Through Gilly's Eyes: Memoirs of a Guide Dog - Softcover

VanFossan, Matthew

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0988656701 ISBN 13: 9780988656703

Publisher: Volant Press Ltd., 2013

Synopsis

WHAT WOULD YOU DO ... if you were sitting in school one morning and suddenly found you couldn't see? When it happens to Matt VanFossan during his third year of college, it's the start of a life he hasn't planned on and definitely doesn't want. A few months later, paired with a guide dog, he's still in a state of denial. But Matt's new companion, named Gilly, isn't one for self-pity — or modesty. He describes himself as "one of the handsomest dogs at guide dog school." A keen observer of the human condition, especially his human's condition, Gilly provides a running commentary on Matt's progress. And as Gilly and Matt learn to work together, the two gradually forge a relationship that transcends the ordinary bonds between dog and man. From dog training school then back to college, from home and on to Brazil, Gilly relates their story with humor and insight. Through challenging adventures, new friendships, and ultimately, lasting love, Gilly provides Matt with guidance and companionship for six years — a lifetime that will last forever. Not a dog lover? You will be once you've finished this tale and looked at the world through Gilly's eyes. FROM THE BOOK: "Matt and I made our first solo foray onto campus. I had no idea where we were going, and Matt, it turned out, had only a vague one. The two of us made an extremely awkward team. As we started off down the block, he began counting his steps in a low voice. Smart boy, I thought. I wouldn't be able to find our house on the very first return trip. He'd be able to cue me on the way back. Unfortunately, walking and counting at the same time didn't seem to be one of his strengths. I distinctly heard him say the number 'sixty' twice. Then, I heard him curse. Finally, we reached the intersection. 'Two hundred and fourteen,' he announced. Give or take a few dozen, I thought.

About this title

From the Author:

My guide dogs have been an important part of my life. Through Gilly's Eyes: Memoirs of a Guide Dog is a tribute to Gilly, my first guide dog, and the time we spent together. The book was over three years in the making and the writing process helped me to move on.

My current guide dog is Achilles, also a yellow Labrador. While he has a more lively personality, he follows in Gilly's footsteps with a keen sense of humor and a candid outlook on life. Achilles is also a writer and has his own blog at guidingforlife.com/blog. 

Here is one of Achilles' blog entries:

Matt has been smelling giddy with excitement about his latest PR coup. He got his name in the paper. Many papers, actually. Something called the Associated Press.

My name's there, too, of course, although I'm still having to share the spotlight with Gilly. Humph.

Here's what the article says: 
"VanFossan, who lost his sight in both eyes by age 22, has owned two Labs. He tried using a cane for six awkward months, then got a guide dog - a Lab named Gilly. Their time together became a book in January - Through Gilly's Eyes: Memoirs of a Guide Dog - and his second dog is Achilles.
'Achilles is a little more sensitive but is better at remembering. It's incredible. I can go to a new place just once or twice, and he'll have the route memorized. Sensitivity has its advantages,' VanFossan said."

Sensitivity?! Ha! I'd call it awesomeness! I'm a better guide than Gilly AND I'm way better looking! When is my book coming out? I'm hoping for full color illustrations.

From the Back Cover:

What does it take for a guide dog and his human to be successful? Gilly attempts to enlighten Matt as together they graduate from college and travel to Brazil. In the process, Gilly helps Matt to redefine the very nature of the success he's striving for.

About this edition

• Publisher: Volant Press Ltd.
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0988656701
• ISBN 13: 9780988656703
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 330