What the heatwave taught me about Mobility, Independence and Trust

Like many people, I’ve found the heatwaves we’ve experienced this summer challenging. However, as someone who is registered blind and relies on a guide dog for mobility, the hot weather has brought a unique set of challenges and, unexpectedly, a few important lessons as well.

I live with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a degenerative retinal condition which has gradually reduced my vision over many years. Since 2013, I have used a guide dog as my primary mobility aid. My first guide dog, Tango, a black Labrador Retriever cross, worked with me from 2013 until 2019. Since then, Annie, a yellow Labrador Retriever cross has been my trusted companion and guide.  With the exception of a short gap between dogs, I have spent the last 13 years navigating the world with a guide dog at my side. When I stop and think about that, I realise just how lucky I am.

I never take Annie for granted. Like many guide dog owners, I appreciate the independence, confidence and freedom she gives me every day. Yet it is only when circumstances mean you have to leave your guide dog behind that you truly appreciate the countless ways they support you, often without a single word being spoken. This summer’s heatwaves have provided exactly that reminder.

When temperatures become too high, it simply isn’t safe or fair for a guide dog to work for extended periods. Their welfare always has to come first. On those days, my long cane makes an appearance. I’ve always tried to maintain my cane skills, even after receiving a guide dog. Over the years I’ve used it occasionally for shorter journeys, but this summer I’ve found myself relying on it far more, including for parts of my daily commute. In fact, I’ve completed journeys with my cane that I haven’t done regularly since 2019.  And, pardon the pun, it’s been quite eye-opening.

One thing these experiences have really highlighted is just how much my vision has deteriorated in recent years. I can remember that even before the COVID lockdowns, I could still make out the faces of people standing close to me. Today, people are largely a blur of colour and movement. The bright sunshine that often accompanies a heatwave brings its own difficulties. Like many people with sight loss, I never venture out without sunglasses. Bright light can be incredibly uncomfortable and can make navigating even more challenging. But beyond the impact of the sunlight itself, using a cane on longer routes has forced me to engage with my surroundings in a very different way. The first time I walked home from a bus stop around three-quarters of a mile from my house using only my cane, it took me 42 minutes. With Annie guiding me, the same journey would normally take between 12 and 15 minutes.  At the time, that difference felt enormous. However, after several weeks and a few more heatwaves, I noticed something encouraging. The same route now takes me around 20 minutes with my cane. Realistically, that’s probably as fast as I can expect to travel comfortably using that particular mobility aid, but it represents a huge improvement. More importantly, it represents a gain in confidence.

When I’m out with Annie, I naturally use the vision I still have. I notice movement, shapes and changes in the environment. But with my guide dog taking care of so much of the navigation, it’s easy to forget just how much information I’m receiving from her. Walking with a cane is different. The responsibility sits much more squarely with me. While the finer details of the world may have long since disappeared from my remaining vision, I’ve learnt to make far better use of what I do have left. Spotting the outline of a building, the shape of a lamppost or the position of a familiar landmark can make a huge difference to my orientation and confidence. It’s reminded me that mobility isn’t just about the tool you use. It’s about constantly adapting, learning and building confidence in your own abilities.

Of course, as soon as the temperatures return to a comfortable level, Annie is back doing what she does best. I am incredibly grateful for her and for the freedom she gives me every day. The respect I have for guide dogs and the work they do has only grown stronger over the years.

But strangely enough, I’m also thankful for the challenge that the heatwaves have presented. They pushed me out of my comfort zone and back towards skills that I hadn’t needed to rely on so heavily for some time. In doing so, they’ve reminded me of something important: independence can take many forms. Whether it’s a guide dog, a long cane, or a combination of both, every journey is an opportunity to learn more about ourselves and what we’re capable of achieving.  And while I’d be perfectly happy if the next heatwave took its time arriving, I’ll certainly be better prepared when it does.

By Sam Heaton