黃忠雪

Plum is my guide dog. Fourteen years ago， I lost my vision after being diagnosed with Usher Syndrome Type 2. At the time， my life was defined by “I can't”. I couldn't drive， go to the movies， go on a date， stay sober， or be happy at all. I had no idea how to handle it. I struggled with depression. I was only in my 20s. I abandoned myself to alcohol to numb the pain. For years， I lived in a deep， dark hole that left me wondering if I would ever be able to climb out of my personal hell.

In 2016， I applied for a guide dog. I met Plum on a walk. With her， the connection was different. We sat down and she curled close to me， and I knew she was special. I was a mess before she ever walked in.

Since she came into my life， my competitive side has emerged. We have flown to California for the No Barriers Summit for individuals with disabilities， participating in hiking， skiing， rock climbing， and other challenging activities. I train and race as a track cyclist. Plum and I frequently visit Colorado Springs and the Olympic Training Center. We are always on an adventure.

She has been wonderful and has kept me safe and independent. She has kept that adventurous spirit alive and she gave me back the confidence that I had lost. My life today is incredible. And Plum is the partner I count on to help me walk this path. She not only gives me hope but helps give me purpose. Working with Plum has opened up doors that have been otherwise closed these last 17 years.

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How did Plum change the author's life after she became the author's guide dog？