Hundreds of thousands of Arkansans are visually impaired, but only a handful have a trained guide dog.
A Little Rock man is using his story to hopefully change that.
As soon as her special harness goes on, Cherish, a three year old Lab, knows it's time to work.
She has an important job helping guide Allen Miller.
"She's constantly with me," said Miller. "She's my shadow."
Miller lost his sight two and half years ago at the age of 56, following an aneurysm.
"When you lose your sight, your life changes immediately and drastically," said Miller, "because you have emotions coming from you of all different types, from fear and anxiety to angst and worry."
Miller trained on using a cane, but he still felt limited. Then he found Guiding Eyes For the Blind in New York.
Funded entirely through donations, Guiding Eyes covered the the cost Cherish, her training, Miller's travel costs, and room and board. The total price tag is around $50,000, and Miller didn't have to pay a dime.
"It gives me more self esteem, more confidence and as ironic as it may sound, it almost makes me feel like I can see again," said Miller.
It took a year and half of training to get where he is now with the support of his wife, Darby.
Now they both spend their time as advocates for the visually impaired and for guide dogs, speaking to kids and adults all over Arkansas.
"Get educated, get the information, and be willing to help and assist those, like me, whose life has been made better than when I could actually see," said Miller.
Miller says the ultimate dream would be having a guide dog school built here in Arkansas to help give the gift he's received to thousands in this state who could benefit.
To learn more about Guiding Eyes For the Blind, visit www.guidingeyes.org.
A Little Rock man is using his story to hopefully change that.
As soon as her special harness goes on, Cherish, a three year old Lab, knows it's time to work.
She has an important job helping guide Allen Miller.
"She's constantly with me," said Miller. "She's my shadow."
Miller lost his sight two and half years ago at the age of 56, following an aneurysm.
"When you lose your sight, your life changes immediately and drastically," said Miller, "because you have emotions coming from you of all different types, from fear and anxiety to angst and worry."
Miller trained on using a cane, but he still felt limited. Then he found Guiding Eyes For the Blind in New York.
Funded entirely through donations, Guiding Eyes covered the the cost Cherish, her training, Miller's travel costs, and room and board. The total price tag is around $50,000, and Miller didn't have to pay a dime.
"It gives me more self esteem, more confidence and as ironic as it may sound, it almost makes me feel like I can see again," said Miller.
It took a year and half of training to get where he is now with the support of his wife, Darby.
Now they both spend their time as advocates for the visually impaired and for guide dogs, speaking to kids and adults all over Arkansas.
"Get educated, get the information, and be willing to help and assist those, like me, whose life has been made better than when I could actually see," said Miller.
Miller says the ultimate dream would be having a guide dog school built here in Arkansas to help give the gift he's received to thousands in this state who could benefit.
To learn more about Guiding Eyes For the Blind, visit www.guidingeyes.org.
