AISLING MURRAY

My Dad wasn’t always blind. He trained as a carpenter, traveling the world working as a projects manager overseeing the construction of hospitals, schools and hotels.Though he always had weak eyesight due to retina pigmentosa, a progressive genetic eye disease, it wasn’t until his late fifties that the disease darken his world permanently.

Originally, I began this project to show Don’s resiliency and his independent nature. Then a golden Labrador named Ian entered his life. Ian guided Don safely through the streets of Dublin, but also gave him loyal companionship. They had an unbreakable bond. As time passed, with each declining in health the narrative changed when Don said goodbye to Ian and the impact of the loss and grief that followed. 

Don has always been independent. He cooked all his meals, did his own grocery shopping and his laundry.

After more than 10 years of safely guiding Don through the streets of Dublin, it was Ian's time to rest. Ian officially retired as a guide dog in 2016. 

Ian was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. He was on daily medication for it. He rested most of the day with Don by his side. Even though Ian had hearing loss and his eyesight was diminished he still loved to walk without a leash. But eventually Don made a decision. Ian passed away peacefully at home November 25th, 2017. Many hearts were broken that day.

Don became very depressed and despondent had a difficult time adjusting to life without Ian. The emptiness of a home after a beloved friend was felt.  Don never really recovered. I don't think he knew his heart could hurt as much as it did.

In February 2018 Don was taken into the hospital. He had slipped and couldn't get up. For the next 9 months he went from hospital to rehabilitation and then returning to the hospital after a kidney infection. But ultimately it was his decision to return home without any more medical intervention. Don passed away peacefully at home December 6th, 2018.