Episode 227 - Life With Buddy Dogs

About this episode

Shawn discusses the unique experiences of blind and low vision youth with their buddy dogs, Bambi and Potter.

In this heartwarming and hilarious episode of Limitless, Shawn sits down with Tom and Julie, two blind and low vision youth who share their lives with very special “career-change” canines: Bambi and Potter (yes, that Potter).They dive into what a “buddy dog” really is and how it’s different from a Guide Dog and why these dogs are perfect partners for kids and teens who aren’t quite ready (or old enough) for a Guide Dog. You’ll hear about tandem bike runs with Bambi, an 80‑pound snack-loving Potter, sibling “custody battles” over who gets the dog, and what it’s like to go from being nervous around dogs to not imagining life without one. Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

People in this episode

Host: Shawn

Guests: Tom, Julie

Topics covered

• buddy dogs
• guide dogs
• blind youth
• canines
• family support

Keywords

• blind
• low vision
• canine companions
• youth experiences

Mentioned in this episode

Products: a Guide Dog, Bambi, Potter

Books & works: Life With Buddy Dogs, Limitless

More episodes of Limitless: Blind Beginnings Podcast

• Episode 230 - Simulating Blindness Part 1 · April 16, 2026 · 45 min
• Episode 229 - Best Kept Secrets for Travelers With Sight Loss with Lynn Jensen · April 1, 2026 · 37 min
• Episode 228 - Surviving P.E. with Blindness and Low Vision · March 19, 2026 · 1h 1m
• Episode 226 - Stamping Braille and Crushing Limits with Terry Hoddinott · February 17, 2026 · 43 min
• Episode 225 - Guide Dog Access Rights · February 3, 2026 · 57 min
• Episode 224 - Making Minecraft Accessible · January 20, 2026 · 53 min