:16,600 They tell me rookie guide dog Elmo 749 00:32:16,700 --> 00:32:19,000 is the right kind of size and pace for me. 750 00:32:19,100 --> 00:32:20,766 -When you're ready, a nice "forward." 751 00:32:20,866 --> 00:32:24,633 -Forward. -That's good. Go with him. 752 00:32:24,733 --> 00:32:26,300 You feel him guiding towards the left, 753 00:32:26,400 --> 00:32:27,200 and then he guides towards the right. 754 00:32:27,300 --> 00:32:28,700 -Yep. 755 00:32:28,800 --> 00:32:31,466 Trainer Nicola Brown is teaching me the subtleties 756 00:32:31,566 --> 00:32:32,800 of harness control. 757 00:32:32,900 --> 00:32:35,366 -And often, when the dog's guiding to the left, 758 00:32:35,466 --> 00:32:38,733 you have to lengthen your stride a little bit to go with him. 759 00:32:38,833 --> 00:32:40,233 That's good. 760 00:32:40,333 --> 00:32:42,666 And then we shorten our stride a little bit, 761 00:32:42,766 --> 00:32:45,266 as the dog comes to the right, yeah. 762 00:32:45,366 --> 00:32:48,066 And at this point, we can tell him -- 763 00:32:48,166 --> 00:32:49,133 That's good. Go with him. 764 00:32:49,233 --> 00:32:50,733 Tell him "chair." -Chair. 765 00:32:50,833 --> 00:32:53,766 -Come up on his shoulder, find his head, 766 00:32:53,866 --> 00:32:55,133 and go down below, and that's your "yep" point. 767 00:32:55,233 --> 00:32:57,433 -Yep. 768 00:32:59,433 --> 00:33:02,633 -And then the treat. That's brilliant. 769 00:33:02,733 --> 00:33:04,366 So, how does it feel? -It's funny. 770 00:33:04,466 --> 00:33:06,500 Even though I'd been stood looking, 771 00:33:06,600 --> 00:33:08,133 you know, and I knew down there, 772 00:33:08,233 --> 00:33:09,966 the minute I set off, I lost all, you know... 773 00:33:10,066 --> 00:33:11,600 -Yeah. -It's very disorientating. 774 00:33:11,700 --> 00:33:12,700 -It's one of the key things, 775 00:33:12,800 --> 00:33:15,733 knowing where you are on a route, 776 00:33:15,833 --> 00:33:17,733 because dogs, you can't just say, 777 00:33:17,833 --> 00:33:19,700 "Oh, I'm going to the shop," and the dog find the way there. 778 00:33:19,800 --> 00:33:22,866 You've got to have some kind of orientation points along there 779 00:33:22,966 --> 00:33:26,333 and things for the dog to find and locate to be motivated. 780 00:33:26,433 --> 00:33:28,200 So it's more complicated than people think. 781 00:33:28,300 --> 00:33:30,833 -Yeah. Forward. 782 00:33:33,266 --> 00:33:35,166 After several practice runs, 783 00:33:35,266 --> 00:33:38,900 Nicola cuts us loose to find our own way. 784 00:33:39,000 --> 00:33:43,400 -Stop there. Just a little bit close to the hedge line. 785 00:33:43,500 --> 00:33:46,133 And just tell him "chair." -Chair. 786 00:33:47,833 --> 00:33:50,233 -And up onto his shoulder. 787 00:33:50,333 --> 00:33:53,733 -Yep. -Good, brilliant. 788 00:33:53,833 --> 00:33:56,033 He just followed your cameraman slightly into the hedge. 789 00:33:56,133 --> 00:33:59,233 -[ Both laugh ] -Can we do that again? 790 00:34:00,400 --> 00:34:02,366 -Good lad. -Then just tell him "chair." 791 00:34:02,466 --> 00:34:04,400 -Good lad. Chair. 792 00:34:04,500 --> 00:34:05,766 A few more attempts, 793 00:34:05,866 --> 00:34:07,566 and I might actually be getting the hang of this. 794 00:34:07,666 --> 00:34:10,033 Yep. 795 00:34:10,133 --> 00:34:11,266 -Fabulous. How did that feel? 796 00:34:11,366 --> 00:34:13,000 -You're so good. Yeah, great. Actually great. 797 00:34:13,100 --> 00:34:14,233 -Little bit further. You got that left-right weave -- 798 00:34:14,333 --> 00:34:16,266 -Little bit further, but he was -- 799 00:34:16,366 --> 00:34:18,833 I was feeling it all through the handle and the harness, yeah. 800 00:34:18,933 --> 00:34:20,900 Yeah, and he was nice and steady. 801 00:34:21,000 --> 00:34:23,966 -So, how does it feel now, in comparison to earlier, 802 00:34:24,066 --> 00:34:25,233 when you first started off? 803 00:34:25,333 --> 00:34:29,133 -Yeah, felt my sort of stride was more fluent, 804 00:34:29,233 --> 00:34:31,466 rather than, you know, hesitant and disorientated, 805 00:34:31,566 --> 00:34:36,433 and just kind of reading through the angle of the handle. 806 00:34:36,533 --> 00:34:39,633 One thing I'm learning from all this 807 00:34:39,733 --> 00:34:41,866 is that every dog is unique. 808 00:34:41,966 --> 00:34:44,333 Obvious, really, just like every person. 809 00:34:48,333 --> 00:34:51,733 In busy West London, I'm meeting David Isaac, 810 00:34:51,833 --> 00:34:56,033 whose dog, Scooby, guided him out of a bleak time in his life. 811 00:34:57,500 --> 00:35:01,600 David now runs an access program at Hammersmith Council. 812 00:35:01,700 --> 00:35:04,033 But not so long ago, 813 00:35:04,133 --> 00:35:07,833 he thought losing his sight meant he'd never work again. 814 00:35:07,933 --> 00:35:10,466 -I lost my sight about -- 815 00:35:10,566 --> 00:35:14,933 probably about 10 years ago, from diabetes. 816 00:35:15,033 --> 00:35:17,300 So, erm... 817 00:35:17,400 --> 00:35:19,633 I didn't look after my sugars at the time. 818 00:35:19,733 --> 00:35:25,033 I was told that I'd have two to five years of sight left. 819 00:35:25,133 --> 00:35:30,033 And it was about two years before I lost my sight. 820 00:35:30,133 --> 00:35:34,600 -And what was your journey to Scooby from your diagnosis? 821 00:35:34,700 --> 00:35:38,333 -I was a very social person before I lost my sight. 822 00:35:38,433 --> 00:35:43,300 And then, once I lost my sight, I kind of withdrew. 823 00:35:43,400 --> 00:35:46,033 I didn't take it very well. 824 00:35:46,133 --> 00:35:51,200 Um...I kind of cut off from everybody, 825 00:35:51,300 --> 00:35:55,033 from my family, my friends, everybody. 826 00:35:55,133 --> 00:35:56,600 I went into a really dark place. 827 00:35:56,700 --> 00:35:59,133 As I started to learn with the long cane, 828 00:35:59,233 --> 00:36:01,133 you could be out and you'd hear people, 829 00:36:01,233 --> 00:36:03,266 "Careful, there's a blind man, move out the way." 830 00:36:03,366 --> 00:36:05,600 And they'd part like the Red Sea. 831 00:36:05,700 --> 00:36:08,266 And the only time they'd talk to you was to say, 832 00:36:08,366 --> 00:36:10,166 "Careful, you're gonna walk into something." 833 00:36:10,266 --> 00:36:12,500 And it was just horrible. 834 00:36:12,600 --> 00:36:13,966 But things changed with him. 835 00:36:15,266 --> 00:36:19,266 I can't go anywhere now without 15, 20 people 836 00:36:19,366 --> 00:36:22,100 coming up to me and telling me how beautiful he is, 837 00:36:22,200 --> 00:36:24,033 how lovely he is. 838 00:36:24,133 --> 00:36:27,000 It's a huge conversation starter. 839 00:36:27,100 --> 00:36:31,566 And, really, I credit him for giving me back 840 00:36:31,666 --> 00:36:34,333 that social interaction that blindness took away from me. 841 00:36:34,433 --> 00:36:36,533 -Isn't that funny? Isn't that incredible? 842 00:36:36,633 --> 00:36:42,033 -It really is. And it's allowed me to become me again. 843 00:36:43,600 --> 00:36:45,366 I've had dogs all my life. 844 00:36:45,466 --> 00:36:48,766 The bond I have with him is completely different. 845 00:36:48,866 --> 00:36:52,600 I put my trust in him so that he keeps me safe, 846 00:36:52,700 --> 00:36:54,533 and he puts his trust in me to keep him safe. 847 00:36:54,633 --> 00:36:57,000 There is no alpha and beta. 848 00:36:57,100 --> 00:36:59,266 We share that responsibility. 849 00:36:59,366 --> 00:37:03,166 -I've got five dogs now, with Laura, but... 850 00:37:03,266 --> 00:37:04,533 yes, that's interesting. 851 00:37:04,633 --> 00:37:07,966 I'll never have that. I'll never have that. 852 00:37:08,066 --> 00:37:11,533 -Bit jealous. -[ Both laugh ] 853 00:37:13,366 --> 00:37:16,433 -Straight on. Good girl. 854 00:37:17,400 --> 00:37:18,433 Straight on, then. 855 00:37:18,533 --> 00:37:20,300 -As Jaina Mistry gets up and running 856 00:37:20,400 --> 00:37:21,500 with her new guide dog, Kath... 857 00:37:21,600 --> 00:37:23,133 -Good girl. 858 00:37:23,233 --> 00:37:25,666 -...I'm investigating the different experiences 859 00:37:25,766 --> 00:37:28,366 other owners have had. 860 00:37:33,266 --> 00:37:34,866 Few people are more inspiring 861 00:37:34,966 --> 00:37:37,866 than Liverpudlian Craig Lundberg, 862 00:37:37,966 --> 00:37:40,000 the man on the right. 863 00:37:43,800 --> 00:37:47,733 As a blind athlete, he's run marathons... 864 00:37:47,833 --> 00:37:49,766 climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, 865 00:37:49,866 --> 00:37:52,400 cycled the length of Britain on a tandem, 866 00:37:52,500 --> 00:37:58,200 and he plays blind football for the England team. 867 00:37:58,300 --> 00:38:02,100 And though his dog, Comet, often waits on the sidelines... 868 00:38:02,200 --> 00:38:04,766 Play, don't you? You want to play with him. 869 00:38:04,866 --> 00:38:07,633 After Craig lost his sight, having a guide dog 870 00:38:07,733 --> 00:38:11,766 helped him regain his confidence as a sportsman. 871 00:38:11,866 --> 00:38:13,766 He's desperate to get in amongst it. 872 00:38:13,866 --> 00:38:15,500 -We've got a blindfold for Comet. 873 00:38:15,600 --> 00:38:16,800 -[ Laughs ] 874 00:38:16,900 --> 00:38:19,400 Presumably, he'd be no -- he'd just... 875 00:38:19,500 --> 00:38:20,600 he'd just mess everything up, wouldn't he? 876 00:38:20,700 --> 00:38:21,933 -Yes. -Yeah. 877 00:38:22,033 --> 00:38:25,566 Can you explain about the blindfold? 878 00:38:25,666 --> 00:38:28,300 -Yes, so, in blind football -- 879 00:38:28,400 --> 00:38:30,933 So, it's a Paralympic sport. 880 00:38:31,033 --> 00:38:34,033 Everyone has to wear a blindfold and patches to make it even, 881 00:38:34,133 --> 00:38:38,100 'cause, obviously, certain people have got... 882 00:38:38,200 --> 00:38:39,966 different levels of sight loss. 883 00:38:40,066 --> 00:38:40,866 -Yeah. -Me, I'm totally blind. 884 00:38:40,966 --> 00:38:42,166 My eyes are prosthetic. 885 00:38:42,266 --> 00:38:44,400 But to make it fair for everybody, 886 00:38:44,500 --> 00:38:46,533 everyone has to wear a blindfold. 887 00:38:46,633 --> 00:38:48,966 -You're really accurate with that ball. 888 00:38:49,066 --> 00:38:51,000 I know, every time you kicked it, 889 00:38:51,100 --> 00:38:52,966 you put it where you wanted it, and every time 890 00:38:53,066 --> 00:38:56,133 it was kicked to you, you got straight to it. 891 00:38:56,233 --> 00:38:57,866 -Yeah, it's listening. 892 00:38:57,966 --> 00:38:59,333 As you can hear, the ball's got a rattle in. 893 00:38:59,433 --> 00:39:02,466 A lot of it is communication, sound, and sort of 894 00:39:02,566 --> 00:39:04,933 getting a mental image of your surroundings 895 00:39:05,033 --> 00:39:06,266 and what's around you. 896 00:39:06,366 --> 00:39:08,400 -Amazing. Is it good fun? -I'm biased. 897 00:39:08,500 --> 00:39:09,900 I think its the best blind sport. 898 00:39:10,000 --> 00:39:14,166 -As a 21-year-old soldier in Iraq, 899 00:39:14,266 --> 00:39:16,100 Craig was hit by two rocket grenades 900 00:39:16,200 --> 00:39:18,066 that nearly killed him. 901 00:39:20,033 --> 00:39:22,666 -I had a broken jaw, lost a load of teeth. 902 00:39:22,766 --> 00:39:25,000 I had a fractured cheek, a broken nose. 903 00:39:25,100 --> 00:39:27,700 I had flash burns up this side of my face. 904 00:39:27,800 --> 00:39:29,633 But my eyes took most of it. 905 00:39:29,733 --> 00:39:32,700 So, yeah, just total darkness. 906 00:39:32,800 --> 00:39:37,333 And it'll be another five years, um... 907 00:39:37,433 --> 00:39:41,666 I would've lived my life... 908 00:39:41,766 --> 00:39:44,333 blind just as much as I would've lived sighted. 909 00:39:44,433 --> 00:39:46,200 Which is a bit of a mad thought. 910 00:39:46,300 --> 00:39:47,800 -Wow. 911 00:39:48,766 --> 00:39:51,333 Though Craig struggled to begin with, 912 00:39:51,433 --> 00:39:53,766 it was getting his first guide dog, Hugo, 913 00:39:53,866 --> 00:39:57,500 that inspired him to rebuild his life. 914 00:39:57,600 --> 00:39:59,666 -Just had this instant bond of trust 915 00:39:59,766 --> 00:40:03,366 and just needed that nudge in the right direction. 916 00:40:03,466 --> 00:40:06,433 I've done a lot of things in the mountains 917 00:40:06,533 --> 00:40:09,033 and a lot of cool, cool, adventurous stuff. 918 00:40:09,133 --> 00:40:11,200 'Cause he'd just follow me everywhere 919 00:40:11,300 --> 00:40:13,500 and he'd just be like, "Yeah, Dad, I trust you completely." 920 00:40:13,600 --> 00:40:14,900 I loved him that much, I even -- 921 00:40:15,000 --> 00:40:17,500 My first child -- his middle name is Hugo. 922 00:40:17,600 --> 00:40:20,933 -Oh, really? -So, yeah, we loved -- 923 00:40:21,033 --> 00:40:22,300 proper loved him. 924 00:40:22,400 --> 00:40:25,600 And being a Scouser and having a designer dog, Hugo. 925 00:40:25,700 --> 00:40:26,933 Scousers love Hugo Boss, don't they? 926 00:40:27,033 --> 00:40:29,733 So it was, like -- It was ideal! -[ Laughs ] 927 00:40:29,833 --> 00:40:30,833 I was like, "Oh, there you go. 928 00:40:30,933 --> 00:40:32,233 You've got a little Hugo Boss dog." 929 00:40:32,333 --> 00:40:37,500 -At the age of 11, Hugo made it to a happy retirement. 930 00:40:37,600 --> 00:40:42,866 And now Comet is Craig's companion and number-one fan. 931 00:40:46,400 --> 00:40:51,100 It's now high summer, and there's just one encounter left. 932 00:40:53,066 --> 00:40:55,100 Jaina and her new guide dog, Kath, 933 00:40:55,200 --> 00:40:57,833 are heading one more time to Dorset. 934 00:40:58,833 --> 00:41:02,333 -We're on our way to visit Laura. 935 00:41:02,433 --> 00:41:04,300 I haven't seen her for two months. 936 00:41:04,400 --> 00:41:06,300 I'm really excited to hear about how she's been getting on 937 00:41:06,400 --> 00:41:10,633 and really curious to see how she reacts when she sees me. 938 00:41:12,033 --> 00:41:14,633 I think I have an idea. 939 00:41:14,733 --> 00:41:17,666 But we'll see when we get there. 940 00:41:24,333 --> 00:41:26,166 -Hello, Jaina. -How are you? 941 00:41:26,266 --> 00:41:28,033 Good to see you again. -In for a kiss. Aww! 942 00:41:28,133 --> 00:41:29,366 Lovely to see you! 943 00:41:29,466 --> 00:41:31,800 -Oh, Laura, who is this? -[ Both laugh ] 944 00:41:31,900 --> 00:41:36,466 -They've got to say hi to each other first, haven't you? 945 00:41:36,566 --> 00:41:39,833 Hey, you! Do you not remember me, then? 946 00:41:39,933 --> 00:41:41,666 -Yeah, I know, ungrateful. -She's busy with Kath. 947 00:41:41,766 --> 00:41:43,166 -[ Laughs ] 948 00:41:43,266 --> 00:41:46,500 -She's besties with Kath, aren't you? 949 00:41:46,600 --> 00:41:47,900 Hello! -Ah! 950 00:41:48,000 --> 00:41:49,300 Now you get some attention. -You remember me now. 951 00:41:49,400 --> 00:41:54,500 -Oh! Oh, now she's rumbled. 952 00:41:54,600 --> 00:41:56,266 -I've missed you! 953 00:41:56,366 --> 00:41:58,500 How has she been doing? -She's been doing fine. 954 00:41:58,600 --> 00:42:00,033 -I'm just so happy to see her. 955 00:42:00,133 --> 00:42:02,100 I really am. She's just the same. 956 00:42:02,200 --> 00:42:04,866 -Awkwardly, just before Jaina's arrival, 957 00:42:04,966 --> 00:42:07,633 Laura proved her new country credentials 958 00:42:07,733 --> 00:42:09,633 by rolling in badger poo. 959 00:42:09,733 --> 00:42:11,200 Yeah. -Oh, you're stinky. 960 00:42:11,300 --> 00:42:13,400 -She wants to give you a kiss. -Oh, you really want to kiss me. 961 00:42:13,500 --> 00:42:16,666 -It's a toss-up between the badger poo and the breath. 962 00:42:16,766 --> 00:42:18,466 -Oh! -[ Laughter ] 963 00:42:18,566 --> 00:42:19,633 You really want to. 964 00:42:19,733 --> 00:42:21,100 -You might almost imagine there'd be 965 00:42:21,200 --> 00:42:22,500 a rivalry between them. 966 00:42:22,600 --> 00:42:27,133 But no way. She's just too friendly. 967 00:42:27,233 --> 00:42:29,500 -Hello. -Look at these girls. 968 00:42:29,600 --> 00:42:32,300 -Perhaps because Laura's paved the way, 969 00:42:32,400 --> 00:42:36,500 Kath proves to be an instant hit. 970 00:42:36,600 --> 00:42:38,900 -They're all going to say hello to Kath. 971 00:42:39,000 --> 00:42:42,200 -Oh, wow! -Oh, Penny likes Kath. 972 00:42:42,300 --> 00:42:44,133 -Oh! 973 00:42:44,233 --> 00:42:47,133 -Shall we all stop doing that on national television? 974 00:42:47,233 --> 00:42:49,366 [ Chuckles ] 975 00:42:49,466 --> 00:42:50,800 Oh, everybody. 976 00:42:50,900 --> 00:42:54,933 But what all my dogs love most is a walk in the garden. 977 00:42:55,033 --> 00:42:59,433 Do you wanna go out there? -[ Dogs barking ] 978 00:42:59,533 --> 00:43:00,666 Here we go. 979 00:43:00,766 --> 00:43:03,500 Whoo-hoo! 980 00:43:03,600 --> 00:43:07,866 Oh, Kath! Hey! Whoo! 981 00:43:07,966 --> 00:43:11,900 -Oh, wow! How fun! -[ Both laugh ] 982 00:43:12,000 --> 00:43:14,066 Is this how it is every day for you when they wanna go out? 983 00:43:14,166 --> 00:43:15,500 -Oh, yeah, yeah. 984 00:43:15,600 --> 00:43:17,166 All I have to say is, "Do you wanna go out there?", 985 00:43:17,266 --> 00:43:19,066 and then everybody starts barking. 986 00:43:19,166 --> 00:43:20,800 -Oh, wow. 987 00:43:20,900 --> 00:43:23,700 Coming back today, I just feel real peace of mind, 988 00:43:23,800 --> 00:43:26,100 seeing how she's been getting on and 989 00:43:26,200 --> 00:43:28,333 how she's really settled into country life 990 00:43:28,433 --> 00:43:31,066 and doing things that I wouldn't expect her to do. 991 00:43:31,166 --> 00:43:32,900 -Oh, what, the badger? -The badger thing. 992 00:43:33,000 --> 00:43:35,466 -Yes, the badger thing. -[ Both laugh ] 993 00:43:35,566 --> 00:43:37,300 -That says to me she's really settled. 994 00:43:37,400 --> 00:43:40,533 -Yeah, no, she is. She's definitely -- she's enjoying it. 995 00:43:40,633 --> 00:43:43,100 -This is the perfect home for her, and just... 996 00:43:43,200 --> 00:43:45,600 thank you so much for taking good care of her for me. 997 00:43:45,700 --> 00:43:47,933 -Oh, well, thanks for letting me have her. 998 00:43:48,033 --> 00:43:49,600 She's a great addition. 999 00:43:49,700 --> 00:43:53,000 And when Kath needs to retire, you know where we are. 1000 00:43:53,100 --> 00:43:54,766 -[ Both laugh ] -Nine years down the road. 1001 00:43:54,866 --> 00:43:56,500 -Can you wait another 10 years? 1002 00:43:56,600 --> 00:43:59,166 Yeah, I'll be 70-God-knows-what, but yeah. 1003 00:43:59,266 --> 00:44:00,533 [ Both laugh ] 1004 00:44:05,200 --> 00:44:07,866 -I have missed you. 1005 00:44:07,966 --> 00:44:10,366 When the time came to rehome Laura, 1006 00:44:10,466 --> 00:44:12,033 it was really heartbreaking letting her go. 1007 00:44:13,800 --> 00:44:17,733 But now, coming to visit her, I can see she's very happy, 1008 00:44:17,833 --> 00:44:20,066 and that's what I've wanted for her all her life, 1009 00:44:20,166 --> 00:44:21,100 to have the best retirement. 1010 00:44:21,200 --> 00:44:22,633 Come here. 1011 00:44:22,733 --> 00:44:26,700 And Kath -- she's an absolute superstar, just like Laura. 1012 00:44:26,800 --> 00:44:31,066 And I'm very excited for the future that we have together. 1013 00:44:31,166 --> 00:44:34,566 So anyone who's considering applying for a guide dog, 1014 00:44:34,666 --> 00:44:36,566 I would say absolutely do that. 1015 00:44:36,666 --> 00:44:38,833 Your dog is more than just a working dog. 1016 00:44:38,933 --> 00:44:40,700 They become your best friends 1017 00:44:40,800 --> 00:44:43,966 and they change your life in so many ways. 1018 00:44:44,066 --> 00:44:45,766 They really do. 1019 00:44:47,966 --> 00:44:50,800 -Now we've been living with Laura two or three months 1020 00:44:50,900 --> 00:44:53,033 and couldn't be happier to have her 1021 00:44:53,133 --> 00:44:55,233 and to see her running and running and running. 1022 00:44:55,333 --> 00:44:58,233 She did give an awful lot throughout her life, you know. 1023 00:44:58,333 --> 00:45:01,233 And to just see her get some payback here 1024 00:45:01,333 --> 00:45:04,133 just feels nice, you know. 1025 00:45:04,233 --> 00:45:06,466 But, also, what I've learned about the guide dogs, 1026 00:45:06,566 --> 00:45:08,600 which I thought I knew, 1027 00:45:08,700 --> 00:45:11,400 which I thought we all knew, you know, has just -- 1028 00:45:11,500 --> 00:45:13,266 It's just fascinating. 1029 00:45:13,366 --> 00:45:15,166 And you just have to salute them for everything 1030 00:45:15,266 --> 00:45:17,266 that everybody there does. 1031 00:45:17,366 --> 00:45:21,300 ♪♪ 1032 00:45:21,400 --> 00:45:28,166 -♪ We'll all see brighter days ♪ 1033 00:45:31,600 --> 00:45:38,366 ♪ We'll all see brighter days ♪ 1034 00:45:41,800 --> 00:45:50,133 ♪ We'll all see brighter days ♪