How a guide dog led a blind Hong Kong athlete to a better life
Charity hopes for funding to encourage more of city’s visually impaired to use trained animals
A blind athlete who once contemplated suicide because of his disability has completely transformed his life and receiving a guide dog contributed to this, boosting his confidence while giving him a “big sense of security” to explore Hong Kong.
Gary Leung Siu-wai described how Gaga, his black Labrador from the Hong Kong Guide Dogs Association, had enabled him to become more independent since she came into his life in April this year.
The 50-year-old runner, who will attempt a 1,200km run over 19 days in Taiwan this October, said his new dog was far more effective than using a cane for daily navigation around the city.
“My life has changed a lot,” he said. “I go to shopping centres every day and take minibuses, and previously I always had to ask people for help. But now I have a guide dog, I just give her an order and she will help me.