My MIRA guide dog, Gale, is a delight. He is quiet and reserved, friendly, too, but when he is on harness, he totally concentrates on guiding me. People come up to talk with him but I have taught him to take a step back and just stay right by my side. It gives me time to tell people that he is working and that they should not pet him. He is just about perfect.

We walk together and now it is fun to take walks because I don’t have to hold on to another person. We have learned many things together. He has kept me from walking into posts, and holes, and signs and people. He smoothly guides me around objects. He is very responsive to my commands.

High School is difficult when one can’t see. People are hesitant to talk with a blind person; even teachers sometimes think we can’t do things. With Gale, people are less afraid to come up to me and the teachers have gotten used to having Gale as a silent student in the classroom. Having Gale lets everyone see that I am capable and they respect me as an honor student. Students are curious about him and come and ask questions. Many feel more comfortable with me because of Gale.

This summer I went to a surfing camp and it was super fun. Gale came with me but no, he didn’t surf, but he sat on the sand and never took his eyes off me. I love to sing and write stories and I just finished a 5K run with Gale. He truly is a super guide dog.

I can’t tell you in words what Gale means to me. He gives me safety and freedom, he gives me independence and comfort. I feel so able to do things with him by my side. A guide dog is the perfect companion for a blind teenager. MIRA USA is the only group in the United States that gives guide dogs to youngsters under the age of 17. I love MIRA for what they have done for me with Gale.

I am now sixteen. People see sixteen as a special birthday and many people want cars or fancy parties and other things. What I want for my sixteenth birthday is for people to send money to MIRA in my name so I can help another blind child get a guide dog that will change that child’s life as Gale has changed mine. I hope you will help me reach my goal.