Meet CJ and guide dog Jason
[Click here for the video audio description for our community with vision loss.]
Carol “C.J.” Jameson and guide dog Jason
New Port Richey, Florida
CJ stands with guide dog Jason, a black Labrador, in harness.
Life dealt C.J. Jameson a bad blow when her diabetes led to vitreous hemorrhage of the retinas and diabetic retinopathy, discovered back in 2003 when she woke up from a nap and suddenly could no longer see. With laser surgery some vision returned, but her sight has progressively deteriorated. Walking with a cane helped, but C.J. relied more and more on her children and many grandchildren.
A mobility teacher at the Lighthouse for the Blind said she’d be perfect for a guide dog, but C.J. feared she could never afford one. After learning that our dogs are provided at no cost, C.J. was thrilled to meet Jason, a serious and hardworking black Lab who’s very mature. “It’s a whole new journey I’m on and I can’t wait to see where it leads me,” she says. “It’s amazing; when I first lost my vision, I thought my life was over. But when they matched us, I just cried. This is real. This is happening!”
Back at home, C.J. and Jason will enjoy shopping, lunching, walking, and going to the ocean with neighbors. “I was a hermit for many years,” she admits, “but Jason has really made a huge difference in my life.”
