Meet David and guide dog Rosalyn
[Click here for the video audio description for our community with vision loss.]
David Goodwille & guide dog Rosalyn
Venice, Florida
David stands with Rosalyn by his side.
David Goodwillie had been without a dog for a year since his beloved Penny, a golden retriever from Southeastern Guide Dogs, passed away. They walked side by side for almost nine years, and David thought he could never feel the same about a dog again. “Losing my guide dog was more devastating than Vietnam,” the Army veteran confesses.
But now, with a new golden retriever named Rosalyn, David says “I have struck gold twice!” Already he knows that Rosalyn is “affectionate and loyal,” and will restore some of the confidence and emotional connection he has been missing. Since the age of 51, David has been chasing the decline in his vision, never really receiving a diagnosis despite visiting eye specialists around the country. The only thing he knows for sure is that he has an autoimmune disease causing anti-retinal antibodies in his blood. This unnamed syndrome is progressive and did the greatest destruction in its first two years. Having a guide dog improved David’s demeanor and outlook on life, even though he initially thought he wasn’t “blind enough” to receive one.
Today, David is thankful that he and his wife, Bev, came to pet puppies at Southeastern Guide Dogs about 12 years ago. “Penny and Rosalyn were gifts from God,” he declares, holding back a tear.
Do you know someone like David that could use a guide or service dog?
Encourage them to apply today.
