Blantyre resident Laura celebrates impact of "guardian angel" on international guide dog day

A Blantyre woman has told of the impact of her “amazing” guide dog in helping her to regain her independence after losing her sight.

Laura Bradley says canine companion Autumn is her “guardian angel with a wagging tail” and tells how the support has allowed her to travel on her own, return to work and make new friends.

She spoke to mark today’s international guide dog day in a video by public transport operator First Bus as part of a special series telling the stories of its passengers across Scotland, which shows Laura and Autumn on one of their regular journeys.

Laura told how she was born with a progressive genetic condition which caused her to lose all her central vision in the past decade, and said: “When I lost my sight I was absolutely devastated and suffered from anxiety and depression.”

She made an enquiry about guide dogs and was soon teamed up with Autumn, who is described as “a beacon of safety and exploration”.

It resulted in Laura going on first to volunteer for the Guide Dogs charity which “changed [her] life”, then moving on to work for the organisation in a business support role which she has held for more than six years – all accompanied by Autumn by her side.

Laura said: “Autumn is phenomenal, the best guide dog there’s ever been. She’s got the most amazing personality and the best work ethic – she’s basically my eyes and I put 100 per cent trust in her.

“Before having Autumn the anxiety was terrible and overwhelming; when I got her she just opened up my world. I had no worries and I knew she would get me safely where I needed to be; I feel like I’m back in control of my life again as Autumn has brought me mobility and newfound independence.”

Their online video shows the pair heading out for one of their regular journeys on First, stopping and boarding the bus and interacting with friends; as well as showing them at their destination as Laura works while Autumn relaxes in her dog bed.

Laura said: “We use the bus to go everywhere – Autumn will get me to the bus stop safely in the morning when I’m leaving for work; she’s really clever and can indicate when it’s approaching by standing up, having a shake and wagging her tail.

“When we get on she’ll safely find me a seat that’s empty, and once I get settled she’ll sit in between my legs and be nice and calm and sound on the bus.”

The journeys have also led to a warm new friendship showcased in the film, with Laura adding: “I’ve met some lovely people over the years on the bus, in particular an elderly gentleman called Colin – we’ve been friends now for nearly five years and Autumn absolutely adores him.”

Laura said: “Taking the bus was something I wouldn’t have to think twice about before, but when I lost my sight, this simple act presented so many obstacles and filled me with fear and anxiety.

“She gives me the confidence to actually go out and get on a bus, and it gives me access to anywhere I want to go. It means the world to get out and about independently.

“Autumn has had such a profound impact on my life, allowing me to travel safely with her support. I can’t imagine my life without her now

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