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Kika & Me: How One Extraordinary Guide Dog Changed My World
‘Inspiring and compelling . . . rekindles one's faith in human nature' - Andrew Marr
'An uplifting read' - Cosmopolitan
Amit Patel is working as a trauma doctor when a rare condition causes him to lose his sight within thirty-six hours. Totally dependent on others and terrified of stepping outside with a white cane after he's assaulted, he hits rock bottom. He refuses to leave home on his own for three months. With the support of his wife Seema he slowly adapts to his new situation, but how could life ever be the way it was? Then his guide dog Kika comes along . . .
But Kika’s stubbornness almost puts her guide dog training in jeopardy � could her quirky personality be a perfect match for someone? Meanwhile Amit has reservations � can he trust a dog with his safety? Paired together in 2015, they start on a journey, learning to trust each other before taking to the streets of London and beyond. The partnership not only gives Amit a renewed lease of life but a new best friend. Then, after a video of an irate commuter rudely asking Amit to step aside on an escalator goes viral, he sets out with Kika by his side to spread a message of positivity and inclusivity, showing that nothing will hold them back.
From the challenges of travelling when blind to becoming a parent for the first time, Kika & Me is the moving, heart-warming and inspirational story of Amit’s sight-loss journey and how one guide dog changed his world.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2020
55 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Amit Patel
1Ìýbook5ÌýfollowersDr Amit Patel is a disability rights campaigner, fundraiser, motivational speaker and independent diversity and accessibility consultant. Amit studied medicine at Cambridge University and qualified as a trauma doctor, specializing in emergency medicine and major incidents. During med school Amit was diagnosed with keratoconus, which is usually easily treated with a corneal transplant. However, Amit was one of the rare individuals for whom the transplants rejected and he was registered severely sight impaired (blind) just one year after getting married in 2013. After coming to terms with his own sight loss, Amit set out to help others who were new to sight loss, through volunteering with the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) and Guide Dogs for the Blind. Amit is married to Seema and together they have a two children. Kika and Me is his first book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
July 26, 2023
This is an extraordinary story of overcoming sudden blindness to lead a full life as husband and father, in addition to having a career. The bond between Amit Patel and Kika is wonderful to learn about. Less wonderful, is the way folk on the street, especially on the London Underground treat him and Kika. There is much we can learn from his examples.
Poignant quote that can be applied the world over:
"In the under resourced NHS [National Health Service] it felt as if nobody had enough time. The sort of pastoral care that patients needed fell beside the wayside when there were treatment targets to be met. I found that hard to understand when it seemed obvious that the psychological well-being of patients was every bit as important as giving them the right drugs. Happier people got better more quickly was the way I saw it."
Poignant quote that can be applied the world over:
"In the under resourced NHS [National Health Service] it felt as if nobody had enough time. The sort of pastoral care that patients needed fell beside the wayside when there were treatment targets to be met. I found that hard to understand when it seemed obvious that the psychological well-being of patients was every bit as important as giving them the right drugs. Happier people got better more quickly was the way I saw it."
February 12, 2021
Dr Patel grew up in Guildford, studied medicine at Cambridge, and specialised in trauma medicine as a junior doctor in London. Diagnosed with keratocornus, which changes the shape of the cornea (it affects 1 in 450), he required first special contact lenses and then a series of cornea transplants. By the time of his eighth transplant, he’d remortgaged his house to pay an American specialist. Meeting and marrying Seema was a time of brightness before, in November 2013, he completely lost his vision within 36 hours. Blindness meant that he could no longer do his job, and constant eye pain and inactivity exacerbated his depression. While white cane and Braille training, plus the Royal National Institute of Blind People’s “Living with Sight Loss� course, started to boost his independence, it was being paired with his guide dog, Kika the Labrador, in 2015 that truly gave Patel his life back.
Trying out guide dogs sounds a little bit like speed dating. The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (founded in the UK in 1931) warned that Kika was a “Marmite dog,� moody and likely to push boundaries; there was no guarantee she and Patel would get along. But from the start Kika was just right for him. More than once, what seemed like her pure stubbornness � lying on his feet and refusing to move � kept him from dangerous situations, like getting trapped between a busy road and a building site on an unfamiliar route. After a 10-day core skills training course, during which man and dog stayed at a hotel together, Kika was ready to join them at home. In the days to come, she would learn all Patel’s usual routes around their neighbourhood and into the City � with the help of smears of mackerel pâté.
If you’re like me, you’ll be most curious to learn about the nitty-gritty of life for a visually impaired person. I loved hearing about how Patel practiced his Braille letters with an egg container and ping pong balls. Since he went blind, he and his wife have had two children, and with Kika’s help manoeuvring a baby buggy is no problem. Guide dogs are trained to be predictable, e.g., doing their business in the same spot at the same times so it’s much easier to find and clean up. Some dog training tricks also worked for children, like putting a bell on a Labrador or a toddler to know when they wandered off!
Patel has had some unfortunate experiences since he went blind, particularly on the London Underground: teenagers picking him up and spinning him around on a train platform, busy commuters barging past him and Kika on an escalator, and an impatient woman hitting Kika with her handbag. While Patel doesn’t like being negative on social media, he finds that posting video clips of these incidents raises awareness of the challenges VIPs face. Every time he hits a setback, he uses it as an opportunity. For instance, one Diwali he was excited to visit Neasden Temple, only to be dismayed that they wouldn’t allow Kika inside. Since then, he has worked with temples around the world to improve disability services. He is also involved in London’s “Transport for All� work, and advises companies on access issues.
More so than the rest of the Barbellion Prize 2020 shortlist, Kika & Me is illuminating about daily life with a disability and has a campaigning focus. It’s an easy read, and not just for animal lovers. Judging the book by the cover, I might not have picked it up otherwise, so I’m grateful that the Barbellion put it on my radar. I’m deeply impressed by what Patel has achieved and the positive attitude he maintains. (Kika has her own Twitter account! @Kika_GuideDog)
Originally published on my blog, .
Trying out guide dogs sounds a little bit like speed dating. The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (founded in the UK in 1931) warned that Kika was a “Marmite dog,� moody and likely to push boundaries; there was no guarantee she and Patel would get along. But from the start Kika was just right for him. More than once, what seemed like her pure stubbornness � lying on his feet and refusing to move � kept him from dangerous situations, like getting trapped between a busy road and a building site on an unfamiliar route. After a 10-day core skills training course, during which man and dog stayed at a hotel together, Kika was ready to join them at home. In the days to come, she would learn all Patel’s usual routes around their neighbourhood and into the City � with the help of smears of mackerel pâté.
If you’re like me, you’ll be most curious to learn about the nitty-gritty of life for a visually impaired person. I loved hearing about how Patel practiced his Braille letters with an egg container and ping pong balls. Since he went blind, he and his wife have had two children, and with Kika’s help manoeuvring a baby buggy is no problem. Guide dogs are trained to be predictable, e.g., doing their business in the same spot at the same times so it’s much easier to find and clean up. Some dog training tricks also worked for children, like putting a bell on a Labrador or a toddler to know when they wandered off!
Patel has had some unfortunate experiences since he went blind, particularly on the London Underground: teenagers picking him up and spinning him around on a train platform, busy commuters barging past him and Kika on an escalator, and an impatient woman hitting Kika with her handbag. While Patel doesn’t like being negative on social media, he finds that posting video clips of these incidents raises awareness of the challenges VIPs face. Every time he hits a setback, he uses it as an opportunity. For instance, one Diwali he was excited to visit Neasden Temple, only to be dismayed that they wouldn’t allow Kika inside. Since then, he has worked with temples around the world to improve disability services. He is also involved in London’s “Transport for All� work, and advises companies on access issues.
More so than the rest of the Barbellion Prize 2020 shortlist, Kika & Me is illuminating about daily life with a disability and has a campaigning focus. It’s an easy read, and not just for animal lovers. Judging the book by the cover, I might not have picked it up otherwise, so I’m grateful that the Barbellion put it on my radar. I’m deeply impressed by what Patel has achieved and the positive attitude he maintains. (Kika has her own Twitter account! @Kika_GuideDog)
Originally published on my blog, .
February 21, 2020
One of the best books I've read recently, I'll remember it for a long time.
This was a great read. I was totally immersed right from the first page. It had all my favourite book ingredients: Memoir, medical, travel, animals etc.
Amit Patel was an A&E doctor before he suddenly lost his sight. While studying medicine, he had learned he had a progressive eye condition. There were things which could be done: surgery-which turned into many surgeries, and so at first things were looking better for him. Then one day, it’s all changed. It seemed everything as he knew it was over. But gradually, he finds there is so much joy still to look forward to. And there were so many smiles in the book.
This is a condition I'd heard nothing about before. I found the book very interesting. Having suffered a recent eye scare myself; CRVO; where I suddenly lost a lot of vision in one eye, yet could be sorted out with laser treatment and monthly intravitreal injections, I can't imagine how it must be to have no cure, no fix, and to never get your vision back.
A favourite book I remember from years ago is Sheila Hocken's 'Emma and I'. Amit's book has a few elements like that so I really liked it. Such a delight to read. Moving and memorable. Tissues were needed-but for tears of joy. Of course, a real star of the show in the book is the beautiful Kika, as in Amit’s words: 'The Fairy Dog-Mother'.
There are some unbelievable challenges he has to put up with-due to ignorant commuters. Shocking how some people behave. On the other side of the coin: There is quite a lot of help available-and so interesting-I'd no idea about many of these things mentioned.
One of the best books I've read recently, I'll remember it for a long time.
This was a great read. I was totally immersed right from the first page. It had all my favourite book ingredients: Memoir, medical, travel, animals etc.
Amit Patel was an A&E doctor before he suddenly lost his sight. While studying medicine, he had learned he had a progressive eye condition. There were things which could be done: surgery-which turned into many surgeries, and so at first things were looking better for him. Then one day, it’s all changed. It seemed everything as he knew it was over. But gradually, he finds there is so much joy still to look forward to. And there were so many smiles in the book.
This is a condition I'd heard nothing about before. I found the book very interesting. Having suffered a recent eye scare myself; CRVO; where I suddenly lost a lot of vision in one eye, yet could be sorted out with laser treatment and monthly intravitreal injections, I can't imagine how it must be to have no cure, no fix, and to never get your vision back.
A favourite book I remember from years ago is Sheila Hocken's 'Emma and I'. Amit's book has a few elements like that so I really liked it. Such a delight to read. Moving and memorable. Tissues were needed-but for tears of joy. Of course, a real star of the show in the book is the beautiful Kika, as in Amit’s words: 'The Fairy Dog-Mother'.
There are some unbelievable challenges he has to put up with-due to ignorant commuters. Shocking how some people behave. On the other side of the coin: There is quite a lot of help available-and so interesting-I'd no idea about many of these things mentioned.
One of the best books I've read recently, I'll remember it for a long time.
June 10, 2020
I was really interested to read this as my husband is one year into his Guide Dog partnership. I’d already heard of Kika, and of course Amit Patel, through following them on Twitter, but was keen to understand how they’d got to where they were today. Of course, there were many similarities between my husband and Amit, particularly with how the application for a guide dog works. Amit’s condition is different and his level of sight loss is also different to my husband’s, but it was interesting to see how sight loss varies considerably from person to person � there is definitely no ‘one size fits all� when it comes to a visual impairment.
Amit tells us his story, briefly touching on what life was like before he lost his sight working as an A & E doctor. To lose your sight overnight must be one of the scariest things to go through, and Amit pulls no punches in telling us how it was for him. Of course, happier times take over when Kika appears on the scene, and she certainly found her perfect match in Dr Patel. The story continues on with Amit and Kika’s story, through good and bad, and although I’ve seen first hand how amazing guide dogs are, meeting a new dog and what they are capable of doing (albeit through the pages of a book) never ceases to amaze me at how amazing they are!!
Of course, their story also focuses on the campaign to raise more disability awareness for people with sight loss, and the difficulties a person with sight loss faces. My husband has faced the same prejudice and ignorance of people whilst out walking with either his long cane or his guide dog, and I find myself continually biting my tongue for fear of saying something I shouldn’t! Amit’s wife and children also feature in his story, and we get to hear from his wife, Seema with her own chapter showing us that it’s just as difficult for the partner of someone with sight loss. Filled with tender moments which will bring tears to your eyes, and stories which will bring a smile to your face and even the odd chuckle! Amit and Kika’s story is a beautiful, heart-warming story of a perfect match, and I wish them both a long, happy and safe partnership together. Kika � you are a star!
For interest, my husband’s guide dog is called Millie and she has been in our lives for almost a year. Millie is a dual-purpose guide dog and diabetic alert dog, the first to be partnered between Guide Dogs UK and Medical Detection Dogs. She’s a very clever girl who not only guides him, but alerts him when his blood sugars fall and rise. In fact, she’s very much a life changer and life saver!
I recently read on Dr Amit’s twitter page how difficult it was him and Kika to work due to Covid-19. Please, if you see someone with a Guide Dog or a long white cane, give them some room. They aren’t aware of how close they may be to you; guide dogs are not trained to socially distance. It’s very difficult to maintain a 2-metre distance when you have no or limited sight. Please also don’t touch their dogs, it’s not only distracting but increases the risk of catching coronavirus. Thank you!
Amit tells us his story, briefly touching on what life was like before he lost his sight working as an A & E doctor. To lose your sight overnight must be one of the scariest things to go through, and Amit pulls no punches in telling us how it was for him. Of course, happier times take over when Kika appears on the scene, and she certainly found her perfect match in Dr Patel. The story continues on with Amit and Kika’s story, through good and bad, and although I’ve seen first hand how amazing guide dogs are, meeting a new dog and what they are capable of doing (albeit through the pages of a book) never ceases to amaze me at how amazing they are!!
Of course, their story also focuses on the campaign to raise more disability awareness for people with sight loss, and the difficulties a person with sight loss faces. My husband has faced the same prejudice and ignorance of people whilst out walking with either his long cane or his guide dog, and I find myself continually biting my tongue for fear of saying something I shouldn’t! Amit’s wife and children also feature in his story, and we get to hear from his wife, Seema with her own chapter showing us that it’s just as difficult for the partner of someone with sight loss. Filled with tender moments which will bring tears to your eyes, and stories which will bring a smile to your face and even the odd chuckle! Amit and Kika’s story is a beautiful, heart-warming story of a perfect match, and I wish them both a long, happy and safe partnership together. Kika � you are a star!
For interest, my husband’s guide dog is called Millie and she has been in our lives for almost a year. Millie is a dual-purpose guide dog and diabetic alert dog, the first to be partnered between Guide Dogs UK and Medical Detection Dogs. She’s a very clever girl who not only guides him, but alerts him when his blood sugars fall and rise. In fact, she’s very much a life changer and life saver!
I recently read on Dr Amit’s twitter page how difficult it was him and Kika to work due to Covid-19. Please, if you see someone with a Guide Dog or a long white cane, give them some room. They aren’t aware of how close they may be to you; guide dogs are not trained to socially distance. It’s very difficult to maintain a 2-metre distance when you have no or limited sight. Please also don’t touch their dogs, it’s not only distracting but increases the risk of catching coronavirus. Thank you!
February 25, 2020
What a brilliant and personal autobiography of life adjusting to blindness and the extraordinary bond of a working guide dog and his Master. Dreadful to learn of the impatience of some of our fellow humans and the disregard some have for the everyday difficulties of being visually impaired.
We had a cream/white yellow lab who had a personality, spirit and kindness just like Kika. I miss her daily but she enriched our family life in more ways than I can have ever imagined so I can only begin to imagine the bond Kika must have with the Patels. The book moved me to tears a few times. Loved it.
We had a cream/white yellow lab who had a personality, spirit and kindness just like Kika. I miss her daily but she enriched our family life in more ways than I can have ever imagined so I can only begin to imagine the bond Kika must have with the Patels. The book moved me to tears a few times. Loved it.
May 3, 2021
This is a truly touching account of a man and his dog. Amit is a successful young doctor in London when he goes blind. It is heartbreaking to read of his experience, made worse by the cruelty of some people who take advantage of his blindness and the failure of others to help him or to be considerate. His world is changed when he applies for a guide dog. Kika is a hero, giving Amit back the freedom and independence he no longer had when he lost his sight. The book makes you appreciate the good fortune of having vision, and Amit’s positivity and hard work in campaigning for the blind and disabled is humbling.
May 29, 2021
A truly inspiring story that really makes you aware of the challenges that visually impaired people face. It also highlights how absolutely amazing Guide Dogs are. Heart warming
July 1, 2022
Inspiring book
February 25, 2020
I bought this book, thinking the Guide Dog element was what would interest me most, being a long time supporter and dog enthusiast. Whilst Kika and her quirks and wonderful stubborn nature definitely kept me glued to the book, I was drawn into the story of Dr Amit and his wife Seema, from their first meeting, through their wedding, and the birth of their children.
This book tells not only of Amit's issues with his sight, losing it and how he dealt with it, but with how Seema and the rest of his family pulled together. Their bond is immense, their individual strength and how their synergy makes them so much stronger is humbling.
The downside is sadly other human beings and how they treat those who are different, much of this bit of the book was horrifying to me.
Amit was probably a good A&E doctor, but this book shows how he has taken his loss of sight and used it to become a person many look up to. His championing of access for all have shown him to be a truly inspirational man.
well worth a read
This book tells not only of Amit's issues with his sight, losing it and how he dealt with it, but with how Seema and the rest of his family pulled together. Their bond is immense, their individual strength and how their synergy makes them so much stronger is humbling.
The downside is sadly other human beings and how they treat those who are different, much of this bit of the book was horrifying to me.
Amit was probably a good A&E doctor, but this book shows how he has taken his loss of sight and used it to become a person many look up to. His championing of access for all have shown him to be a truly inspirational man.
well worth a read
March 18, 2020
Kika & Me, How One Guide Dog Changed My Life, Amit Patel
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Non Fiction, Biography and memoirs
Well, most of us know about assistance dogs now, but when I was a kid Guide dogs were quite new, and there was lots of fundraising to train them. They really are a life line for people and in this book we can see just how important they are for visually impaired people.
Kika really did give Amit a new life. I remember a lady mum worked for as a cleaner, her ex policeman husband was blind. This would be mid 60's, he spent all day every day in his bed in their living room. The house was a typical mid terrace, and from what I recall there was no support for him. What an awful life he must have had, they didn't have TV, he couldn't read, there was no such thing as audio books. Once every couple of weeks a friend would take him out for a short walk. Horrendous life, and yet apart from his blindness he was well. Dogs like Kika allow folk to keep their independence.
I have very bad eyesight, rely on some pretty strong lenses, and possibly may lose my sight as I get older. I treasure being able to see, to be able to do what I want, be independent still. I loved reading about Kika, her training, her individualism, her fierce protectiveness for Amit. When he gives examples of times when she refused to move and help that came told him she was right, to move was dangerous, it showed me just how much trust he needed to put in her. To regain his Independence it was necessary, but its not easy.
It was an inspirational read, Amit could so easily have lapsed into depression, as he did in those first days, and that would have ruined not only his life, but his wife and parents too. It must have been so hard to pick life up again � he was so young, but his wife and parents were determined being blind would just become part of his life, not the defining characteristic. I really enjoyed his journey from emergency doctor, to blindness ( not that I enjoyed that bit of course) and how he managed to get out of the depression, how hard he worked, how first the long cane, and then Kika helped him become what he wanted, a functioning, useful part of society, a god husband and son, and ultimately a good father too. All that took so much work, its not an easy journey and I am so in awe of his strength and support from family. May he have a long and happy life ahead of him.
Stars: Five, a fantastic, inspirational read of a real life experience.
Arc via Netgalley and publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Non Fiction, Biography and memoirs
Well, most of us know about assistance dogs now, but when I was a kid Guide dogs were quite new, and there was lots of fundraising to train them. They really are a life line for people and in this book we can see just how important they are for visually impaired people.
Kika really did give Amit a new life. I remember a lady mum worked for as a cleaner, her ex policeman husband was blind. This would be mid 60's, he spent all day every day in his bed in their living room. The house was a typical mid terrace, and from what I recall there was no support for him. What an awful life he must have had, they didn't have TV, he couldn't read, there was no such thing as audio books. Once every couple of weeks a friend would take him out for a short walk. Horrendous life, and yet apart from his blindness he was well. Dogs like Kika allow folk to keep their independence.
I have very bad eyesight, rely on some pretty strong lenses, and possibly may lose my sight as I get older. I treasure being able to see, to be able to do what I want, be independent still. I loved reading about Kika, her training, her individualism, her fierce protectiveness for Amit. When he gives examples of times when she refused to move and help that came told him she was right, to move was dangerous, it showed me just how much trust he needed to put in her. To regain his Independence it was necessary, but its not easy.
It was an inspirational read, Amit could so easily have lapsed into depression, as he did in those first days, and that would have ruined not only his life, but his wife and parents too. It must have been so hard to pick life up again � he was so young, but his wife and parents were determined being blind would just become part of his life, not the defining characteristic. I really enjoyed his journey from emergency doctor, to blindness ( not that I enjoyed that bit of course) and how he managed to get out of the depression, how hard he worked, how first the long cane, and then Kika helped him become what he wanted, a functioning, useful part of society, a god husband and son, and ultimately a good father too. All that took so much work, its not an easy journey and I am so in awe of his strength and support from family. May he have a long and happy life ahead of him.
Stars: Five, a fantastic, inspirational read of a real life experience.
Arc via Netgalley and publishers
September 2, 2024
This is a memoir written by a brave young doctor who in the early years of a successful career went blind with something called keratoconus. Usually it can be treated with a corneal transplant, but regrettably he was one of the few whose transplant was rejected. Not only did he go blind, but this condition caused him a lot of pain - and continues to do so.
As readers we get an excellent insight into what the experience of going blind feels like. The moments of hope and the moments of distress, when he realised that nothing is going to be able to help. His fumbling efforts to try and get used to ordinary life as a blind person, and the wonderful support he gets from his wife and family. He works hard on coming to terms with his blindness - going as far as learning to read braille, which can't have been easy as an adult. Later on in the book we also have a chapter written by his wife, about the challenges she had to handle in the beginning, trying to support him in the face of his despair, coming to terms with the fact her career now involved her being the sole breadwinner for the family, and trying to keep positive with the various changes they had to make to their lives in order to make life liveable.
However the bulk of the book concerns Patel's experience of getting his wonderful guide dog Kita, and explaining the amazing work she does for him. By the end of the book you appreciate the extraordinary amount of care and training that goes into creating a guide dog - and what a superb job the people from The Guide dogs for the Blind Association do. From a carefully monitored puppyhood, to hours of patient, expert training, and up to the care that is given to matching each dog to the right person.
The book also discusses Patel's work with RNIB (The Royal National Institute for the Blind), and The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association - his campaigning for better access for people who are blind, to many of the facilities that the sighted take for granted.
I found the book an interesting read, but it didn't move me nearly as much as it could have done - therefore the three stars. I'm very glad I read it though, as I learnt a lot.
As readers we get an excellent insight into what the experience of going blind feels like. The moments of hope and the moments of distress, when he realised that nothing is going to be able to help. His fumbling efforts to try and get used to ordinary life as a blind person, and the wonderful support he gets from his wife and family. He works hard on coming to terms with his blindness - going as far as learning to read braille, which can't have been easy as an adult. Later on in the book we also have a chapter written by his wife, about the challenges she had to handle in the beginning, trying to support him in the face of his despair, coming to terms with the fact her career now involved her being the sole breadwinner for the family, and trying to keep positive with the various changes they had to make to their lives in order to make life liveable.
However the bulk of the book concerns Patel's experience of getting his wonderful guide dog Kita, and explaining the amazing work she does for him. By the end of the book you appreciate the extraordinary amount of care and training that goes into creating a guide dog - and what a superb job the people from The Guide dogs for the Blind Association do. From a carefully monitored puppyhood, to hours of patient, expert training, and up to the care that is given to matching each dog to the right person.
The book also discusses Patel's work with RNIB (The Royal National Institute for the Blind), and The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association - his campaigning for better access for people who are blind, to many of the facilities that the sighted take for granted.
I found the book an interesting read, but it didn't move me nearly as much as it could have done - therefore the three stars. I'm very glad I read it though, as I learnt a lot.
May 2, 2022
Kika & me was one of the most moving books I have ever read in my life.
The author makes you feel challenged and feel his pain. Imagine, at the age of 30, going blind from one day to the next. How would this impact your daily life, your work, relationships, independence, your long-term plans and dreams?
The author describes how his whole life collapses. He realizes that he ended his professional career and his dream of starting a family. He falls into a depression, and even thinks about not living any more.
But like many people, the desire to live helps us overcome all obstacles. But in this case, the obstacles are a bigger challenge than for any normal person. The world and our society are not ready for someone with a disability.
The game changer comes when his wife convinces him to try a guide dog. The idea sounds crazy at first and puts him in a dilemma: how am I going to delegate my life to an animal? What would it be like to stop being in control using a blind stick and let a dog be my eyes? What would happen if the dog gets distracted, runs away and leaves me alone, or if the dog knocked me to the ground?
In the end, he decides to adopt an animal (which is a more complicated process than it seems), and his life changes completely. The animal with its love gives him back his will to live and shows him that everything in life has a solution. The road is hard anyway. People hit him on the train because they think they are being looked at badly, people discriminate against him, judge him, they don't give him a seat, and they even hit the dog. When he tries to post these situations on the internet, he gets a lot of hate speech in response. All these situations fill you with hate and sadness. How can people be so miserable?
On the other hand, knowing that most people help him and with perseverance, he is managing to generate more awareness in the rest of society of what life is like for someone who is blind. All this paves the way for the following people who also suffer from this disability. In short, it is a beautiful and hopeful read.
The author makes you feel challenged and feel his pain. Imagine, at the age of 30, going blind from one day to the next. How would this impact your daily life, your work, relationships, independence, your long-term plans and dreams?
The author describes how his whole life collapses. He realizes that he ended his professional career and his dream of starting a family. He falls into a depression, and even thinks about not living any more.
But like many people, the desire to live helps us overcome all obstacles. But in this case, the obstacles are a bigger challenge than for any normal person. The world and our society are not ready for someone with a disability.
The game changer comes when his wife convinces him to try a guide dog. The idea sounds crazy at first and puts him in a dilemma: how am I going to delegate my life to an animal? What would it be like to stop being in control using a blind stick and let a dog be my eyes? What would happen if the dog gets distracted, runs away and leaves me alone, or if the dog knocked me to the ground?
In the end, he decides to adopt an animal (which is a more complicated process than it seems), and his life changes completely. The animal with its love gives him back his will to live and shows him that everything in life has a solution. The road is hard anyway. People hit him on the train because they think they are being looked at badly, people discriminate against him, judge him, they don't give him a seat, and they even hit the dog. When he tries to post these situations on the internet, he gets a lot of hate speech in response. All these situations fill you with hate and sadness. How can people be so miserable?
On the other hand, knowing that most people help him and with perseverance, he is managing to generate more awareness in the rest of society of what life is like for someone who is blind. All this paves the way for the following people who also suffer from this disability. In short, it is a beautiful and hopeful read.
June 10, 2023
Jesus fricking christ, does any GDUK handler know assistance dog law? It's really a shame as apart from that it's a really good book but I just can't look past it when it's someone with a big audience who can do an insane amount of harm.
No there's no required public access test for assistance dogs in the UK. Organisations normally do their version of one, but it's not required to be an assistance dog. Owner trained dogs rarely do them, and legally they mean nothing in the UK.
And no, the only place you can be legally refused with an assistance dog isn't kitchens for food prep. That's not how the law works, I'll make this quick because this is a book review not a law lecture. It's a reasonable adjustment, in most circumstances it would be illegal to refuse an assistance dog. But nowhere near all but 1. Intensive care units, burn wards, operating rooms, zoos under certain circumstances, taxis with a medical exemption certificate, and more.
There' other bits but I just can't stand it. If you're writing a book about assistance dogs at the very least get the law right. GDUK have done a lot of harm to owner trained assistance dogs in the UK, and putting stuff that's plainly untrue about assistance dog law - that's making it worse. I just can't believe that every single person writing a book with a GDUK assistance dog doesn't know the law and is doing this accidentally. This stuff is a 5 minute google search to know it's wrong. So are they harming owner trained assistance dogs on purpose (we already know ADUK and GDUK are but these handlers specifically)? Because there's only so much I can believe people are truly uneducated after doing so much work around assistance dogs for so many years.
Anyway, I really hate that people who keep getting such basic things wrong get such a platform to harm others. If you want to read this, then please please please. Look up assistance dog law and don't just trust what you're reading. It's a good book, all apart from harming people with misinformation.
No there's no required public access test for assistance dogs in the UK. Organisations normally do their version of one, but it's not required to be an assistance dog. Owner trained dogs rarely do them, and legally they mean nothing in the UK.
And no, the only place you can be legally refused with an assistance dog isn't kitchens for food prep. That's not how the law works, I'll make this quick because this is a book review not a law lecture. It's a reasonable adjustment, in most circumstances it would be illegal to refuse an assistance dog. But nowhere near all but 1. Intensive care units, burn wards, operating rooms, zoos under certain circumstances, taxis with a medical exemption certificate, and more.
There' other bits but I just can't stand it. If you're writing a book about assistance dogs at the very least get the law right. GDUK have done a lot of harm to owner trained assistance dogs in the UK, and putting stuff that's plainly untrue about assistance dog law - that's making it worse. I just can't believe that every single person writing a book with a GDUK assistance dog doesn't know the law and is doing this accidentally. This stuff is a 5 minute google search to know it's wrong. So are they harming owner trained assistance dogs on purpose (we already know ADUK and GDUK are but these handlers specifically)? Because there's only so much I can believe people are truly uneducated after doing so much work around assistance dogs for so many years.
Anyway, I really hate that people who keep getting such basic things wrong get such a platform to harm others. If you want to read this, then please please please. Look up assistance dog law and don't just trust what you're reading. It's a good book, all apart from harming people with misinformation.
April 14, 2020
Having followed Amit Patel and Kika on various social media sites, as soon as I knew there was a book being released, I knew I had to read it!
It was absolutely fascinating to read in more detail about sight loss, and the trials, tribulations and positives that can come from this. Amit does not hold back when talking about how he felt when he was officially diagnosed with sight loss, and the many doors that opened when Kika came into his and his families lives.
There is also a chapter written by his wife Seema, telling the story from her perspective, and it was good to read the differing sides of this, but showing how never giving up on someone you love can lead to such a fantastic life!
The final chapter has Amit answering some commonly asked questions, some of which I have often wondered, and it was nice to get some answers on these!
It was absolutely fascinating to read in more detail about sight loss, and the trials, tribulations and positives that can come from this. Amit does not hold back when talking about how he felt when he was officially diagnosed with sight loss, and the many doors that opened when Kika came into his and his families lives.
There is also a chapter written by his wife Seema, telling the story from her perspective, and it was good to read the differing sides of this, but showing how never giving up on someone you love can lead to such a fantastic life!
The final chapter has Amit answering some commonly asked questions, some of which I have often wondered, and it was nice to get some answers on these!
December 26, 2022
Superb book, really well written and very enlightening and educational about the challenges you don't going about that a person with visual impairment has to deal with, I hadn't given a thought to tactile until I read this book but now notice them everywhere. The incredible job guide dogs do is just amazing and I'm glad the book explains clearly how they work, what they are trained to do and why you should not distract, feed them etc, I knew this but am glad it's highlighted. I was horrified and upset to read of the abuse levelled at both human and dog, I dont know how anyone can behave that way and was very upset reading it. I'm also glad the author explains how to approach and offer help to a visually impaired person so we will feel confident to do so, a really great book that taught me a lot.
June 5, 2020
Amit Patel was an energetic, sporty, confident doctor who was not long married when he lost his sight. The book outlines his life since blindness - the fear and grief; the impact on his wife and parents; the services offered to blind and vision impaired people (or not offered); and the changes to his life since he gained a guide dog.
The book moves at a good pace, and gives plenty of insight into the fear and confusion that faces people who lose their sight. The sheer thoughtlessness of some people when faced with a disabled person is hard to read. However learning about Kika, and what she's brought into Amit's life, is a reminder of the good in the world and how we need to understand the experiences of others.
The book moves at a good pace, and gives plenty of insight into the fear and confusion that faces people who lose their sight. The sheer thoughtlessness of some people when faced with a disabled person is hard to read. However learning about Kika, and what she's brought into Amit's life, is a reminder of the good in the world and how we need to understand the experiences of others.
December 30, 2020
Such an inspiring and wholesome read. I learned a lot about what the world is like for a visually impaired person and how much having a guide dog can change their life. I was absolutely heartbroken reading about how often Amit experienced disregard and aggression from the general public when he was trying his best to navigate around the London streets and underground. The knowledge of this made me realise how important it is for people to educate themselves about what it is like for a visually impaired person and what we can do to help them feel less vulnerable when they are out in the world. This book is a perfect introduction to do this.
Although there are many moments in this book that will break your heart, it's an extremely positive read and ends on a high. I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a non-fiction book and an overall uplifting story.
Although there are many moments in this book that will break your heart, it's an extremely positive read and ends on a high. I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a non-fiction book and an overall uplifting story.
February 24, 2022
Normally, these kind of books follow a very clear formula template, and can feel a little cookie cutter - not this one. I have been following Amit and Kika’s Twitter accounts for several years now, and even met up with them and a few others one day in Greenwich Park for a picnic. Kika was having too much fun free running with her other guide dog friend, but it was lovely to get to know Amit and Seema, who are every bit as lovely and down to earth as they appear in the book. So I was thrilled to read this book written by them - I still ended up learning an awful lot! Amit’s down to Earth, positive outlook comes across in the writing, and it was so easy to just keep reading more and more, then realise I’d read pages and pages. Definitely recommended!
March 12, 2020
I have to say for fairness... I've met Amit and Seema a few times as I used to work for the Guide Dogs team that they trained with. In fact, Kika was the dog I did my first practical assessment with at my interview, so she will always have a special place in my heart. Sadly, as she clearly didn't get hold of the typewriter, I haven't made it into the book haha!
Even with this, I didn't know much of Amit and Seema's backstories, and it was a real pleasure to read about their lives and to share in the amazement of what they have achieved.
Congratulations to all involved on everything you've done, everything you will do in future, and on a great read too.
Even with this, I didn't know much of Amit and Seema's backstories, and it was a real pleasure to read about their lives and to share in the amazement of what they have achieved.
Congratulations to all involved on everything you've done, everything you will do in future, and on a great read too.
June 13, 2020
The book title reads "How one extraordinary guide dog changed my world " but reading Amit Patel's life story ,before Kika came to his life ,it was his wife ,parents and his personality actually changed his world .another very important point that jumped out to me is how we have became as society uncaring ,not missing the underground train is more important than the safety of another person . I have been seeing it all around me with the elderly that are slower than the pace around .Kindness is not thought at school nor in many homes .A kind act is hailed on social media as something special .I would like to read a follow up book in the future .
October 18, 2020
The book tells the story about Dr. Amit Patel a disability-rights activist living in the UK.
He is a practising doctor when he suddenly looses his site. It records his life after site loss and how he came to do what he is doing today.
It was amazing!
I read the audible version but couldn’t find it on goodreads
I read it in February and still remember it
The story is compelling, interesting, amazing and so relatable! The chapters which Seema narrates and where Kika comes is amazing and my favourites! It is well-narrated! And for those listening to the audible version, there is a special Q&A at the end!
He is a practising doctor when he suddenly looses his site. It records his life after site loss and how he came to do what he is doing today.
It was amazing!
I read the audible version but couldn’t find it on goodreads
I read it in February and still remember it
The story is compelling, interesting, amazing and so relatable! The chapters which Seema narrates and where Kika comes is amazing and my favourites! It is well-narrated! And for those listening to the audible version, there is a special Q&A at the end!
June 23, 2021
This book is informative and interesting for a general reader but must surely offer a real lifeline to anyone struggling with blindness (the audiobook is excellent) or to the friends and relatives of someone who has lost their sight.
Amit Patel writes with honesty and humility about the devastating impact the on his mental health of the sudden loss of his sight, but equally with justifiable pride in his achievements for the visually impaired. His love for his wife, Seema, who, in her search for help for Amit, initiated their enquiries about a guide dog, shines through. As for Kika, the slightly quirky dog - whose guide dog training might have all been for nothing if a suitable match hadn't been found for her - I defy any reader not to fall in love with her as Amit and Seema did!
Amit Patel writes with honesty and humility about the devastating impact the on his mental health of the sudden loss of his sight, but equally with justifiable pride in his achievements for the visually impaired. His love for his wife, Seema, who, in her search for help for Amit, initiated their enquiries about a guide dog, shines through. As for Kika, the slightly quirky dog - whose guide dog training might have all been for nothing if a suitable match hadn't been found for her - I defy any reader not to fall in love with her as Amit and Seema did!
February 17, 2024
This is a truly touching account of a man and his dog. It is heartbreaking to read of Amit’s experience, made worse by the cruelty of some people who take advantage of his blindness and the failure of others to help him or to be considerate. His world is changed when he applies for a guide dog. Kika is life changing, giving Amit back the freedom and independence he no longer had when he lost his sight. The book is incredibly moving and thought provoking and makes you appreciate the vision you have (even in my case, a sufferer of keratoconus like him.) Amit’s positivity and hard work in campaigning for the blind and disabled is humbling.
Really can’t recommend this book highly enough.
Really can’t recommend this book highly enough.
February 27, 2020
Made me laugh and cry
I have followed Amit and Kika on Twitter for a while and love seeing their tweets.
I pre-ordered this book and it was on my to read list however I kept seeing great comments and started reading it and finished it in a day.
I loved and learnt a lot in this book; Amit’s childhood and successful career, Hindu culture, despair of waking up blind, the effect on his wife Seema and the training required from both guide dogs and their owners.
My love and appreciation for Kika has grown ever more.
I have followed Amit and Kika on Twitter for a while and love seeing their tweets.
I pre-ordered this book and it was on my to read list however I kept seeing great comments and started reading it and finished it in a day.
I loved and learnt a lot in this book; Amit’s childhood and successful career, Hindu culture, despair of waking up blind, the effect on his wife Seema and the training required from both guide dogs and their owners.
My love and appreciation for Kika has grown ever more.
March 6, 2020
Fantastic and insightful
this is a brilliant book which has opened my eyes to the painful, and challenging journey of overcoming sight loss, and the wonderful partnership Dr Amit Patel has developed with his beautiful guide dog Kika. This story has opened my eyes to the difficulties and challenges on a day-to-day basis that a person with sight loss struggles with but I had never thought about before. It is well worth reading especially on this International World Book Day to learn more about sight loss, the Guide Dogs for the Blind charity, how we can all be more aware and considerate when out and about in supporting people with visual impairment.
this is a brilliant book which has opened my eyes to the painful, and challenging journey of overcoming sight loss, and the wonderful partnership Dr Amit Patel has developed with his beautiful guide dog Kika. This story has opened my eyes to the difficulties and challenges on a day-to-day basis that a person with sight loss struggles with but I had never thought about before. It is well worth reading especially on this International World Book Day to learn more about sight loss, the Guide Dogs for the Blind charity, how we can all be more aware and considerate when out and about in supporting people with visual impairment.
March 26, 2020
I watched Amit on the BBC speaking about his book and downloaded the audiobook straight away. The book is beautifully written, it takes the reader through what life was like for Amit before and after blindness. He takes the reader along for the emotional journey. I cried and laughed and cried again. His advocacy for the blind community is inspiring. His stories of Kika and his family are heartwarming. I will forever save this audiobook and listen again and again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2021
The story of how Dr Amit Patel came to terms with his sudden sight loss with the help of his family and a remarkable guide dog contains lots of interesting information about how guide dogs operate to help their owners, and how they are trained. It’s also an inspiring story of how one man overcame his disability to become a campaigner for other blind and disabled people. Definitely an uplifting read.
October 22, 2021
This was a book club pick.
A sweet story but reads a bit like an after school special. “We were always there for each other.� “She was my rock.� Blech.
But of course you have to cheer for Amit and Kika. This is, at the end of the day, a lovely story about overcoming adversity.
Also, Londoners sound like horrid, dead-inside people. The anecdotes about people on the tube shouting abuse at blind Amit or hitting Kika the guide dog with an umbrella could make one weep for humanity.
A sweet story but reads a bit like an after school special. “We were always there for each other.� “She was my rock.� Blech.
But of course you have to cheer for Amit and Kika. This is, at the end of the day, a lovely story about overcoming adversity.
Also, Londoners sound like horrid, dead-inside people. The anecdotes about people on the tube shouting abuse at blind Amit or hitting Kika the guide dog with an umbrella could make one weep for humanity.
May 15, 2022
Everyone should read this book, particularly if you dislike or are afraid of dogs.
I gained a greater understanding on just how well trained these animals are, how devastating it is to lose one’s sight and the difficult adjustments one has to make just to do everyday tasks henceforth.
My admiration for the author and his family knows no bounds and kudos to Guide Dogs for the Blind for their incredible work.
I gained a greater understanding on just how well trained these animals are, how devastating it is to lose one’s sight and the difficult adjustments one has to make just to do everyday tasks henceforth.
My admiration for the author and his family knows no bounds and kudos to Guide Dogs for the Blind for their incredible work.
December 1, 2022
Fascinating and educating. Also some heartbreaking moments as well. Learned a lot about VIP (vision impaired people). The one thing that made me shake my head was at the end of the audiobook, there were some questions and answers. Author was asked if there was a magic procedure that could give him sight again, would he choose it and he said no. Impossible to believe someone would choose to remain blind.
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