Full disclosure, I'm back home from guide dog raining and have my new pup sitting next to me! I didn't publicly share exactly when I was at training, and saved the videos to post after due to safety. The Mira campus address is public and so I kept my exact training dates hush hush! I have SO much fun and (hopefully) educational guide dog content ahead for you to all enjoy!
I'm so excited for you and this new bundle of fur, Molly! Open your mind and open your heart so that this new baby will know instantly who their Momma is! Xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
I just want to say, and I don't know if this was your intent or not, but I've noticed you've been showing a lot more of your "blind girl moments" in videoes lately and I really appreciate it. Anyone who watches your channel knows that you are very capable an independent and so I think showing that more shows some of the day to day realities of being blind alongside what we already know about you. I think it helps normalize some of these moments and blindness and disability in general. Hope I worded that right. Keep up the good work!!!
To be honest, I stopped editing out my blind girl moments about 3-4 years ago BUT they just rarely end up getting captured on camera! I love showing them... they're normal, they're a part of my life, and I generally think they're funny! I sadly just don't capture them on camera often! haha :)
@@MollyBurkeOfficial I just watched your documentary when you got Gallup And hearing your full story even though I’ve been following you for years it’s truly amazing and I know your next guide dogs it’s going to be amazing and Gallup will have a new best friend.
@@MollyBurkeOfficial what would you do for example, if a tornado happened and you were home alone? Also, I really admire you and my name is Molly, too!
@@MollyBurkeOfficial sorry I’m repeating my comment, but I forgot to say something. I have a question. Let’s say you were home alone with your guide dog and you get a tornado alert on your phone. What would you do? Also, my name is molly and when I’m older I want to help raise guide dogs like in the book Raising Lumie!
I mean I think she's overlooking the fact that if they are next to a corn field the cats aren't just there to desensitize the dogs. They are there to kill things that might try and get into the food
My dog was with her litter and her cousin litter growing up at school and my pup, Che (her name is Chevre which is French for Goat but also the word for goat cheese. Her litter was the Cheez-its and named after cheeses. She wasn't raised by Mira. Just a happen stance of French. We pronounce her nickname "Che" like Shea butter) would always disappear and end up with the Facility cat, Chevy, instead of her siblings and cousins. I'm a cat lady and I let her pick out a kitten when I brought her home. Now I have a service dog and her kitten who knows most of my pups commands. They're a bunch of overly intelligent trouble making brats at home though and always trick me. 😆 oh. And the kitten speaks on command. My pup doesn't speak at all. Lol
The organization that trained my service also has cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and I forget what else. Many of the puppy raisers and volunteers who bring the dogs in training to their homes also have a variety of animals. Plus, the dogs in training are regularly brought to see a variety of animals at nearby farms, zoos, etc. They’re located near Amish country in PA and are surrounded by all sorts of animals - but yes, they keep some small critters on their own campus. I would guess the same is true of many quality training programs because service dogs cannot be reactive or distracted by animals while working. My service dog is very curious about other creatures and likes to observe them from afar when he’s not wearing his harness or vest (while he’s working, he totally ignores and is focused on me). In fact, he also doesn’t understand the concept of being scared of another animal - specifically, he gets a confused look why my sister’s cat hides the entire time we are in her house!
adopting a dog that failed to be a service dog is the best thing ever. my grandparents used to raise puppies that would become guide dogs. while my grandfather worked full time and my mom and siblings were at school, it kept my grandmother busy! after they said goodbye to one dog, who went to a home that my grandparents were not particularly fond of, my grandmother decided that continuing raising puppies would be too heartbreaking. the association recognized my grandparent’s, especially my grandmother’s, hard work and success with being dog parents, that they were the first to be informed of a dog who was too skiddish to be a guide dog. the dog came a year before i was born, and was THE BEST dog anyone could have asked for (sorry to my family dog, love you). she was amazing with children and cats, loved to have fun, never pulled, and i only ever heard her bark twice. she taught me how to treat a dog well. she was so good with little kids! if that dog hadn’t been in my life from such a young age, i don’t think i would have been as aware of how to approach (and how NOT to approach) a working animal. as a young kid, this was incredibly valuable, and i cringe oftentimes seeing people well older than me distracting a working dog. i still think of her! even though it’s been well over twelve years since she died. i don’t know why i felt compelled to share this. i’m a longtime occasional viewer and a recent subscriber, and i rarely comment on any videos (anymore). thank you, molly, for sharing this experience with the world. guide dogs are incredible.
A friend of the family used to also raise puppies that would eventually become guide dogs, it seems like such hard but rewarding work. They had to be so strict with training so they dont pick up bad habits, but still be allowed to be puppies since they're so young. What was nice, was that they would inform her which puppies went on to pass their guide dog training and which ones didn't. There was one puppy that was mischievous and a little rebellious when it came to the stricter trainer, so they were sure the pup would fail. It turned out that they failed the guide dog for the blind training, but was perfect as a hard of hearing assistance dog. So nice to hear how they look after or retrain dogs that arent quite right for the desired task :)
My fiancé and I adopted a dog, from a shelter, that "failed" training to be a blind guide dog. They said he couldn't handle trains but yet we live so close to tracks that you can see trains on our back yard every day. He was around 1 when we got him and I think he was just young and not trained long enough. But he did grow out of it really quick living so close to tracks. He was such a good dog though. Helping us out a lot when we needed it, eventhough we didn't do service training with him. It was all just natural for him to help.
@@rnslove Find a foundation, like Mira, that trains dogs and ask them. They often have a wait list ready to go. If they don't do that in house, they will point you in the right direction.
Hi! I’m a puppy raiser for the Guide Dog Foundation! I just wanted to clarify that all of the training scenarios Molly mentions (walking across grates, recall in an open space, etc.) are things the dog has been extensively socialized and trained on before they get back to the school. It’s not their first time experiencing it, just their first time with their forever person! They work on the rhythm, body movements, and signals between dog and handler. Thanks for sharing this, Molly! It’s so great to see this from the handler perspective!
Yes I think so too. I didn’t realise all of the wonderful work they did on that particular campus, it’s so excellent to learn all of this and how it all works. I’m a guide dog handler in the UK and it’s completely different to how it’s done here but I’m open and willing to learn how other schools across the world do it. So interesting. Smile.
I would love to see you do "Explore with me" videos - where you explore a new place you visit - a room, area, anything - and explain what you notice and your likes and dislikes without asking a sighted person. It would be very interesting to see your point of view of what seems like a 'good' place to a blind person, vs. a sighted person. Just something I thought would be really cool to watch!
love the touch that the campus cats are also roaming free as a little test of distraction. some dogs are used to cats in their home but a random one on the street? much different! excited for this series!
Yesterday, I saw a guidedog for the first time in my life in public. I was at the gym, and I noticed a lady feeling her way around the equipment, putting in the weights and starting her exercise right next to me. Soon I realized that she was blind, she also had a cane. On my way to the locker room I saw her beautiful black guidedog laying on the floor next to the front desk, patiently waiting. It really brighten my day 🥰
I am not blind but I’m really happy you are sharing your experiences especially with something like guide dogs where you have an emotional connection to your pup. Thank you so much for posting and spreading positivity. Love you molly 🐝❤️💕
Watching this in the future, and knowing this wasn’t “Gypsy and Gallop combined” and did have an “early retirement” for a dog, and I’m really sorry you had to go through that 💜
This is honestly so interesting and fascinating to see How other guide dog schools do it across the world. I’m based in the UK and things are very different here so I’m intrigued for this journey. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I love learning and I’m so excited to meet your new puppy. Keep up the great work and thank you so much for all that you do. XX
Hi, I'm from Scotland, and i am sighted, but out of interest, how do we train and match guide dogs here? is it a pre-matching thing? or is it completely separate and different? thank you and if its a weird question please feel free to ignore :) -- Emma
In the town I live there is a home for elderly blind people. Something when i walk around in the forest I often see people have their guide dog of lease and then they are playing but as soon as they call them they go back to work it's amazing to see.
Hi Molly !! The black and white cat is called Holstein (like the cow) !!! Also, the highest program is actually the reproductive program ! So if the dog is very pretty and pass all his test, they get to be a reproductive dog 😊
That is just so relaxing and at the same time joyful to see you being so happy and excited about the new part of the family, by the time, the video is out you probably have the puppy, so I'm hoping he or she is everything you were dreaming of, or if not, that you are still happy with the choice Love you, Molly
Rural Quebec is so beautiful, I’ve spent a bit of time there being from northern Vermont. It has to be such a lovely place to stay for the time you’re training your guide dog.
I'm from Quebec! Everytime since I was a little girl, I would ask my mom to give money when I saw Mira foundation stands. I had my debit card in their card holder for so long!!! I'm so happy to see that for you Molly! Stay safe and happy, you're glowing
When I was a little 8 year old girl, I read a book called "Follow My Leader" about a boy who became blind through a tragic accident and got a guide dog. I wanted to train guide dogs for a career for a long time after that!! Instead, I became a physician, but when I retire, I might take it up. What an amazing series. I love the behind the scenes!! Can't wait to meet your new eyes!
Ive trained two service dogs (PTSD and anxiety service dogs) now (one is still in training) but I have never seen or knew extensively the process of guide dog service training. Very very interesting! Thank you for sharing this!
I’m a vet student (with very bad eyesight, luckily still correctable)- so interesting to get to know the guide dog training process for my future career! Thank you for sharing Molly, love your content! It has made me so much more comfortable with the possibility of my sight further declining ❤️
Hi Molly...this is where my son and I stayed for his service dog. We got him 3 yes ago. Best match. I'm forever grateful. He helped my son in a lot of ways. He graduated with my son and now planing to start university in 2022. Covid has been an issue so my son wanted to wait. I m glad you are excited. Good luck.
I was actually crying during this video not not because you are blind and have to go through this go through this but because you are so fortunate that because you are blind you are able to have a guide dog and go through this really cool experience
As a disabled person who tried to train my own service dog, but was unable to finish due to health issues, what you're doing is invaluable. You're shedding a light on one of the top training facilities in North America, and I love it! An update on my dog, he has become an amazing, task trained ESA for me. And he still loves to learn new tasks. The reason he's not a full blown service dog is because he's horrid in public. He barks and pulls on the leash to get other people to pet him.
i always love how ur mom and family don't try to help you with everything. they let you explore ur surroundings to figure out whats happening( like when you were trying to describe your dorm)
I'm from Québec, Canada and very proud of the Mira foundation!! Thank you for going their for your guide dog. Especially knowing you coud have gone elsewhere. I worked as veterinary technicician for some years and my dream job, if I could have, would have been to train those guide dog!!
Keeping us on the edge of our seats, Molly! After you mentioned it last week, I went and watched your movie about your last training experience. Also, I didn’t know Joy Ross’s newest dog had to be retired! I haven’t been keeping up, I guess. I’m so excited to meet your new guide!!
I am so excited to see this video. I got my guy dog at the Seeing Eye in Morristown New Jersey. So I’m very interested to see what the mirror foundation campus is like. Always love learning about other guy dog schools and what they have to offer. Thank you for posting.
@@rebek18 yes that often happens when using dictation, it can make those mistakes. Thanks to those who are incredibly understanding and who are educated enough to know that it probably is a dictation error.
@@unbreakablemoonchild it’s called audio description, and Molly does a great job at describing where she is going and what’s around so it gives those of us who are blind viewers an overview of where she is and what she’s showing. I have great imagination so conjure up images in my own mind from Molly’s description.
When you go on the foundation's website, there's the origine of the name in the FAQ. It says that the founder named the foundation after one of the first dogs he trained called Mirabelle. He only found out later about the meaning of Mira in spanish being about sight. Plus in french we also have the verb "mirer" sharing the same roots and meaning. It's just the best coincidence!
It really just made my heart so happy to hear you say you were not longer worried and anxious. I'm so happy that you are excited and that all the heaviness of the past year has been lightened
6:19 AWW 6:46 That's such a smart idea! A lot of places should do that imo. 11:30 GORGEOUS! 13:29 Beautiful and peaceful 18:49 SO COOL! Thank you so much for sharing all of this with us! Same with Mira! Very appreciated!
when you filmed those Mira cars/vans their French slogans appeared and I was glad I still remember enough French to understand what it said. On the smaller red car, the slogan said something like: "Mira - Much more than a dog!" and on the bigger one the slogan was something like: "Mira - Changes lives, one dog at a time." If any of you are low vision or blind I just thought that was cool to know!
I love that you are sharing this with us! It makes it easier to grasp how the actual process is like, and it'll be so interesting to see the rest of the series! The scenery is really beautiful at Mira, and I also like the way they've decorated the place. Quite simple but still charming. Your dorm room is very well thought out. Love that they have ample storage room.
Growing up in Quebec I've obviously known Mira all my life (kinda hard to ignore when you're a tiny kid exiting the grocery story and there's a huge Bouvier Bernois laying there, looking bored while his owner fundraises, that you can't go pet) but I never knew quite how big they are!! I knew they had a training facility since my friend's son (autistic) got his first dog a few years back and she got to go for training, but seeing the images from the farm it is way bigger than i thought!! Can't wait to meet the pup!!!!!
Thanks for taking us around Molly. I'm from Montreal so I grew up wanting to raise money for Mira. I have every single of their stuffed animals. And I'm so happy to see it's still going strong.
I'm not blind but I do have issues with my eyesight and I love how she has all these moments that icing hugs myself have without my glasses I love the purse show or somebody who has disabilities herself with the learning disabilities and autism and ADD and ADHD I really enjoy their senior comfortable with telling you was wrong it's in last at it to you and I and myself I have to catch myself when I do something and I laughed so badly at myself it wasn't like I just said that but you know I love her too and I love it
Thank you Molly for taking the time to show us your progress I hope that you can find your lovely pet we have been praying for you and my friend s loves your drive to get though life
This is sooo excitinggggg. I’m so happy for you Mollyyy. The relationships we have with animals are fascinating and so enriching. Thank you so much for sharing this process with those of us who, otherwise, would not get a glimpse of this aspect of humanity. And for helping us understand how vital these types of dogs are for so many people out there. Can’t wait to meet the new one!! 🥰
My best friend went blind a few years ago. He's worried that a guide dog will be a bad fit for him because he lives in an apartment and he's in his late 40s. I don't think he's ever met a guide dog. Your videos are a huge help for me to understand what he is going through and what he does and does not need help with. ❤ thank you for everything you do!
Molly I have started my training to help raise puppies into being service dogs for my school. I am so excited to watch you get your new guide dog! I hope you are loving them every second!
Molly, Thank you for sharing this with us! When I lived in Taiwan with my aunt we fostered a black lab (just like Gallop!) named Mentor until he was a year old, before he went back to the Taiwan Guide Dog Association for training. He didn't end up passing the guide dog test and my family adopted him, but I've always wondered what his life might've been like if he had gone on to work. I've always known the basics, but I'm loving this deep dive into the process and really appreciate you talking about how hard the process really is to train these dogs, and how important it is.
I absolutely love this series you're doing... I am not blind and don't know anyone who has a guide dog so I would never know more details on how this all works. Mira looks to be such a beautiful facility but even more importantly, the attention to detail is so wonderful. The crosswalks on the side of the building, the addition of texture on the walls that also looks cool, the cleaning supplies left for participants, the cats living with the dogs, the dogs learning to go on concrete, just.... everything. It stands to reason that a guide dog facility would be thoughtful in its design but this place feels like they went above and beyond with their care and love every chance they got. If I ever knew anyone who needed a guide dog that would make sense to go to Mira for, I would recommend they check them out first. If I were having to get a guide dog and felt nervous and scared, this place would be doing its damnedest to help alleviate any extra stress possible
I am very impressed with this facility. I watched another blogger that is not blind but she is “training” her pet to be a service animal. I believe the training should really be left to the professionals.
7:11 oh poor kitty cat, if you look at one of his front claws he’s bleeding. It looks like he’s wrenched a claw out on something. Ouch! At least it doesn’t seem like it’s bothering him too much (at least as far as I can tell). Hope he has someone look at it and clean it so he doesn’t pick up any infections
That's so cool that they have cats on campus. This is also an awesome unique vlog as I've never seen anyone vlog in detail about their experiences doing guide dog training. That's really touching that they have stones for the guide dogs of the past. Beautiful way to remember them.
Molly, you're such a delight! So glad your journey has gone so well for you and your new pooch. I've hit so many road blocks along my journey, but I'm not giving up hope yet, so wish me luck! Wishing you nothing but the absolute best! - Frankie 💙🌟🌈
Did I spy a glimpse of your wire dog statue gift in the dining area? Would love to hear how you eventually decided to transport it and if they were excited to recieve it? It looks so lovely there! So excited for all the other content coming up!
I have really enjoyed watching your experience getting your new pup! I have recently been diagnosed with a hearing & mobility disorder and have been self-training my puppy. It’s been tough & I’ve been searching for organizations that can help us. So glad you found one that works for you! Cheers to you & the new member of your family! ♥️
I think it is amazing that you work and train in the kennel. My other favorite is the park and how Mira approaches teaching the guides recall. I attended The Seeing Eye, a guide dog school here in the US. I am loving these videos, seeing the similarities and differences. Thank you so much for sharing this experience!The k
Aaahhhh so excited! Thank you so much for taking us along for this, Molly. I can't wait to see the new pupper. You've been such a positive inspiration during this pandemic, sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly with us, so to speak. I know you're already back home now, and I hope you're continuing to be well. Hugs and love from California!
It's so cool to see how other guide dog schools do things! I've only used The Seeing Eye (love them so much!) so it's cool to see others. Also, yeah The Seeing Eye has amazing food, too!
i’m really happy to see you growing as a youtuber, and just a person in general! i’m so excited to learn more about your new pup, and to continue following your journey! :)
Molly - thank you for showing us on camera how you explore a new place that you're not familiar with. While I understand intellectually that you discover the world through your hands, but knowing it and and seeing you in a new place are two different things. For some reason, witnessing how you learn through touch feels very powerful to me.
Molly u are so inspirational and it builds me up I have autism and when I watch ur vids it makes me feel safe and calm and ur voice is so calming and I love ur vids
i'm so EXCITED !!! this series has been so good already & i cannot wait for new videos ! i'm constantly refreshing your page haha .. thanks for sharing all of this with us !
I want to check on this now that I know about it not for a blind guy doll but for a mobility doll because I have cerebral palsy. Thank you for sharing this journey with us.
My best friend has a service dog and it's so cool to watch your videos and inadvertently learn more about how much training her dog must have gone through and see you with that same bond with your guide dogs as she has with hers. Your videos really help me gain a deeper understanding of someone I care a lot about in my own personal life.
Your videos are helping me figure out if I want a service dog! Thank you! I was overwhelmed by the cuteness when you showed us the row of doggie kennels. They're absolutely gorgeous dogs. Can't wait to "meet" your new guide!
CONGRATULATIONS MOLLY! WOW 😲😳! WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PLACE! PRAYING FOR YA Y UR NEW PUPPY! HAVE A HAPPY Y BLESS DAY Y NITE! LOVE 💕 WATCHIN' UR VIDEOS! THANK U FOR SHARIN' A NEW CHAPTER OF UR LIFE! TAKE CARE! KEEP SAFE!✝️🤭👒🛐🇺🇲
At 11:48 there is the name of my dog! I had Ginkgo when I was around 9 years old and he was trained for my little brother who is autistic! I didn’t even know there was his name there. Saddly, he died 5 years ago. I miss him so much❤️
I can't wait to meet your new guide dog. I want to get a companion dog because I have sever anxiety and mental health problems. I have had just dogs before and they to so great with me. Molly hope everything is going great. I will keep you in my prayers for you and your new guide dog.
I wouldn't worry about your new dog deciding to stop working early, remember that the Pandemic was a huge part of some of the dogs that decided they didn't want to work. This dog will be as amazing as your last two. For some reason, I keep seeing a big Burmese mountain dog. I could be completely wrong, but that is what I keep seeing for you. You already know what it is, and yes I am excited to find out next week. Congratulations on your new dog and I am sure you two are home and digging into the remodeling project. I bet he/she is so excited to help you with that.
That's awesome Molly! Thank you for sharing all your emotions, the happy, the sad and those in between. I love the serie and I hope you love love love your new doggie friend.
I cant wait to see the new dog! You deserve the best dog, & the best of what life has to offer!!! I'm so glad I found your channel so I can learn about blindness and how I can help others!💘 💘 💘 💘 💘
I really enjoyed your tour videos and the blind girl moments. I'm looking forward to being able to experience your journey with you. Can't wait until you show us you meeting your pup.
The outfit you're wearing in this video looks so good on you! It looks super comfy and sporty while also being very chic and the dark teal (at least that's how it appears on my screen) looks fantastic with your eyes and skin tone! I'm literally obsessed! 💜
Full disclosure, I'm back home from guide dog raining and have my new pup sitting next to me! I didn't publicly share exactly when I was at training, and saved the videos to post after due to safety. The Mira campus address is public and so I kept my exact training dates hush hush! I have SO much fun and (hopefully) educational guide dog content ahead for you to all enjoy!
Yay!! SOOOO EXCITED 😊
molly u forgot to link the documentary 😭😭😭
I was suspecting you would do this and wasn’t surprised at all. If it was me I would have done the same!
Congrats on that new puperino
congratulations! best wishes for you and your new teammate :)
I'm so excited for you and this new bundle of fur, Molly! Open your mind and open your heart so that this new baby will know instantly who their Momma is! Xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
I just want to say, and I don't know if this was your intent or not, but I've noticed you've been showing a lot more of your "blind girl moments" in videoes lately and I really appreciate it. Anyone who watches your channel knows that you are very capable an independent and so I think showing that more shows some of the day to day realities of being blind alongside what we already know about you. I think it helps normalize some of these moments and blindness and disability in general. Hope I worded that right. Keep up the good work!!!
To be honest, I stopped editing out my blind girl moments about 3-4 years ago BUT they just rarely end up getting captured on camera! I love showing them... they're normal, they're a part of my life, and I generally think they're funny! I sadly just don't capture them on camera often! haha :)
@@MollyBurkeOfficial I m also blind. I love watching your videos. Keep up the good work.
@@MollyBurkeOfficial I just watched your documentary when you got Gallup And hearing your full story even though I’ve been following you for years it’s truly amazing and I know your next guide dogs it’s going to be amazing and Gallup will have a new best friend.
@@MollyBurkeOfficial what would you do for example, if a tornado happened and you were home alone? Also, I really admire you and my name is Molly, too!
@@MollyBurkeOfficial sorry I’m repeating my comment, but I forgot to say something. I have a question. Let’s say you were home alone with your guide dog and you get a tornado alert on your phone. What would you do? Also, my name is molly and when I’m older I want to help raise guide dogs like in the book Raising Lumie!
It's a good idea to have cats on campus. Then again, having cats *anywhere* is simply genius.
AHAHAH love this!! Yes, cats anywhere is a good idea ;) The kennel cats were SO sweet and friendly my entire stay!!
I mean I think she's overlooking the fact that if they are next to a corn field the cats aren't just there to desensitize the dogs. They are there to kill things that might try and get into the food
Yes! Especially barn cats ;)
My dog was with her litter and her cousin litter growing up at school and my pup, Che (her name is Chevre which is French for Goat but also the word for goat cheese. Her litter was the Cheez-its and named after cheeses. She wasn't raised by Mira. Just a happen stance of French. We pronounce her nickname "Che" like Shea butter) would always disappear and end up with the Facility cat, Chevy, instead of her siblings and cousins. I'm a cat lady and I let her pick out a kitten when I brought her home. Now I have a service dog and her kitten who knows most of my pups commands. They're a bunch of overly intelligent trouble making brats at home though and always trick me. 😆 oh. And the kitten speaks on command. My pup doesn't speak at all. Lol
The organization that trained my service also has cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and I forget what else. Many of the puppy raisers and volunteers who bring the dogs in training to their homes also have a variety of animals. Plus, the dogs in training are regularly brought to see a variety of animals at nearby farms, zoos, etc. They’re located near Amish country in PA and are surrounded by all sorts of animals - but yes, they keep some small critters on their own campus. I would guess the same is true of many quality training programs because service dogs cannot be reactive or distracted by animals while working.
My service dog is very curious about other creatures and likes to observe them from afar when he’s not wearing his harness or vest (while he’s working, he totally ignores and is focused on me). In fact, he also doesn’t understand the concept of being scared of another animal - specifically, he gets a confused look why my sister’s cat hides the entire time we are in her house!
Mom is amazing. She replaces an entire film crew. Well done Mom.
I cried when you said you where going to buy a stone for Gypsy and Gallop. I’m glad a place like this exists.
adopting a dog that failed to be a service dog is the best thing ever.
my grandparents used to raise puppies that would become guide dogs. while my grandfather worked full time and my mom and siblings were at school, it kept my grandmother busy!
after they said goodbye to one dog, who went to a home that my grandparents were not particularly fond of, my grandmother decided that continuing raising puppies would be too heartbreaking.
the association recognized my grandparent’s, especially my grandmother’s, hard work and success with being dog parents, that they were the first to be informed of a dog who was too skiddish to be a guide dog.
the dog came a year before i was born, and was THE BEST dog anyone could have asked for (sorry to my family dog, love you). she was amazing with children and cats, loved to have fun, never pulled, and i only ever heard her bark twice. she taught me how to treat a dog well. she was so good with little kids!
if that dog hadn’t been in my life from such a young age, i don’t think i would have been as aware of how to approach (and how NOT to approach) a working animal. as a young kid, this was incredibly valuable, and i cringe oftentimes seeing people well older than me distracting a working dog.
i still think of her! even though it’s been well over twelve years since she died.
i don’t know why i felt compelled to share this. i’m a longtime occasional viewer and a recent subscriber, and i rarely comment on any videos (anymore).
thank you, molly, for sharing this experience with the world. guide dogs are incredible.
Silly question, where do you find dogs that have "failed" out of training?
I also have this question!
A friend of the family used to also raise puppies that would eventually become guide dogs, it seems like such hard but rewarding work. They had to be so strict with training so they dont pick up bad habits, but still be allowed to be puppies since they're so young.
What was nice, was that they would inform her which puppies went on to pass their guide dog training and which ones didn't. There was one puppy that was mischievous and a little rebellious when it came to the stricter trainer, so they were sure the pup would fail. It turned out that they failed the guide dog for the blind training, but was perfect as a hard of hearing assistance dog. So nice to hear how they look after or retrain dogs that arent quite right for the desired task :)
My fiancé and I adopted a dog, from a shelter, that "failed" training to be a blind guide dog.
They said he couldn't handle trains but yet we live so close to tracks that you can see trains on our back yard every day.
He was around 1 when we got him and I think he was just young and not trained long enough. But he did grow out of it really quick living so close to tracks.
He was such a good dog though. Helping us out a lot when we needed it, eventhough we didn't do service training with him. It was all just natural for him to help.
@@rnslove Find a foundation, like Mira, that trains dogs and ask them. They often have a wait list ready to go. If they don't do that in house, they will point you in the right direction.
Hi! I’m a puppy raiser for the Guide Dog Foundation! I just wanted to clarify that all of the training scenarios Molly mentions (walking across grates, recall in an open space, etc.) are things the dog has been extensively socialized and trained on before they get back to the school. It’s not their first time experiencing it, just their first time with their forever person! They work on the rhythm, body movements, and signals between dog and handler. Thanks for sharing this, Molly! It’s so great to see this from the handler perspective!
And i am a puppy raiser for Guiding Eyes for the Blind and it is the same for our pups
It's sooo cool that they train so many types of service dogs here!
Yes I think so too. I didn’t realise all of the wonderful work they did on that particular campus, it’s so excellent to learn all of this and how it all works. I’m a guide dog handler in the UK and it’s completely different to how it’s done here but I’m open and willing to learn how other schools across the world do it. So interesting. Smile.
I would love to see you do "Explore with me" videos - where you explore a new place you visit - a room, area, anything - and explain what you notice and your likes and dislikes without asking a sighted person. It would be very interesting to see your point of view of what seems like a 'good' place to a blind person, vs. a sighted person. Just something I thought would be really cool to watch!
Yes I want to see this too!! Very interesting
That would be cool!
love the touch that the campus cats are also roaming free as a little test of distraction. some dogs are used to cats in their home but a random one on the street? much different! excited for this series!
Great point!
Yesterday, I saw a guidedog for the first time in my life in public. I was at the gym, and I noticed a lady feeling her way around the equipment, putting in the weights and starting her exercise right next to me. Soon I realized that she was blind, she also had a cane. On my way to the locker room I saw her beautiful black guidedog laying on the floor next to the front desk, patiently waiting. It really brighten my day 🥰
I am not blind but I’m really happy you are sharing your experiences especially with something like guide dogs where you have an emotional connection to your pup. Thank you so much for posting and spreading positivity. Love you molly 🐝❤️💕
Watching this in the future, and knowing this wasn’t “Gypsy and Gallop combined” and did have an “early retirement” for a dog, and I’m really sorry you had to go through that 💜
This is honestly so interesting and fascinating to see How other guide dog schools do it across the world. I’m based in the UK and things are very different here so I’m intrigued for this journey. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I love learning and I’m so excited to meet your new puppy. Keep up the great work and thank you so much for all that you do. XX
Hi, I'm from Scotland, and i am sighted, but out of interest, how do we train and match guide dogs here? is it a pre-matching thing? or is it completely separate and different? thank you and if its a weird question please feel free to ignore :) -- Emma
In the town I live there is a home for elderly blind people. Something when i walk around in the forest I often see people have their guide dog of lease and then they are playing but as soon as they call them they go back to work it's amazing to see.
Of course Gallop approves! He still wants the best for you! I'm really enjoying this theory. I'm learning so much.
who else just wishes they could go to the Mira foundation and hug everyone of the workers for being so patient & kind
Hi Molly !! The black and white cat is called Holstein (like the cow) !!! Also, the highest program is actually the reproductive program ! So if the dog is very pretty and pass all his test, they get to be a reproductive dog 😊
The cat looked like it had a hurt paw!
Yes, one of her toe was hurt, the vet saw her and she had some treatment for that ! Now she’s all good 😊 her fur just grew back ! She’s an angel 😇
@@12389smiley aw! What a good little kitty 🙃 thanks for telling me! That makes me happy!!! 🙂
Greetings from Schleswig-Holstein, where the cows originally come from, to your cat with the cool name!
@@Loki-fl1rk I didn't expect to find a fellow Schleswig-Holsteiner here :D
Greetings from SH too :)
I love that the pups have cat friends there!! Also appreciate that Mambo Number 5 throwback LOL
That is just so relaxing and at the same time joyful to see you being so happy and excited about the new part of the family, by the time, the video is out you probably have the puppy, so I'm hoping he or she is everything you were dreaming of, or if not, that you are still happy with the choice
Love you, Molly
Molly: We are gonna walk past the kennels.
Also Molly: Forgets to walk past the kennels.
You are forgiven though, at least you showed the cute cat.
I've never been able to find a good "vlog" style for service dog or guide dog school so I am LOVING this series
Rural Quebec is so beautiful, I’ve spent a bit of time there being from northern Vermont. It has to be such a lovely place to stay for the time you’re training your guide dog.
Molly’s clothes are always so cute! She definitely needs to start a Molly’s fashion taste of the month or season show.
I'm from Quebec! Everytime since I was a little girl, I would ask my mom to give money when I saw Mira foundation stands. I had my debit card in their card holder for so long!!! I'm so happy to see that for you Molly! Stay safe and happy, you're glowing
When I was a little 8 year old girl, I read a book called "Follow My Leader" about a boy who became blind through a tragic accident and got a guide dog. I wanted to train guide dogs for a career for a long time after that!! Instead, I became a physician, but when I retire, I might take it up. What an amazing series. I love the behind the scenes!! Can't wait to meet your new eyes!
I read that book too. Fireworks wasn’t it? I loved that book!!! I read it several times! Even though it came out way before I was born!
Ive trained two service dogs (PTSD and anxiety service dogs) now (one is still in training) but I have never seen or knew extensively the process of guide dog service training. Very very interesting! Thank you for sharing this!
I’m a vet student (with very bad eyesight, luckily still correctable)- so interesting to get to know the guide dog training process for my future career! Thank you for sharing Molly, love your content! It has made me so much more comfortable with the possibility of my sight further declining ❤️
Hi Molly...this is where my son and I stayed for his service dog. We got him 3 yes ago. Best match. I'm forever grateful. He helped my son in a lot of ways. He graduated with my son and now planing to start university in 2022. Covid has been an issue so my son wanted to wait. I m glad you are excited. Good luck.
I'm so excited to see the dog and it's personality 😭
I think you'll all love my new pup!!!
@@MollyBurkeOfficial I can’t wait ❤️
I really like your profile picture :)
I was actually crying during this video not not because you are blind and have to go through this go through this but because you are so fortunate that because you are blind you are able to have a guide dog and go through this really cool experience
As a disabled person who tried to train my own service dog, but was unable to finish due to health issues, what you're doing is invaluable. You're shedding a light on one of the top training facilities in North America, and I love it! An update on my dog, he has become an amazing, task trained ESA for me. And he still loves to learn new tasks. The reason he's not a full blown service dog is because he's horrid in public. He barks and pulls on the leash to get other people to pet him.
Mira is one of the only foundation I'll always give to. They're important and trustworthy
Girl, I’m not normally a big fan of the bodysuit look but you just made me one 😍 I’m forever obsessed with your confidence and authenticity ❤️
i always love how ur mom and family don't try to help you with everything. they let you explore ur surroundings to figure out whats happening( like when you were trying to describe your dorm)
I'm from Québec, Canada and very proud of the Mira foundation!! Thank you for going their for your guide dog. Especially knowing you coud have gone elsewhere. I worked as veterinary technicician for some years and my dream job, if I could have, would have been to train those guide dog!!
Keeping us on the edge of our seats, Molly! After you mentioned it last week, I went and watched your movie about your last training experience. Also, I didn’t know Joy Ross’s newest dog had to be retired! I haven’t been keeping up, I guess. I’m so excited to meet your new guide!!
I am so excited to see this video. I got my guy dog at the Seeing Eye in Morristown New Jersey. So I’m very interested to see what the mirror foundation campus is like. Always love learning about other guy dog schools and what they have to offer. Thank you for posting.
@@jasminegaray689 she could be dictating and her device types “guy”
@@jasminegaray689 It’s obviously a typo. The person who wrote this comment is blind. You don’t have to be a jerk.
But if you're blind how will you see what the mira campus is like
@@rebek18 yes that often happens when using dictation, it can make those mistakes. Thanks to those who are incredibly understanding and who are educated enough to know that it probably is a dictation error.
@@unbreakablemoonchild it’s called audio description, and Molly does a great job at describing where she is going and what’s around so it gives those of us who are blind viewers an overview of where she is and what she’s showing. I have great imagination so conjure up images in my own mind from Molly’s description.
When I was taking Spanish class a few days ago, we learned the word "look" and it was "mira." I immediately thought of you and the Mira Foundation!
Interesting that it's the Spanish word, given that the school is in a French speaking part of Canada. Look in French is "voir"
When you go on the foundation's website, there's the origine of the name in the FAQ. It says that the founder named the foundation after one of the first dogs he trained called Mirabelle. He only found out later about the meaning of Mira in spanish being about sight. Plus in french we also have the verb "mirer" sharing the same roots and meaning. It's just the best coincidence!
@@yumeobayashi7177 That's so cool!
It really just made my heart so happy to hear you say you were not longer worried and anxious. I'm so happy that you are excited and that all the heaviness of the past year has been lightened
6:19 AWW
6:46 That's such a smart idea! A lot of places should do that imo.
11:30 GORGEOUS!
13:29 Beautiful and peaceful
18:49 SO COOL!
Thank you so much for sharing all of this with us! Same with Mira! Very appreciated!
This is so interesting! I found a doc on Hulu that follows 5 lab pups; there journey to being trained to guide, who makes the cut and who doesn’t.
Do you know the name of the documentary?
What is the name of the documentary on Hulu?
@@lisah6804 pick of the litter and disney plus has a series with the same name.
i believe that exact docu is also on netflix!!!
@@kittycatgaminghayley6210 Thank you!
when you filmed those Mira cars/vans their French slogans appeared and I was glad I still remember enough French to understand what it said. On the smaller red car, the slogan said something like: "Mira - Much more than a dog!" and on the bigger one the slogan was something like: "Mira - Changes lives, one dog at a time." If any of you are low vision or blind I just thought that was cool to know!
I love that you are sharing this with us! It makes it easier to grasp how the actual process is like, and it'll be so interesting to see the rest of the series! The scenery is really beautiful at Mira, and I also like the way they've decorated the place. Quite simple but still charming. Your dorm room is very well thought out. Love that they have ample storage room.
Aw it was cute when you were “chosen” by the campus cat to get to give him some lovin’.
I'm so excited for the new pup, I hope they are everything you're dreaming about!! Love you molly!!!
Growing up in Quebec I've obviously known Mira all my life (kinda hard to ignore when you're a tiny kid exiting the grocery story and there's a huge Bouvier Bernois laying there, looking bored while his owner fundraises, that you can't go pet) but I never knew quite how big they are!! I knew they had a training facility since my friend's son (autistic) got his first dog a few years back and she got to go for training, but seeing the images from the farm it is way bigger than i thought!!
Can't wait to meet the pup!!!!!
Thanks for taking us around Molly. I'm from Montreal so I grew up wanting to raise money for Mira. I have every single of their stuffed animals. And I'm so happy to see it's still going strong.
Thank you so much for sharing your story! As a sighted person it is so insightful.. I hope all goes well and will be praying for your journey!
I’m sad COVID accelerated gallops retirement but I’m so happy we get this series!
I'm not blind but I do have issues with my eyesight and I love how she has all these moments that icing hugs myself have without my glasses I love the purse show or somebody who has disabilities herself with the learning disabilities and autism and ADD and ADHD I really enjoy their senior comfortable with telling you was wrong it's in last at it to you and I and myself I have to catch myself when I do something and I laughed so badly at myself it wasn't like I just said that but you know I love her too and I love it
Thank you Molly for taking the time to show us your progress I hope that you can find your lovely pet we have been praying for you and my friend s loves your drive to get though life
This is sooo excitinggggg. I’m so happy for you Mollyyy. The relationships we have with animals are fascinating and so enriching. Thank you so much for sharing this process with those of us who, otherwise, would not get a glimpse of this aspect of humanity. And for helping us understand how vital these types of dogs are for so many people out there. Can’t wait to meet the new one!! 🥰
My best friend went blind a few years ago. He's worried that a guide dog will be a bad fit for him because he lives in an apartment and he's in his late 40s. I don't think he's ever met a guide dog. Your videos are a huge help for me to understand what he is going through and what he does and does not need help with. ❤ thank you for everything you do!
Molly I have started my training to help raise puppies into being service dogs for my school. I am so excited to watch you get your new guide dog! I hope you are loving them every second!
I love that you‘re sharing this and educating people like me about how everything in you world works😍Thank you so much☺️
Molly,
Thank you for sharing this with us! When I lived in Taiwan with my aunt we fostered a black lab (just like Gallop!) named Mentor until he was a year old, before he went back to the Taiwan Guide Dog Association for training. He didn't end up passing the guide dog test and my family adopted him, but I've always wondered what his life might've been like if he had gone on to work. I've always known the basics, but I'm loving this deep dive into the process and really appreciate you talking about how hard the process really is to train these dogs, and how important it is.
Aww molly, it really feels like your old self is back. You seem so much happier and full of life, so happy for you and new pup 💕 🐶
I’m so excited for this series! I love you Molly!
I absolutely love this series you're doing... I am not blind and don't know anyone who has a guide dog so I would never know more details on how this all works. Mira looks to be such a beautiful facility but even more importantly, the attention to detail is so wonderful. The crosswalks on the side of the building, the addition of texture on the walls that also looks cool, the cleaning supplies left for participants, the cats living with the dogs, the dogs learning to go on concrete, just.... everything. It stands to reason that a guide dog facility would be thoughtful in its design but this place feels like they went above and beyond with their care and love every chance they got. If I ever knew anyone who needed a guide dog that would make sense to go to Mira for, I would recommend they check them out first. If I were having to get a guide dog and felt nervous and scared, this place would be doing its damnedest to help alleviate any extra stress possible
Mira sounds like a great school. I've never had a Guide dog, so I'm curious. Thanks for sharing this with us.
I am very impressed with this facility. I watched another blogger that is not blind but she is “training” her pet to be a service animal. I believe the training should really be left to the professionals.
The Mira cat matched your sneakers perfectly! Love a matching accessory cat haha!
7:11 oh poor kitty cat, if you look at one of his front claws he’s bleeding. It looks like he’s wrenched a claw out on something. Ouch! At least it doesn’t seem like it’s bothering him too much (at least as far as I can tell). Hope he has someone look at it and clean it so he doesn’t pick up any infections
That's so cool that they have cats on campus. This is also an awesome unique vlog as I've never seen anyone vlog in detail about their experiences doing guide dog training.
That's really touching that they have stones for the guide dogs of the past. Beautiful way to remember them.
Molly, you're such a delight! So glad your journey has gone so well for you and your new pooch. I've hit so many road blocks along my journey, but I'm not giving up hope yet, so wish me luck! Wishing you nothing but the absolute best!
- Frankie 💙🌟🌈
Watching this with my Mira puppy by my side 🥰 Really nice to see the other parts of campus that we don't get to see as a foster family
The sound of the dried corn fields is so pretty!
Did I spy a glimpse of your wire dog statue gift in the dining area? Would love to hear how you eventually decided to transport it and if they were excited to recieve it? It looks so lovely there!
So excited for all the other content coming up!
Saw it too ...was looking for this comment
Me too, I want one now too lol!
I have really enjoyed watching your experience getting your new pup! I have recently been diagnosed with a hearing & mobility disorder and have been self-training my puppy. It’s been tough & I’ve been searching for organizations that can help us. So glad you found one that works for you! Cheers to you & the new member of your family! ♥️
I think it is amazing that you work and train in the kennel. My other favorite is the park and how Mira approaches teaching the guides recall. I attended The Seeing Eye, a guide dog school here in the US. I am loving these videos, seeing the similarities and differences. Thank you so much for sharing this experience!The k
I loved the statue Molly got sitting on the end table with the Mira bandana 🥺💕 So adorable!
Aaahhhh so excited! Thank you so much for taking us along for this, Molly. I can't wait to see the new pupper. You've been such a positive inspiration during this pandemic, sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly with us, so to speak. I know you're already back home now, and I hope you're continuing to be well. Hugs and love from California!
smart to bring safe foods to help get some eats when you're feeling anxious! great tip for those who struggle that way.
Omg Molly, I have no idea why but the rolling sound of your cane is so soothing to my ears!
What an incredible place! Thank you for showing us.
I always love seeing different guide dog campuses! I volunteer with my puppy raiser group for guide dogs for the blind!!
Wow! Mira is amazing! With all the care and thought they put into every detail, it's no wonder you made the long trip to return to them!
I'm loving these videos. I already can't wait for the next one! And to meet the new pupper!
It's so cool to see how other guide dog schools do things! I've only used The Seeing Eye (love them so much!) so it's cool to see others. Also, yeah The Seeing Eye has amazing food, too!
i’m really happy to see you growing as a youtuber, and just a person in general! i’m so excited to learn more about your new pup, and to continue following your journey! :)
Molly - thank you for showing us on camera how you explore a new place that you're not familiar with. While I understand intellectually that you discover the world through your hands, but knowing it and and seeing you in a new place are two different things. For some reason, witnessing how you learn through touch feels very powerful to me.
Hey Molly! It’s great to see your journey through guide dog school in a vlog style video. I really can’t wait to see your new pup! ❤️
Molly u are so inspirational and it builds me up I have autism and when I watch ur vids it makes me feel safe and calm and ur voice is so calming and I love ur vids
i'm so EXCITED !!! this series has been so good already & i cannot wait for new videos ! i'm constantly refreshing your page haha .. thanks for sharing all of this with us !
I want to check on this now that I know about it not for a blind guy doll but for a mobility doll because I have cerebral palsy. Thank you for sharing this journey with us.
My best friend has a service dog and it's so cool to watch your videos and inadvertently learn more about how much training her dog must have gone through and see you with that same bond with your guide dogs as she has with hers. Your videos really help me gain a deeper understanding of someone I care a lot about in my own personal life.
Your videos are helping me figure out if I want a service dog! Thank you!
I was overwhelmed by the cuteness when you showed us the row of doggie kennels. They're absolutely gorgeous dogs. Can't wait to "meet" your new guide!
CONGRATULATIONS MOLLY! WOW 😲😳! WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PLACE! PRAYING FOR YA Y UR NEW PUPPY! HAVE A HAPPY Y BLESS DAY Y NITE! LOVE 💕 WATCHIN' UR VIDEOS! THANK U FOR SHARIN' A NEW CHAPTER OF UR LIFE! TAKE CARE! KEEP SAFE!✝️🤭👒🛐🇺🇲
Glad to see you are so happy and comfortable.
At 11:48 there is the name of my dog! I had Ginkgo when I was around 9 years old and he was trained for my little brother who is autistic! I didn’t even know there was his name there. Saddly, he died 5 years ago. I miss him so much❤️
Woohoo! I've been waiting for this video all day. Awesome video, Molly. You are so sweet. Lots of love and hugs from Norway.
I can't wait to meet your new guide dog. I want to get a companion dog because I have sever anxiety and mental health problems. I have had just dogs before and they to so great with me. Molly hope everything is going great. I will keep you in my prayers for you and your new guide dog.
I've never seen a cane with tiny wheels like the one you're using in this video Molly! That was cool.
I wouldn't worry about your new dog deciding to stop working early, remember that the Pandemic was a huge part of some of the dogs that decided they didn't want to work. This dog will be as amazing as your last two. For some reason, I keep seeing a big Burmese mountain dog. I could be completely wrong, but that is what I keep seeing for you. You already know what it is, and yes I am excited to find out next week. Congratulations on your new dog and I am sure you two are home and digging into the remodeling project. I bet he/she is so excited to help you with that.
I am so excited to go on this journey with you. I’m not blind but I love to learn about it all. Cannot wait to meet new pupper!
That's awesome Molly! Thank you for sharing all your emotions, the happy, the sad and those in between. I love the serie and I hope you love love love your new doggie friend.
I cant wait to see the new dog! You deserve the best dog, & the best of what life has to offer!!! I'm so glad I found your channel so I can learn about blindness and how I can help others!💘 💘 💘 💘 💘
I really enjoyed your tour videos and the blind girl moments.
I'm looking forward to being able to experience your journey with you. Can't wait until you show us you meeting your pup.
The outfit you're wearing in this video looks so good on you! It looks super comfy and sporty while also being very chic and the dark teal (at least that's how it appears on my screen) looks fantastic with your eyes and skin tone! I'm literally obsessed! 💜