Welcome back, listeners, to the podcast that celebrates the professional and private lives of working dogs of all disciplines. I'm so glad you're here! In this episode, I speak with Michael Hingson, who is a New York Times Bestseller as well as a speaker and business owner. Michael is blind and shares with us the ins and outs of working with a guide dog, some common misconceptions that sighted people often have about blindness, (and blunders we often make as a result), as well as his experiences escaping from the World Trade Center with his guide dog, Roselle, on 9/11.

Michael and Roselle were able to navigate their way down from the 78th floor of Tower One after the first plane hit, and he says he was not afraid that day. Now Michael has begun a coaching program to help others face and overcome their fears. You can find out more about the program, Blinded by Fear, by contacting him via michaelhingson.com, and remember to check back soon for the blindedbyfear.net. You can also read about Michael and Roselle’s escape on 9/11 in his bestselling book, Thunder Dog, or teach the children (and adults) in your life about blindness and guide dogs with his other book, Running with Roselle.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to it, rating it, leaving a positive review, and sharing with people you know who are interested in the topic. This show exists in support of its sister photography project on the same topic and of the same name. You can learn more about that by visiting www.herobeside.me.

I'd love to hear your feedback, questions, recommendations and ideas concerning this podcast. Please reach out at [email protected] or on Instagram @herobesideme. Thanks for listening! Be sure to give the furry hero beside you some extra love today.