An in-depth account of training and working with a guide dog--and the radically honest story of a visually impaired woman facing her own internalized ableism For years, renowned ethics scholar Deni Elliott lived with her own moral dilemma: though severely visually impaired since birth, she spent decades attempting to "pass" as sighted, often finding ingenious but problematic workarounds in the process. Everything changed in her 40s when an ophthalmologist diagnosed her as legally blind and she could no longer hide her impairment. To maintain her independence, she would need to use a guide dog and openly present as disabled – a label she had rejected for decades. As Deni begins work with Graham Buck at Guiding Eyes for the Blind, she takes us into the fascinating world of guide dogs: their elite breeding, their training that starts at birth, their exceptional focus, their ability to act as decisionmakers when need be, and more. Enter Alberta, a two-year-old yellow Labrador retriever. As Deni and Alberta begin their work together, Deni realizes that having a guide dog--far from being a mark of shame and dependence--in fact means that she is joining a uniquely empowered community of canines, trainers, and owners. What began as a practical solution soon became something far deeper - a powerful relationship that challenged Deni’s internalized ableism and reshaped her understanding of herself and the world. With warmth, insight, and surprising humor, <Catching Sight< tells the story of one woman’s journey to embrace her full identity, and the guide dog who helped make it possible.

Autorentext

Deni Elliott with Graham Buck

Klappentext

**“An uplifting demonstration of how astonishingly intelligent guide dogs are and the life-changing bond they create.”—Brian Hare, author of Puppy Kindergarten

"Readers will fall in love with this heartwarming story of human-animal connection and resilience.”—Shelf Awareness

One woman's journey through progressive blindness and the extraordinary guide dog who kept her safe along the way**

When ethics scholar Deni Elliott, born with limited vision, realized she could no longer navigate the world safely alone, she turned to a guide dog—a decision that reshaped her understanding of disability and independence.

Written in collaboration with master trainer Graham Buck, Catching Sight offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of guide dog breeding and training, revealing the intelligence and decision-making skills these dogs develop from birth.

Catching Sight is for readers interested in the transformative power of human relationships with animals. As Deni confronts her changing reality, she shares the hidden world of guide dog training and introduces Alberta, a yellow Lab whose quiet brilliance changed her interaction with the world and herself.

Catching Sight offers a fresh and unforgettable perspective on disability, identity, and the power of partnership.

Inhalt
Foreword, by Graham Buck
Author’s Note

CHAPTER 1
Chasing Sight

CHAPTER 2
Happy Accidents

CHAPTER 3
Marty

CHAPTER 4
Oriel

CHAPTER 5
Wylie

CHAPTER 6
Alberta

CHAPTER 7
Click

CHAPTER 8
In the Valley of the Blind

CHAPTER 9
A Team of Three

CHAPTER 10
Teacher, Student, Partner

CHAPTER 11
Denberta

CHAPTER 12
Letting Go

CHAPTER 13
Catching Sight

Resources
Acknowledgments