The Miracle of Mopsy
Click here for the audio description for the visually impaired: https://youtu.be/FtpfgDZ1X3Q
Life can change in an instant—with no warning—which is precisely what happened to Justin Elliott. But he didn’t let his unforeseen circumstances stop him from living life to its fullest, and he turned to Southeastern Guide Dogs for help with a fresh start. Watch this heartfelt video about Justin and his new guide dog, Mopsy.
Justin Elliott and Guide Dog Mopsy
Coppell, Texas
Justin Elliott worked in the disaster restoration industry since graduating from high school, helping people recover from fire, flood, and mold destruction. “I saw people during some of the worst moments of their lives,” Justin says. He had no idea that his own life would also radically change.
In 2013, Justin was driving home in rush-hour traffic when he was randomly shot in the head by another driver. He spent two months in the hospital while surgeons performed brain surgery and significant facial reconstruction, including a prosthetic eye. Justin has undergone 31 major surgeries and 520 doctors’ visits, but that random act of violence didn’t destroy his spirit.
Justin shares his story and speaks at churches, high schools, and civic groups. He talks about learning to live without eyesight and without anger about his circumstances. “God’s grace protected me,” he says. “And I know that it matters how you deal with what life brings you.”
One of the ways Justin chose to deal with his vision loss was to come to Southeastern Guide Dogs for a guide dog. He’s been matched with an easygoing black Goldador named Mopsy and looks forward to leaving his cane behind to embrace this new season. “I can move faster with him; it’s a whole new feeling of independence,” he says. “Mopsy is another blessing and miracle in my life.”
