A Pawsitive Impact: How Guide Dogs Like Oliver Transform Lives
In Monday’s assembly we were incredibly fortunate to welcome a very special guest speaker to our upper school assembly – John, his friend Gillian, and his remarkable guide dog, Oliver. John shared his experiences of living with blindness, offering the children a powerful insight into his daily life and the challenges he faces.
John was not born blind; he lost his sight later in life. To help the children understand what that means, he asked if they remembered learning about the five senses in Year 1 – touch, smell, sight, taste, and hearing. Together, they identified each one, and John explained that he now relies on just four of them, as his eyesight no longer works. He described his disability, explaining that all he sees is darkness.
Our senses play a vital role in helping us interact with and stay safe in the world. We use sight and smell to recognise danger, enjoy the beauty around us, and navigate our surroundings. To help the children empathise with his experience, John asked them to close their eyes and imagine what they would miss most if they couldn’t see. Their answers were thoughtful and heartfelt – family, books, sunrises and sunsets, the ocean, and even playing video games. But John pointed out something even more fundamental: without sight, simple movements like running, playing football, or walking freely become difficult. Blindness can take away a person’s independence, making them reliant on others to move safely.
However, thanks to the incredible work of Guide Dogs for the Blind, John has regained a sense of freedom through his guide dog, Oliver. Guide dogs are specially trained to assist visually impaired individuals, helping them navigate obstacles, avoid dangers, and move safely through daily life. For example, Oliver guides John across pedestrian crossings, even placing his nose on the crossing button so John can find and press it. Over time, Oliver has learned specific commands that allow John to communicate with him effectively, making their partnership truly life changing.
Beyond our five senses, John reminded the children of an additional, invaluable sense, the sense of imagination and compassion. This allows us to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes, to understand what it might feel like to be blind, lonely, or in need. It is because of this empathy that society continues to evolve, creating ways to support those with disabilities.
As a school, we deeply value kindness, empathy, and helping those in need. That’s why we are proud to be fundraising for Guide Dogs for the Blind, so that more people like John can regain their independence and confidence. A guide dog is not just a companion; it’s a lifeline, offering freedom, safety, and a piece of life that blindness has taken away. By working together, we can make a real difference in someone’s life.