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.
“As Elliott explores her special relationships with these dogs and their exceptional breeding and training, readers will fall in love with this heartwarming story of human-animal connection and resilience.”
—Shelf Awareness
“[A] moving memoir . . . Readers should prepare to smile, feel gratitude for sight, and learn a lot.”
—Booklist
“Takes you into the incredible world of guide dogs to show why these close partnerships matter—not just for mobility but for dignity and belonging. Deni Elliott’s powerful story will stay with you long after you finish reading.”
—Marc Bekoff, author of The Emotional Lives of Animals
“An uplifting demonstration of how astonishingly intelligent guide dogs are and the life-changing bond they create.”
—Brian Hare, author of Puppy Kindergarten
“This book will open your mind and your heart.”
—Steve Weinberg, author of Taking on the Trust
“Catching Sight is filled with insights into disability and identity, human-animal bond interactions, and the services that both dogs and guide dog organizations provide for so many.”
—Susan Krieger, author of Come, Let Me Guide You
“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
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
- “The Ethics Professor Who Hid Her Blindness | Catching Sight,” This Paw’s for You, podcast interview
- “Deni Elliott – Catching Sight,” He’s Just a Social Worker/WHCR (Harlem), podcast interview
- “She let me join her on her journey. The trip turned into a decade-long friendship—and a book,” Tampa Bay Times, Sunday Story piece
- “Longtime USF St. Petersburg professor’s book, Catching Sight, reveals what it means to be seen,” University of South Florida/News, news feature
- “On the Ethical Problems of Clinging to My Sighted Life,” Literary Hub, excerpt
- “Catching Sight: Letting Guide Dogs Lead the Way as Teammates,” Psychology Today/Animal Emotions blog, Q&A
- “In Florida, fake service dogs challenge public safety,” Tampa Bay Times, “Viewpoints” column
- “Authors Deni Elliott and Graham Buck,” Dog Words, podcast interview
- “Catching Sight: Thinking Dog Alberta’s New Biography,” The Thinking Dog, newsletter write-up