A MAN whose guide dog gave him a new lease of life has spoken about how their roles have reversed since she too lost her sight.

John Haill, from Houghton Green, was born with retinopathy of prematurity, a condition where the retinal blood vessels do not develop normally in premature babies and has struggled with his sight loss all his life.

That was until he met Betty.

Betty became John’s first guide dog in 2012 and changed his life forever.

The 32-year-old decided to start a blog about his experiences with his first guide dog Betty.

John said: “I first discovered the importance of a guide dog while attending the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford.

“A few of my friends had guide dogs and I saw how much a difference the dogs made to their independence. At the time, this seemed a very distant dream for myself. I felt I needed to complete my education first and then make decisions about my future.”

John completed his education in 2010 and it was time to go home back to Warrington.

Since he was five he attended residential schools, so it was a daunting experience to move into his first home by himself with no friends living locally.

John continued: “I found myself feeling extremely lonely and sinking into a dark place. I no longer wanted to get up in the morning – I had no reason to.

"Life became a struggle and I could not see a future that didn’t revolve around relying on my family. I knew that it had reached the time that I needed to do something about it and take control of my future.”

After contacting the charity Guide Dogs to see what help they could offer, they sent out a member of staff to explain the process of applying for a guide dog and how it could help John gain mobility and the much sought-after independence.

Writing on his blog, John said: “A few months went by and in late 2011 I was invited along to a taster day at Guide Dogs that gave me my first experience of working with a guide dog. For the first time in a long time, I felt hopeful and excited about my future. I knew having a guide dog was the right decision for me, so was put onto the waiting list in hope of finding a suitable match.”

In August 2012, John said his life changed forever when he met Betty, a black Labrador cross Golden Retrieve and the pair have been inseparable since.

“Not only did I gain my independence, but I also got a new best friend,” John added.

But tragically, the dog who had acted as John’s eyes for five years, lost her own sight last year after suffering from glaucoma.

A heartbroken John was supported by the Guide Dogs charity who suggested he get another dog, Rena, who was similar to Betty.

When the decision was made to remove Betty’s eyes, John quickly realised how the tables had turned.

He said: “She now needed me to guide her. It was a real emotional struggle for all the family, but Guide Dogs were there every step of the way to give advice, guidance and more than anything, support.”

After 10 days with the vets, Betty returned home to John and Rena to start a new chapter in their lives.

Despite not being as mobile as she once was, Betty is getting better at using her other senses.

John said: “Rena has been amazing, she is very patient with Betty and loves nothing more than nuzzling her face.

"They truly have a special bond.

“Our life is good once again, I try to balance my time with both girls to make sure they are happy, healthy and that Betty has a wonderful retirement.

"It still upsets me that she can no longer see but I now know that she is no longer in pain and that she is extremely happy, especially with her new best friend Rena.”