One woman's journey through progressive blindness and the extraordinary guide dog who kept her safe along the way
When ethics scholar Deni Elliott, born with limited vision, realized she could no longer navigate the world safely alone, she turned to a guide dog-a decision that reshaped her understanding of disability and independence. Co-authored with master trainer Graham Buck, Catching Sight offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of guide dog breeding and training, revealing the intelligence and decision-making skills these dogs develop from birth.
Catching Sight is for readers interested in the transformative power of human relationships with animals. As Deni confronts her changing reality, she shares the hidden world of guide dog training and introduces Alberta, a yellow Lab whose quiet brilliance changed her interaction with the world and herself.
Catching Sight offers a fresh and unforgettable perspective on disability, identity, and the power of partnership.
By:
Deni Elliott,
Graham Buck
Imprint: Beacon Press
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions:
Height: 229mm,
Width: 152mm,
Weight: 567g
ISBN: 9780807022542
ISBN 10: 0807022543
Pages: 288
Publication Date: 21 July 2026
Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming
Foreword, by Graham Buck Author’s Note CHAPTER 1 Chasing Sight CHAPTER 2 Happy Accidents CHAPTER 3 Marty CHAPTER 4 Oriel CHAPTER 5 Wylie CHAPTER 6 Alberta CHAPTER 7 Click CHAPTER 8 In the Valley of the Blind CHAPTER 9 A Team of Three CHAPTER 10 Teacher, Student, Partner CHAPTER 11 Denberta CHAPTER 12 Letting Go CHAPTER 13 Catching Sight Resources Acknowledgments
Deni Elliott is Co-Director for the National Ethics Project and is professor emerita in the Department of Journalism and Digital Communication at the University of South Florida. She is the author of ten previous books. Deni served on the Guiding Eyes for the Blind Graduate Council and co-chaired the nation's first continuing education seminar for guide dog partners. Graham Buck trained dogs at Guiding Eyes for the Blind for 31 years. He is the owner of Buck's Best Dogs, a science-based dog training business that builds relationships between people and their pet dogs.
Reviews for Catching Sight: How A Guide Dog Helped Me See Myself
“Catching Sight is a story of science, compassion, self-exploration, and faith, and of the transformative power of how canine intelligence and loyalty help bring self-acceptance and dignity to a woman struggling to live her full life with limited vision, along with a skilled and compassionate trainer, who brings together both canine and human perspectives in an unparalleled bonding of confident teamwork. Captivating and informative, moving and heartfelt, a must-read for anyone wanting to experience amazing connections of trust and reliance.” —Wendy S. David, PhD, Board of Directors, Guiding Eyes for the Blind
