After two years of waiting, soon I will be receiving a guide dog for the blind to bring home to Hawaii. It will be exciting flying to California in May of 2026, going to guide dog training, and flying home with my guide. This is the first time I've ever had a guide dog so it will be a total adventure!

Even though the training and flight will be free, once I receive my guide, I will be responsible for the dog's care, food, vet bills, and tools needed to make it comfortable and part of my life. My guide will go everywhere I go to help me cross the streets safely, get on the bus, mass transit, and even on work trips to the mainland and the university.

I will need funds to care for and support my guide's well-being as they become my second pair of eyes. Traveling safely at night, through airports and crowds without bumping into fire hydrants or benches, tripping, or falling down. As a senior, my guide will detect those electric vehicles, e-bike riders, and overhanging branches to keep me safe. I will be able to move quicker around obstacles and move freely. In addition I will be going to work trainings in San Deigo three times this year and Washington DC. I will need to pay for extra space for seating upgrades so my guide dog wont be squished into atight space on all the airlines. Some people recommend bulk head seating or going first class airfare otherwise you dog has to fit underneath your legs in regular seating. I font know if my dog or I can tollerate that as going to and from the west coast to Hawaii is at least a 5 + hour flight not including going to the airport 3 hour hours in advance to check in. Since I have a guide I will need to complete TSA and extra travel forms.

Supplies I will need include

1. Monthly dog food ( Eukanuba large breed formula)- $80/ month

2. Dog bed

3. Indoor collapsable dog crate

4.airtight dog food storage containers

5. Portable dog dish and water bottle

6. Coverage for annual vet check up and immunizations

7. Dog heartworm and flea treatment

8.Dog raincoat and booties for escalators and hot pavement.

9. Dog grooming supplies, shampoo, and toothpaste/brushes

10. Dog clean up kit ( pooper scooper, doggie bags dispenser and bags, wipes, peep pads).

11. Airline seating upgrades for travel back and forth from Hawaii to San Diego and Washington DC and return flights. (Six trips) in 2026. Estimated cost $1500 for bulkhead seating even more expensive if I fly first class.

12. Dog grooming

Wow thats alot of supplies to bring my dog home and keep my dog happy!