Meet Theresa and guide dog Mac
[Click here for the video audio description for our community with vision loss.]
Theresa Taylor and guide dog Mac
Burlington, Wisconsin
Theresa sits on a bench in the University Town Center mall in Lakewood Ranch, FL with Mac sitting by her side.
Theresa Taylor was born legally blind from Leber congenital amaurosis, an inherited retinal disease. This spirited woman became a successful business owner and mother of two, juggling busy kids, sports and school schedules, five employees, and 300 vending machines. But it was never easy.
“It comes down to two big things: confidence and independence,” she says. “It’s the worst feeling in the world, watching a baseball game and your son crosses home plate and someone else cheers, but you don’t see him. Or your daughter says, ‘Mommy, paint my nails,’ and you can’t. You hide your tears, put on the smile, and find a way.”
When Theresa hit 30, her vision deteriorated suddenly and significantly, and her independence faltered. “I’m overly ambitious and goal oriented,” she says. “I feel like I’m losing that part of me and I don’t want to—and that’s where Mac comes in.”
Mac is her first guide dog, and this smart, devoted yellow Lab is poised to take her on a new journey to freedom. “I felt like I lost who I was—I’m always with someone. With Mac, I’ll be able to go out alone. I’ve been the hermit of the neighborhood; everyone is out walking their dogs and I’m not. Now I’ll be able to meet the neighbors and get out without being attached to someone else.”
Mac is named by the 2016 Walkathon team Techs 4 Tails. This group of Apple Store employees and enthusiasts in Lakewood Ranch loves all things Southeastern Guide Dogs and Apple, so naming a puppy Mac couldn’t be more perfect!
