Meet Emerson Archuleta and her guide dog, Izzy
Friday November 08, 2024
At a young age, Emerson Archuleta mastered mobility skills as a white cane user, but by 14, she sought greater independence. Encouraged by her Orientation & Mobility teacher, she explored the possibility of getting a guide dog. She attended Guide Dogs for the Blind’s Experience Day. The free, half-day event gives attendees self-assessment tools to make an informed choice about the guide dog lifestyle. There, a supervised walk with a guide dog sparked her excitement: “I realized how much of a difference a guide dog can make in a person’s life,” Emerson said. She completed her application for a guide dog that same day.
Later, Emerson joined Camp GDB, a weeklong camp for teens interested in learning about the guide dog lifestyle. “It was really fun,” remarks Emerson. “I liked the environment of feeling so included in a low vision community. We all shared an interest in guide dogs, so there were a lot of interests that were able to connect over.” Emerson has stayed in touch with many of her Camp peers via social media and has since met other guide dog users online. “It’s really amazing getting to connect with like-minded people and share stories about our guide dogs and the impact they’ve made on us,” Emerson said.
Soon after attending camp, Emerson began training with her first guide dog, Izzy. “Izzy is an amazing guide who has positively impacted my life,” she expressed at her graduation. “I believe we are a perfect match for each other and, I’m forever grateful to be taking on new adventures with her.”
Now, Emerson and Izzy confidently navigate her neighborhood, various stores, and a sprawling community college campus where Izzy flawlessly weaves her around obstacles and people. “She’s never run me into anybody or anything,” Emerson said.
Izzy's quick learning and instinct to stop for obstacles has left Emerson in awe, particularly when she avoided a speeding car that suddenly entered an intersection when they were halfway through a crosswalk. Izzy abruptly stopped to avoid an accident. “I was just amazed,” Emerson recalled.
Emerson's mother, Michelle, noted the remarkable change in her daughter’s confidence since getting Izzy. “Emerson was independent but her ability to leave home on her own using her cane was limited,” explained Michelle. “With Izzy she’s not as scared of running into something and is much more confident. It’s been amazing for us as parents to see.”
In fact, Michelle says she and her husband often struggle to keep up with Emerson’s newfound speed when she and Izzy are on a walk. “She’s hauling down the street and we’re like, wait for us, please!”
As for Emerson, she reflects on how Izzy has helped open doors to so many new social connections. “Getting my guide dog has helped me meet others,” Emerson explained, recalling conversations sparked by Izzy’s GDB harness. Occasionally, misconceptions about her blindness arise, but these moments lead to meaningful discussions.
Together, Emerson and Izzy are embracing new adventures, embodying a bond that goes beyond companionship to one of true partnership.
