Hey Molly! I think you shouldn't be embarrassed about your guide dog faltering in an unexpected situation and you having to use your plan B of a cane. In fact, that proves the point that disabled people can do everything even more. You went out there the second time all on your own, modeled two assistive techniques that blind people use, and coped with an unexpected hurdle so well. I for one really got excited when you narrated that you walked the ramp with a cane cause I'm a cane user. Would have loved to see that clip as well.
Unfortunately there wasn’t a clip because her mom was back stage with Ben at that point, but she added a few snapshots the company took of her walking with the cane. ☺️
So very cool! I’m sure the audience just thought the switch was intentional! And molly looked cool and collected, the panic didn’t show through at all! And ben was clearly loving it, with the super adorable happy trot skip on the way back.
Me as a sighted person didn't thought this was "wrong behaving" of Ben at this point. I just thought: "aaw what a lovely dog, he is greeting everyone in the front line, such a cutie! 😂 I think you did very well with changing to the cane in the second round, for your own security. The shots of yourself with the cane showed a happy and successful young blind woman - Well done!
I could tell Bennix got a little over excited during the runway walk and he fell for the attention grabbing hands. I wish they could have announced not to reach for/talk to /interact with a working dog as it not only draws him off his job but puts you in danger too. BUT, it was a good lesson for him. I’m glad nobody got hurt and you were also able to walk with your cane for your second time. Hopefully he will take to it quickly for your next shows so you can both enjoy them!
This! I know she wants to get him comfortable with all goals but also, how many times have we heard not to reach for service dogs, not to pet them and not even to call them. I wish they would have said something about it so it could be a teaching moment for the audience also. Let’s face it, he still might have been overtired/overstimulated when it came to the walk, but he had no shot with all that attention after that long day. I’m glad Molly can stay positive through it. Perhaps the next time she walks he’ll be ready, and maybe she can offer that feedback about announcing not to touch service dogs. Let’s face it, nobody reached out to grab someone’s wheelchair, or cane. So, don’t touch the fluffy mobility side either.
Silver lining, I think it's pretty cool that you showed the audience two different mobility aids and that not every blind person uses a guide dog to get around!
Hi Molly, it would be so great if in these fashion videos your editor doing the audio description could give more detail on the your outfits please. I want all the deets! 😂 thanks 👩🏼🦯
Loose red topped tank top style dress that is bordered with a navy blue strip around arm and neck openings, a sinched waist with a navy blue band that joines a half red that flows from the center and back and half white flows from both right and left sids.. it's a pleated skirt that reaches the to the ankle.
I feel like they should have told the audience, do NOT try to pet guide dogs that are on harness! That's just good info to have in their general life and also might have made things more safe for you!
The first model hits the stage, and I immediately break down in tears. Even though I heard you say there will be lots of different kinds of disability represented, it doesn't hit the same way as seeing someone that looks like your brother walk down a runway. Although he would probably not care to watch a runway show, he still cares a lot about the way he looks and really enjoys buying fashion as gifts for other people, so to see someone like him included is so exciting. I can't stop crying!
I absolutely love that. I feel like it’s also a good reminder that a cane is not better than a dog and a dog is not better than a cane. They both work better in different situations and the situation with all that went with it Beineix was not ready and your cane was an amazing option and I love that you walked it on your own. You showed Cain pride and Blind pride and I’m so proud 🖤🖤🖤
Ben was like a rock star! It was actually kind of cute, but those people should have known not to touch him, and I realize it was scary for you because it was improper behavior on his part. I wonder how you can train Ben when there aren’t those same big speaking events right now? Still, it was such a cool event and experience - thanks for taking us!!
Lol, next time more Ben The Model, both in behavior and task, with less Ben The Rock Star. Supper cute though. No schools for this, time to lean on the job. Maybe some smaller jobs for a while. Maybe good inspiration for a new Ben themed merchandise line?
I had GREAT tickets to see Idina Menzel in concert, and my service dog and I were still very new together, and he was overwhelmed by the loud music. We had to leave early, but now years later, he's a concert pro! When I saw Bennix say hi and then you correct him, it reminded me of that moment and is comforting to see other handlers be able to work through the same struggles we had
Well done Molly and Bennix...You both did so well...ye I think in future they should make an announcement before the show to say that service dogs may not be touched while they working...
I am so proud of you for rallying and heading back out there with your cane. As someone who suffers from social anxiety and perfectionism, that really speaks to me. You are a role model to this sighted person.
That was so smart, so kind and empathetic to go to the second walk with the cane and let Ben decompress. To have alternate plan accessible even when one is under stress is a skill we all need to have no matter who we are or where we are. Molly should be proud of herself. Quite possibly most of the audience thought that showing two methods (guide dog and cane) of mobility was a planned part of the show.
I love the little crochet shout out in the beginning! As a crocheter myself, it's great to see that there are people out there that understand and appreciate the time that goes into making a piece!
I loved seeing how excited you were to walk the runway. It’s so encouraging for me as a 41 year old woman with multiple disabilities to see this change happening. I totally cringed when you were walking and people reached out to Ben. Ugh! 🤦♀️ I was like please don’t pull her off stage! But he recovered so quick. Y’all did amazing!!
Thank you for sharing your experience with Ben at the end, there. I feel like people expect our dogs to be these perfect little machines and to never get distracted no matter what people do around them, and that’s just not realistic. I remember one of the instructors at Guiding Eyes telling us that our dogs are superheroes, but they’re also still dogs. Lol, Ben was probably loving all the attention from the audience! “Ah, hello, my adoring fans! Why yes, I am handsome, aren’t I?”
Seeing Bennex being imperfect in his guide work made me feel so much less critical and more confident in my dogs work. I feel like the "real dog" "mistakes" weigh so heavily on my confidence in the relationship between me.and my service dog. Thank you for talking about it! That in itself is so important!!!
I was going to say this too! For really understandable reasons, people on the internet usually only show their working dogs when they are acting perfectly. It's SO validating when Molly talks realistically about her experiences with her professionally trained guide dogs because it reminds me that no dog is perfect and mistakes, even on large stages, don't invalidate the incredible work we do with our dogs.
I'm a talent agent in LA, and I represent several of the models who were in the Runway of Dreams show, and you were TERRIFIC! Mindy put on a terrific show. The fashion was amazing. The models were all phenomenal. As an ambulatory wheelchair user, I am so excited about the progress we're making in adaptive fashion! LOVED IT!
Seeing you walk on the runway reminded me of a season on america's next top model where a model who was going blind was not allowed to practice walking on the runway beforehand as it was seen as "special treatment"... glad the times are slowly changing💚
LOVE that you spoke about crochet clothing!! I do a lot of yarn work, whenever I see cheap crochet clothes in fast fashion stores my heart breaks a little bit ugh (both for underpaid workers, and for small businesses)
First of all you handled that like a pro Molly. I remember you once sitting down in another video and explaining how difficult it was to shift between guide dogs and canes and for you to just do that on short notice is impressive! Seeing this video and the efforts made to include disabled people of all backgrounds made me tear up. An amazing achievement for all!
I think walking with both a guide dog and a cane shows how there's multiple options!! It might've been a plan B for you to grab the cane, but it's definitely a learning moment for people in the audience that both options work for and empower blind people. You did amazing
Hello, Molly! I have watched your videos for years. I have a deaf nephew and you've been such a help to us able bodied folks to step outside our SELVES, to "see" the world from someone else's perspective. Thank you so much! I just wanted to inform you and Mom (Hi Mom! btw) about the gorgeous cardigan you wore and talked about supporting slow fashion. I have been knitting for over 45 yrs. My Mother managed, then bought, the knitting/needlepoint store all my growing years (54 yo now). I increased the size of my screen to be sure of what I was seeing. Your cardigan is actually Hand Knitted. I think the button band may be crocheted but the body of sweater is knit stitches. The way you can tell it's knit is the medallion circle feature has V's all in a row. Imagine making a peace sign with your fingers and putting them next to each other, the stitches look like the V shape. Crochet will have a definite knotted feel when you squeeze the stitching. Whether Knit or Crochet, supporting someone local for their art that can be worn I whole-heartedly agree with! It is a wonderful piece of knitting. Hug your Mom, she's pretty amazing! Also, congrats on your first live event after such a long time. Much success. Give Ben and Gallop scritches and belly rubs from all of us. They are the best boys!
I think in the future shows, maybe when they are doing their announcements in the beginning, maybe they should educate the audience on not touching the dog, etc. Just like what you do in your RUclips videos, many people are unaware of what is appropriate or not because they haven't been exposed to it. Just as you teach us, it might go a long way for the whole room to hear, understand, and spread that knowledge outward! Each person representing a brand, company, media, means that the awareness would grow exponentially!
Congratulations Molly!!! I have to say I’m so thankful for you being honest and open about the facts of how the event went. As a service dog handler myself I think it is very important the public have a better understanding of the fact that they are not robots and are at the end of the day dogs first. They are amazing and I would never want to be without one again and pray that I am blessed to be so fortunate but they are not perfect and training is never done. I love that you showed exactly what people who life with a disability need to do everyday all day… adapt quickly to ever changing conditions by any means necessary to get what needs to be done accomplished!!! Your such a rockstar!!!
It really shows the public how important it is not to distract service dogs. Its too easy to fall into the trap of expecting service dogs to be perfect.
Thank you so much for the beginning part about crochet, as a crochet designer (we’re a daughter and mother small business, I design and my mother crochets) it is so wonderful to hear people speaking about this outside of small business and crochet communities 💜
Wow! I think your response to the first walk was so courageous, professional and spot on, Molly. I'm so impressed with your second walk with the cane and nailing all your poses. Because beyond the feel-good vibes, you are a professional model who happens to be blind, not a "professionally blind" person who sometimes models, and that came shining through. Good for you! Ben will learn, I'm sure - you're a top notch handler. PS - I don't see a link for the Crochet Sweater girl, so maybe that can be edited in later or in a separate video?
I LOVE that the people watching got to see you walk the runway two completely different ways! THat just shows how adaptive blindness can be and how you can do it without Ben if you want/need to! Love love love :)
Hi Molly! I have two learning disabilities and I’m competing in the Miss Teen Maine pageant THIS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY! I tell myself day after day “if Molly can do it, you can do it” and I just want to say your such an inspiration to me. I have a tiktok account where I spread awareness on learning disabilities (Jacquelyn_elyse) and you’re a huge part of what keeps me going. To wrap it up I just want to say I love you and everything that you stand for. 💗’s Jacquelyn!
You sound like such an awesome person! If I had TikTok I would follow you but sadly I don’t. I also have a learning disability and it is so hard. Good luck!!!
This is so good to hear that fashion labels are on board and there’s a need for all kinds of fashion for all kinds of people and it’s great it is starting to be inclusive of all people. Bennix just loved being on that runway that he got carried away I guess, but you and Bennix did fantastic I think. The models all of them did so well and I enjoyed this video a lot and just love you both so much. You shouldn’t be embarrassed about anything you did so well and again you’ve only been together 6months as well we all love you so much.
It's amazing to see how diverse the community is. You don't often hear or see people with disabilities in fashion, acting and other entertainment industries. Thanks for making this and sharing this video!
Not everything goes according to plan, but that was definitely a learning experience for your pooch. Understandably an uncomfortable moment for you, Molly, but speaking as an ignorant sightee, I'm glad nothing more serious happened! (No stepping off the stage, first of all...) So while he may need more exposure to that sort of environment, I still say Ben's a good boy
Another great video Molly, loved seeing you walk the runway. As someone who lives all the way in New Zealand, I have found it quite isolating, when it comes to finding disabled people on television or other disabled creators, I’d love to be able to do something like this and honestly, seeing you live your dream is so incredible and inspiring. We need more events like this all around the world, to help power disabled people from all countries.
Molly, that’s amazing! The fact that you went out there again after that very stressful and scary experience, with your cane and rocked it!! That photo of you walking down the runway with your cane - wow!! 🤩🤩 you rock girl!
I feel so incredibly proud of mr Ben ! I’m always proud of the SD’s watching them do their jobs and being so proud of their work! Hello from Myself & My SD black lab girl Darcy! 👋🏻👋🏻❤️❤️
As soon as I saw him and people petting him on the stage I was like oh no and then at the end he pulled you running I was like yes molly get off that stage because that was definitely dangerous for you
I think what you did there was incredible. After the experience you made at work years ago, with the following PTSD you got on to that stage and rockt it, on your own. Like nothing. It was amazing honestly, that you decided in shock, I can do this and I will. (First comment on a video ever in my life, please be kind xD)
I’m a lawyer, which sometimes feels like the polar opposite of the creative and awesome entertainment industry, but I feel lonely all the time. I’m the only openly disabled person at my entire national org, and I’m constantly having to advocate for myself and teach IT and HR things that they need to know to address me. It’s exhausting and it’s so lonely. We need more visibility and inclusivity in so many industries. I hope one day I can meet other disabled lawyers and feel the sense of community you’re describing
Molly this was a wonderful video. I couldn’t stop smiling watching it. Walking a fashion show on international women’s day no less. The emotions are everywhere. I’m so proud of you and happy for you!
It had to be hard to have it go puppy, but this is also a teaching lesson. The people that found out what went wrong will teach others why a harness means hands off. This is going to help with education, which is needed!
You are such an awesome professional, modeling (no pun intended) both your personal mission in life and the REALITY of your life, giving us the behind the scene look and giving us more empathy for people and their guide dogs in very unusual scenarios.
Aw benn did his best with his first try. But you looked absolutely stunning and so confident! Plus benn and your cane both matched your outfit and unintentionally also displayed two types of guiding 💕💕
Yes I was looking for a comment like this - it just so happened that the colours of the cane exactly matched the colours of the dress! Like the exact same shade of red. Pretty amazing coincidence but it worked!
As a special education teacher, I am so excited about the clothing brand coming out with a line for sensory needs! And I bet the clothing for amputees would be great for those born with deformed limbs.
Profound perspectives not everything goes to plan we live through life appreciate learning more about your values and experiences appreciate your encouragement Molly !
It was amazing to be able to watch some of this show from home. I have a few "invisible" disabilities as well as really mild cerebral palsy *I can walk and not too noticeable except occasionally with my eyes* so I'm often told "you're totally fine just pretend you don't have it" 🙄 it's amazing to see how our bodies can adapt to most things. The man in the clip walking on his hands... So impressive! I can't even do a push up 😅 congrats to all of you for kicking butt and showing these brands that you all more than deserve your place up on that runway, and that everyone deserves accessible clothing and representation! Also Benny is super cute and while I'm sure it was scary for you and him, he did a great job for his first time with soooo many people around and a situation that was impossible to train for. 💜
I was just looking at the picture of you on the runway with your cane and I have to say that the colors of it match your outfit perfectly! :D Even though it wasn't intentional.. I'm really happy for you for this new experience and all the takeaways you got from it, for yourself and also for your work with Ben :)
You mentioned a list of people who weren't perfect. Don't forget the audience! Who should be better educated about not reaching their hands out to service dogs :) But regardless of all of this, what a great event to be part of. You were great, Molly! Thanks for sharing this with us.
Omg Niamh is a prof photographer, no wonder she's your camera woman lmao Also I'm so sorry about the people in the audience, essentially calling Ben to them. 🙄 The front row was at Bennix's height. It looked like Ben made eye contact with the individuals that beckoned him and he forgot what he was doing. It looked scary by how hard he pulled. I'm so sorry you felt unsafe. I'm also so proud of how you went back with your cane, and insisting on doing it by yourself! That was your moment!!! My suggestion with Ben Ben is next time he's on stage with you, if you have the luxury/opportunity to ensure that the front row is not as close to him, or even just that he's not eye level with them, I think that would help. 💕
Yeah it was partly the setup with the audience so close to the stage at dog height that made this hard for Bennix. I'm sure he wasn't used to encountering faces at his level!
This was incredible! Thank you so much for sharing! I’ll definitely be sharing this with family and friends. ❤️ Something to add regarding many comments I’ve seen - There were many people here with disabilities, some in the crowd who weren’t modeling, and not all people will have the ability to understand that they are not allowed to touch the dog. This would be something that could be really hard to differentiate for some about which dogs they can and cannot pet and when they can and cannot pet the same dog. And while a diverse set of people are here for similar reasons, just because you have a disability doesn’t make you an expert on all disabilities, so I wouldn’t find it surprising that these people didn’t know the “rules” surrounding guide dogs for the blind simply because they have a disability or know someone with a disability. There’s always room to learn something new.
I'm looking forward to using the website. I have a learning disability so I don't learn like everyone else so trying this in the comfort of my own home while I am a single parent and working part time is exactly what I need. Not to mention no commitment to the website so I'm excited.
That crochet top is amazing. As someone who crochets, thank you for educating people on the topic! I'm so into your new hair as well. I love your videos so so much, Molly!
This video made me so emotional. lol, I was just talking to my mentor a few hours ago about disability and the workplace. I graduated college with honours and I am in university getting my bachelor's degree in social work and a minor in disability studies. Despite my education, I have been discriminated against because of my disability. You looked beautiful, Molly.
I'm glad you were safe the 1st walk and stayed safe the 2nd time. That's the most important thing BUT you absolutely killed that 2nd walk! You looked like a true badass, beautiful rockstar 🥰🥰🥰
I loved the Slow Fashion moment!!!!! I´m a eco-conscious seamstress and I love every time an influencer talks about the topic and create awareness on clothes made in an ethical and environmental friendly ways.
I appreciate you acknowledging that he is still A dog and will still have hiccups that turn to learning experiences. I hope he didn’t beat himself up too bad. However; I do believe it’s a partial fail on the shows end. They should have announced not to reach towards him as he is working. I’m glad you were safe and nothing worse happened. Maybe a polite professional email to the owner for constructive criticism could help other guide dog users in future events ❤️
You rocked it even though Ben got distracted. You can’t blame yourself you had no idea he was going react like that. Like you said it was his first time.
That is amazing that people would do this. I’m a legally blind individual that sing a lot, it’s amazing how the world has shifted these past few years maybe pandemic life was good for everybody to wake up and smell the coffee or flowers
Awww Ben ben going people love me!!!! We are stars mom!! lol As part of the killer bee's I think I can speak for us all in saying we are so proud of you Molly, you are a strong young woman going out there in the world with your dreams. We are behind you 100% of the way!
9:40 visual description the dress is red and white with black lining the red the white is the outer most fabric in almost a crease on the side of the dress. They lit molly with a box light and molly sits with her seeing eye dog Bennix. ( this visual description felt needed as that fashion event…)
This video was really important to me and I really hope others feel the same. This was lovely to be able to experience. -a model with multiple disabilities
They should have had some space between the crowd and the stage for everyone’s safety. I think most SD handlers and trainers would agree that B did great when you account for all the variables. It was probably the best “bad” outcome you could hope for. He was happy and excited which is so more better than nervous and skittish. B is a rockstar and will totally nail it with more practice!
I saw you posting about this on Instagram and was hoping to see more!! It's so incredible and I'm so happy for everyone who got to be a part of it!! You looked wonderful!!
Molly you are an inspiration and truly amazing. I do not know the feeling of not having sight but I know the feeling of having mental health issues and struggling so thanks for all you do to inspire us!
This was so great. I walked a runway as a teenager when I was only using my leg braces. It was so cool and I'd love the opportunity to do it again in my wheelchair.
I know it’s off topic in relationship to the entire video, but thank for you shouting out the crochet community and how much time and effort goes into each and every piece made as well as the fast fashion crochet being undersold. I feel bad for the workers making those garments being paid pennies because as you said, everything crochet is completely handmade. Knitting has machines that can replicate it, but nothing has been able to replicate crochet. Fiber artists (anyone working with yarn) are so tired of hearing how expensive their items are when it takes hours to days to complete one project and are often underselling their work.
Love you as always!!! I love that you stayed positive about the experience even though it didn’t go as planned. Being able to keep that frame of mind is always the most important part of the journey ❤️❤️❤️
Molly, I genuinely Gasped at your crochet top in the beginning! I crochet myself and it’s my goal to be able to create pieces like that. It looks Absolutely Incredible on you!
I can't believe that people were so uneducated that they didn't know not to touch him, i was furious when i watched that because it is common sense. Anyways letting go of the anger, i am glad that you got out there and showed that you are capable and in the process you represented two vital tools in your community: the cane and a guide dog. That will enables companies to know that whether a blind person has a cane or a dog, they are both capable
You both did amazing it happens molly, labs are known for loving people my lab is a service dog and she has had diarrhea in a store right at the front of the store it was so embarrassing because she never does that but life happens and the employees where so helpful and got us all the supplies to clean up after her to this day we are still embarrassed when we bring her in there
That aerie shot with your hair flowing back is absolutely stunning! They should DEFINITELY book you more!! Someone who is relatable, adorable, and sweet looking...I have totally looked up brands because you wear their clothes. It is often out of my range, price wise, but I love the clothes. I also noticed that you may want to bring us along while checking out an Alexander technique practitioner because your head sits way forward of healthy posture, and that can easily cause neck disk injury over time, especially with EDS it could beco.e an issue WAY younger than most ppl experience disk problems. 💗 Just trying to look out.
Can you imagine trying to focus on doing a runway walk with tonnes of people watching you and then getting dragged by a massive dog the whole way? That’s horrifying even for a sighted person! You handled the situation very well Molly! Also those people should’ve known better than to reach out of pet a working service dog! There should have been an announcement beforehand to let everyone know!
I am so happy for you that you got to finally do a live event again. Hoping the numbers go down in my country soon too. Anyway, I love the lipstick you're wearing in the talking bit at the end. Can anyone tell me which one it is? (or a close match?)
Oh wow! My eyes went starry eyed when I heard about the disability modeling! I always wanted to be a model but never could cause hello! I am also a 4ft 11 physically disabled girl. So OBVIOUSLY I I don't fit in to be a model! That's a super awesome!
![Oscar Maydon x Fuerza Regida - Tu Boda [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_ymicn0_GYc/mqdefault.jpg)
Hey Molly! I think you shouldn't be embarrassed about your guide dog faltering in an unexpected situation and you having to use your plan B of a cane. In fact, that proves the point that disabled people can do everything even more. You went out there the second time all on your own, modeled two assistive techniques that blind people use, and coped with an unexpected hurdle so well. I for one really got excited when you narrated that you walked the ramp with a cane cause I'm a cane user. Would have loved to see that clip as well.
Very much this! An accolade not a failure!
Unfortunately there wasn’t a clip because her mom was back stage with Ben at that point, but she added a few snapshots the company took of her walking with the cane. ☺️
So very cool! I’m sure the audience just thought the switch was intentional! And molly looked cool and collected, the panic didn’t show through at all! And ben was clearly loving it, with the super adorable happy trot skip on the way back.
I cannot agree more! ❤
Me as a sighted person didn't thought this was "wrong behaving" of Ben at this point. I just thought: "aaw what a lovely dog, he is greeting everyone in the front line, such a cutie! 😂
I think you did very well with changing to the cane in the second round, for your own security. The shots of yourself with the cane showed a happy and successful young blind woman - Well done!
I could tell Bennix got a little over excited during the runway walk and he fell for the attention grabbing hands. I wish they could have announced not to reach for/talk to /interact with a working dog as it not only draws him off his job but puts you in danger too. BUT, it was a good lesson for him. I’m glad nobody got hurt and you were also able to walk with your cane for your second time. Hopefully he will take to it quickly for your next shows so you can both enjoy them!
Good point!!. An announcement before Molly’s walk not to touch the guide would prevented it
For sure!! They shouldve made it clear not to touch ben while hes working
100%
This was my thoughts too. They definitely should have told the crowd not to touch the working dog.
This! I know she wants to get him comfortable with all goals but also, how many times have we heard not to reach for service dogs, not to pet them and not even to call them. I wish they would have said something about it so it could be a teaching moment for the audience also. Let’s face it, he still might have been overtired/overstimulated when it came to the walk, but he had no shot with all that attention after that long day. I’m glad Molly can stay positive through it. Perhaps the next time she walks he’ll be ready, and maybe she can offer that feedback about announcing not to touch service dogs.
Let’s face it, nobody reached out to grab someone’s wheelchair, or cane. So, don’t touch the fluffy mobility side either.
Silver lining, I think it's pretty cool that you showed the audience two different mobility aids and that not every blind person uses a guide dog to get around!
Hi Molly, it would be so great if in these fashion videos your editor doing the audio description could give more detail on the your outfits please. I want all the deets! 😂 thanks 👩🏼🦯
Loose red topped tank top style dress that is bordered with a navy blue strip around arm and neck openings, a sinched waist with a navy blue band that joines a half red that flows from the center and back and half white flows from both right and left sids.. it's a pleated skirt that reaches the to the ankle.
@@stefndj3583 super appreciated thank you xx
In the beginning of the video she is wearing a light to medium blue and beige button up crochet cardigan with a collar.
I feel like they should have told the audience, do NOT try to pet guide dogs that are on harness! That's just good info to have in their general life and also might have made things more safe for you!
Definitely.
Definitely- and I would hope they would’ve known that before then anyways
The first model hits the stage, and I immediately break down in tears. Even though I heard you say there will be lots of different kinds of disability represented, it doesn't hit the same way as seeing someone that looks like your brother walk down a runway. Although he would probably not care to watch a runway show, he still cares a lot about the way he looks and really enjoys buying fashion as gifts for other people, so to see someone like him included is so exciting. I can't stop crying!
I absolutely love that. I feel like it’s also a good reminder that a cane is not better than a dog and a dog is not better than a cane. They both work better in different situations and the situation with all that went with it Beineix was not ready and your cane was an amazing option and I love that you walked it on your own. You showed Cain pride and Blind pride and I’m so proud 🖤🖤🖤
Ben was like a rock star! It was actually kind of cute, but those people should have known not to touch him, and I realize it was scary for you because it was improper behavior on his part. I wonder how you can train Ben when there aren’t those same big speaking events right now? Still, it was such a cool event and experience - thanks for taking us!!
Lol, next time more Ben The Model, both in behavior and task, with less Ben The Rock Star. Supper cute though. No schools for this, time to lean on the job. Maybe some smaller jobs for a while. Maybe good inspiration for a new Ben themed merchandise line?
A killer bees event to train Ben to handle crowds? 👀
@@lezbhonest6592 Oooo, good idea!
Maybe practising with having people reaching for him and trying to distract him while reinforcing him not to react as a way to desentitize him a bit.
I had GREAT tickets to see Idina Menzel in concert, and my service dog and I were still very new together, and he was overwhelmed by the loud music. We had to leave early, but now years later, he's a concert pro! When I saw Bennix say hi and then you correct him, it reminded me of that moment and is comforting to see other handlers be able to work through the same struggles we had
Well done Molly and Bennix...You both did so well...ye I think in future they should make an announcement before the show to say that service dogs may not be touched while they working...
I am so proud of you for rallying and heading back out there with your cane. As someone who suffers from social anxiety and perfectionism, that really speaks to me. You are a role model to this sighted person.
❤️❤️❤️❤️
That was so smart, so kind and empathetic to go to the second walk with the cane and let Ben decompress. To have alternate plan accessible even when one is under stress is a skill we all need to have no matter who we are or where we are. Molly should be proud of herself. Quite possibly most of the audience thought that showing two methods (guide dog and cane) of mobility was a planned part of the show.
I love the little crochet shout out in the beginning! As a crocheter myself, it's great to see that there are people out there that understand and appreciate the time that goes into making a piece!
definitely, although what she is wearing was most likely knitted.
I loved seeing how excited you were to walk the runway. It’s so encouraging for me as a 41 year old woman with multiple disabilities to see this change happening. I totally cringed when you were walking and people reached out to Ben. Ugh! 🤦♀️ I was like please don’t pull her off stage! But he recovered so quick. Y’all did amazing!!
This is a great reminder that even though service dogs are so well trained, they are still animals, and like humans they can make mistakes.
Thank you for sharing your experience with Ben at the end, there. I feel like people expect our dogs to be these perfect little machines and to never get distracted no matter what people do around them, and that’s just not realistic. I remember one of the instructors at Guiding Eyes telling us that our dogs are superheroes, but they’re also still dogs. Lol, Ben was probably loving all the attention from the audience! “Ah, hello, my adoring fans! Why yes, I am handsome, aren’t I?”
You did amazing! You corrected Bennix beautifully and he fell back in line. I think it showed what an expert handler you are. Congratulations!
Seeing Bennex being imperfect in his guide work made me feel so much less critical and more confident in my dogs work. I feel like the "real dog" "mistakes" weigh so heavily on my confidence in the relationship between me.and my service dog. Thank you for talking about it! That in itself is so important!!!
I was going to say this too! For really understandable reasons, people on the internet usually only show their working dogs when they are acting perfectly. It's SO validating when Molly talks realistically about her experiences with her professionally trained guide dogs because it reminds me that no dog is perfect and mistakes, even on large stages, don't invalidate the incredible work we do with our dogs.
I'm a talent agent in LA, and I represent several of the models who were in the Runway of Dreams show, and you were TERRIFIC! Mindy put on a terrific show. The fashion was amazing. The models were all phenomenal. As an ambulatory wheelchair user, I am so excited about the progress we're making in adaptive fashion! LOVED IT!
Seeing you walk on the runway reminded me of a season on america's next top model where a model who was going blind was not allowed to practice walking on the runway beforehand as it was seen as "special treatment"... glad the times are slowly changing💚
LOVE that you spoke about crochet clothing!! I do a lot of yarn work, whenever I see cheap crochet clothes in fast fashion stores my heart breaks a little bit ugh (both for underpaid workers, and for small businesses)
First of all you handled that like a pro Molly. I remember you once sitting down in another video and explaining how difficult it was to shift between guide dogs and canes and for you to just do that on short notice is impressive! Seeing this video and the efforts made to include disabled people of all backgrounds made me tear up. An amazing achievement for all!
I think walking with both a guide dog and a cane shows how there's multiple options!! It might've been a plan B for you to grab the cane, but it's definitely a learning moment for people in the audience that both options work for and empower blind people. You did amazing
WOW! Molly even had style when she was younger.
I started bawling my eyes out when they showed the asset of you walking the runway with your cane and being a badass
Hello, Molly! I have watched your videos for years. I have a deaf nephew and you've been such a help to us able bodied folks to step outside our SELVES, to "see" the world from someone else's perspective. Thank you so much! I just wanted to inform you and Mom (Hi Mom! btw) about the gorgeous cardigan you wore and talked about supporting slow fashion. I have been knitting for over 45 yrs. My Mother managed, then bought, the knitting/needlepoint store all my growing years (54 yo now). I increased the size of my screen to be sure of what I was seeing. Your cardigan is actually Hand Knitted. I think the button band may be crocheted but the body of sweater is knit stitches. The way you can tell it's knit is the medallion circle feature has V's all in a row. Imagine making a peace sign with your fingers and putting them next to each other, the stitches look like the V shape. Crochet will have a definite knotted feel when you squeeze the stitching. Whether Knit or Crochet, supporting someone local for their art that can be worn I whole-heartedly agree with! It is a wonderful piece of knitting. Hug your Mom, she's pretty amazing! Also, congrats on your first live event after such a long time. Much success. Give Ben and Gallop scritches and belly rubs from all of us. They are the best boys!
I think in the future shows, maybe when they are doing their announcements in the beginning, maybe they should educate the audience on not touching the dog, etc. Just like what you do in your RUclips videos, many people are unaware of what is appropriate or not because they haven't been exposed to it. Just as you teach us, it might go a long way for the whole room to hear, understand, and spread that knowledge outward! Each person representing a brand, company, media, means that the awareness would grow exponentially!
Congratulations Molly!!! I have to say I’m so thankful for you being honest and open about the facts of how the event went. As a service dog handler myself I think it is very important the public have a better understanding of the fact that they are not robots and are at the end of the day dogs first. They are amazing and I would never want to be without one again and pray that I am blessed to be so fortunate but they are not perfect and training is never done. I love that you showed exactly what people who life with a disability need to do everyday all day… adapt quickly to ever changing conditions by any means necessary to get what needs to be done accomplished!!! Your such a rockstar!!!
It really shows the public how important it is not to distract service dogs. Its too easy to fall into the trap of expecting service dogs to be perfect.
Thank you so much for the beginning part about crochet, as a crochet designer (we’re a daughter and mother small business, I design and my mother crochets) it is so wonderful to hear people speaking about this outside of small business and crochet communities 💜
Wow! I think your response to the first walk was so courageous, professional and spot on, Molly. I'm so impressed with your second walk with the cane and nailing all your poses. Because beyond the feel-good vibes, you are a professional model who happens to be blind, not a "professionally blind" person who sometimes models, and that came shining through. Good for you! Ben will learn, I'm sure - you're a top notch handler.
PS - I don't see a link for the Crochet Sweater girl, so maybe that can be edited in later or in a separate video?
I LOVE that the people watching got to see you walk the runway two completely different ways! THat just shows how adaptive blindness can be and how you can do it without Ben if you want/need to! Love love love :)
Hi Molly! I have two learning disabilities and I’m competing in the Miss Teen Maine pageant THIS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY! I tell myself day after day “if Molly can do it, you can do it” and I just want to say your such an inspiration to me. I have a tiktok account where I spread awareness on learning disabilities (Jacquelyn_elyse) and you’re a huge part of what keeps me going. To wrap it up I just want to say I love you and everything that you stand for. 💗’s Jacquelyn!
You sound like such an awesome person! If I had TikTok I would follow you but sadly I don’t. I also have a learning disability and it is so hard. Good luck!!!
I have a learning disability as well congratulations on getting to compete in a pageant .
I hope you have a great experience. Good luck!
Congrats from a fellow Mainiac!
I am sending prayers and positive thoughts your way! 💞 I know that you will do an incredible job! 💗
This is so good to hear that fashion labels are on board and there’s a need for all kinds of fashion for all kinds of people and it’s great it is starting to be inclusive of all people. Bennix just loved being on that runway that he got carried away I guess, but you and Bennix did fantastic I think. The models all of them did so well and I enjoyed this video a lot and just love you both so much. You shouldn’t be embarrassed about anything you did so well and again you’ve only been together 6months as well we all love you so much.
It's amazing to see how diverse the community is. You don't often hear or see people with disabilities in fashion, acting and other entertainment industries. Thanks for making this and sharing this video!
Not everything goes according to plan, but that was definitely a learning experience for your pooch. Understandably an uncomfortable moment for you, Molly, but speaking as an ignorant sightee, I'm glad nothing more serious happened! (No stepping off the stage, first of all...)
So while he may need more exposure to that sort of environment, I still say Ben's a good boy
Another great video Molly, loved seeing you walk the runway. As someone who lives all the way in New Zealand, I have found it quite isolating, when it comes to finding disabled people on television or other disabled creators, I’d love to be able to do something like this and honestly, seeing you live your dream is so incredible and inspiring. We need more events like this all around the world, to help power disabled people from all countries.
Molly, that’s amazing! The fact that you went out there again after that very stressful and scary experience, with your cane and rocked it!! That photo of you walking down the runway with your cane - wow!! 🤩🤩 you rock girl!
I feel so incredibly proud of mr Ben ! I’m always proud of the SD’s watching them do their jobs and being so proud of their work! Hello from Myself & My SD black lab girl Darcy! 👋🏻👋🏻❤️❤️
You rocked it hun... cane and dog. It's nice that the audience got to see both. Don't be so hard on yourself.
As soon as I saw him and people petting him on the stage I was like oh no and then at the end he pulled you running I was like yes molly get off that stage because that was definitely dangerous for you
LOL you forgot to link the "Crochet Sweater Girl Link", love you and love crochet, im excited for the link to be uploaded
I think what you did there was incredible. After the experience you made at work years ago, with the following PTSD you got on to that stage and rockt it, on your own. Like nothing. It was amazing honestly, that you decided in shock, I can do this and I will. (First comment on a video ever in my life, please be kind xD)
I’m a lawyer, which sometimes feels like the polar opposite of the creative and awesome entertainment industry, but I feel lonely all the time. I’m the only openly disabled person at my entire national org, and I’m constantly having to advocate for myself and teach IT and HR things that they need to know to address me. It’s exhausting and it’s so lonely. We need more visibility and inclusivity in so many industries. I hope one day I can meet other disabled lawyers and feel the sense of community you’re describing
Molly this was a wonderful video. I couldn’t stop smiling watching it. Walking a fashion show on international women’s day no less. The emotions are everywhere. I’m so proud of you and happy for you!
It had to be hard to have it go puppy, but this is also a teaching lesson. The people that found out what went wrong will teach others why a harness means hands off. This is going to help with education, which is needed!
You are such an awesome professional, modeling (no pun intended) both your personal mission in life and the REALITY of your life, giving us the behind the scene look and giving us more empathy for people and their guide dogs in very unusual scenarios.
Aw benn did his best with his first try. But you looked absolutely stunning and so confident! Plus benn and your cane both matched your outfit and unintentionally also displayed two types of guiding 💕💕
Yes I was looking for a comment like this - it just so happened that the colours of the cane exactly matched the colours of the dress! Like the exact same shade of red. Pretty amazing coincidence but it worked!
As a special education teacher, I am so excited about the clothing brand coming out with a line for sensory needs! And I bet the clothing for amputees would be great for those born with deformed limbs.
Profound perspectives not everything goes to plan we live through life appreciate learning more about your values and experiences appreciate your encouragement Molly !
I’m sitting here crying at my desk because this is so amazing. Everyone deserves to feel special
It was amazing to be able to watch some of this show from home. I have a few "invisible" disabilities as well as really mild cerebral palsy *I can walk and not too noticeable except occasionally with my eyes* so I'm often told "you're totally fine just pretend you don't have it" 🙄 it's amazing to see how our bodies can adapt to most things. The man in the clip walking on his hands... So impressive! I can't even do a push up 😅 congrats to all of you for kicking butt and showing these brands that you all more than deserve your place up on that runway, and that everyone deserves accessible clothing and representation! Also Benny is super cute and while I'm sure it was scary for you and him, he did a great job for his first time with soooo many people around and a situation that was impossible to train for. 💜
I was just looking at the picture of you on the runway with your cane and I have to say that the colors of it match your outfit perfectly! :D Even though it wasn't intentional..
I'm really happy for you for this new experience and all the takeaways you got from it, for yourself and also for your work with Ben :)
I'm a Support Worker with lived experience of having a Disability
I always learn something from your videos. Loved this one. Very encouraging
Congrats Molly!!!! You are a star and I hope to see you again at similar occasions!! Ben is also amazing no matter what!!
You mentioned a list of people who weren't perfect. Don't forget the audience! Who should be better educated about not reaching their hands out to service dogs :) But regardless of all of this, what a great event to be part of. You were great, Molly! Thanks for sharing this with us.
Go girl I'm so proud of you and everyone who walked that runway because you guys are super heros and such inspirations. Yall rocked it.
Omg Niamh is a prof photographer, no wonder she's your camera woman lmao
Also I'm so sorry about the people in the audience, essentially calling Ben to them. 🙄 The front row was at Bennix's height. It looked like Ben made eye contact with the individuals that beckoned him and he forgot what he was doing. It looked scary by how hard he pulled. I'm so sorry you felt unsafe.
I'm also so proud of how you went back with your cane, and insisting on doing it by yourself! That was your moment!!!
My suggestion with Ben Ben is next time he's on stage with you, if you have the luxury/opportunity to ensure that the front row is not as close to him, or even just that he's not eye level with them, I think that would help. 💕
Yeah it was partly the setup with the audience so close to the stage at dog height that made this hard for Bennix. I'm sure he wasn't used to encountering faces at his level!
This was incredible! Thank you so much for sharing! I’ll definitely be sharing this with family and friends. ❤️
Something to add regarding many comments I’ve seen - There were many people here with disabilities, some in the crowd who weren’t modeling, and not all people will have the ability to understand that they are not allowed to touch the dog. This would be something that could be really hard to differentiate for some about which dogs they can and cannot pet and when they can and cannot pet the same dog. And while a diverse set of people are here for similar reasons, just because you have a disability doesn’t make you an expert on all disabilities, so I wouldn’t find it surprising that these people didn’t know the “rules” surrounding guide dogs for the blind simply because they have a disability or know someone with a disability. There’s always room to learn something new.
I'm looking forward to using the website. I have a learning disability so I don't learn like everyone else so trying this in the comfort of my own home while I am a single parent and working part time is exactly what I need. Not to mention no commitment to the website so I'm excited.
That crochet top is amazing. As someone who crochets, thank you for educating people on the topic! I'm so into your new hair as well. I love your videos so so much, Molly!
This video made me so emotional. lol, I was just talking to my mentor a few hours ago about disability and the workplace. I graduated college with honours and I am in university getting my bachelor's degree in social work and a minor in disability studies. Despite my education, I have been discriminated against because of my disability. You looked beautiful, Molly.
Showing off the no limbits brand was so wholesome, you could see how greatful she was 😭
I'm glad you were safe the 1st walk and stayed safe the 2nd time. That's the most important thing BUT you absolutely killed that 2nd walk! You looked like a true badass, beautiful rockstar 🥰🥰🥰
I loved the Slow Fashion moment!!!!! I´m a eco-conscious seamstress and I love every time an influencer talks about the topic and create awareness on clothes made in an ethical and environmental friendly ways.
I appreciate you acknowledging that he is still A dog and will still have hiccups that turn to learning experiences. I hope he didn’t beat himself up too bad. However; I do believe it’s a partial fail on the shows end. They should have announced not to reach towards him as he is working. I’m glad you were safe and nothing worse happened. Maybe a polite professional email to the owner for constructive criticism could help other guide dog users in future events ❤️
You rocked it even though Ben got distracted. You can’t blame yourself you had no idea he was going react like that. Like you said it was his first time.
That is amazing that people would do this. I’m a legally blind individual that sing a lot, it’s amazing how the world has shifted these past few years maybe pandemic life was good for everybody to wake up and smell the coffee or flowers
Bennix got very excited on the run way ❤️. He thought everyone was there for him
He was like, “a star is born!“
Awww Ben ben going people love me!!!! We are stars mom!! lol As part of the killer bee's I think I can speak for us all in saying we are so proud of you Molly, you are a strong young woman going out there in the world with your dreams. We are behind you 100% of the way!
That was adorable!! Molly looked stunning and I loved her outfit and walk!! Bennix was SO cute!! 💛💛
9:40 visual description the dress is red and white with black lining the red the white is the outer most fabric in almost a crease on the side of the dress. They lit molly with a box light and molly sits with her seeing eye dog Bennix. ( this visual description felt needed as that fashion event…)
This video was really important to me and I really hope others feel the same. This was lovely to be able to experience. -a model with multiple disabilities
They should have had some space between the crowd and the stage for everyone’s safety. I think most SD handlers and trainers would agree that B did great when you account for all the variables. It was probably the best “bad” outcome you could hope for. He was happy and excited which is so more better than nervous and skittish. B is a rockstar and will totally nail it with more practice!
I saw you posting about this on Instagram and was hoping to see more!! It's so incredible and I'm so happy for everyone who got to be a part of it!! You looked wonderful!!
She is a really good interviewer. That’s not easy to make it look so easy. I could see her being a TV presenter.
Molly you are an inspiration and truly amazing. I do not know the feeling of not having sight but I know the feeling of having mental health issues and struggling so thanks for all you do to inspire us!
This was so great. I walked a runway as a teenager when I was only using my leg braces. It was so cool and I'd love the opportunity to do it again in my wheelchair.
I know it’s off topic in relationship to the entire video, but thank for you shouting out the crochet community and how much time and effort goes into each and every piece made as well as the fast fashion crochet being undersold. I feel bad for the workers making those garments being paid pennies because as you said, everything crochet is completely handmade. Knitting has machines that can replicate it, but nothing has been able to replicate crochet. Fiber artists (anyone working with yarn) are so tired of hearing how expensive their items are when it takes hours to days to complete one project and are often underselling their work.
I think we all would have loved to see the walk with the cane!
Great video as usual Molly! Omg, what an experience. Great job working through the runway challenge! Go benny and molly!!
Love how u adapted your the situation and did the second walk with ur cane, so empowering
Love you as always!!! I love that you stayed positive about the experience even though it didn’t go as planned. Being able to keep that frame of mind is always the most important part of the journey ❤️❤️❤️
Molly, I genuinely Gasped at your crochet top in the beginning! I crochet myself and it’s my goal to be able to create pieces like that. It looks Absolutely Incredible on you!
I can't believe that people were so uneducated that they didn't know not to touch him, i was furious when i watched that because it is common sense. Anyways letting go of the anger, i am glad that you got out there and showed that you are capable and in the process you represented two vital tools in your community: the cane and a guide dog. That will enables companies to know that whether a blind person has a cane or a dog, they are both capable
Sensory friendly collection from No Limbits 🥺 I can't wait!
Theres no link for the crochet artist in the description :(
You both did amazing it happens molly, labs are known for loving people my lab is a service dog and she has had diarrhea in a store right at the front of the store it was so embarrassing because she never does that but life happens and the employees where so helpful and got us all the supplies to clean up after her to this day we are still embarrassed when we bring her in there
Hey Molly I love crocheting but I've never made clothes. I kinda want to try it out now!
That aerie shot with your hair flowing back is absolutely stunning! They should DEFINITELY book you more!! Someone who is relatable, adorable, and sweet looking...I have totally looked up brands because you wear their clothes. It is often out of my range, price wise, but I love the clothes. I also noticed that you may want to bring us along while checking out an Alexander technique practitioner because your head sits way forward of healthy posture, and that can easily cause neck disk injury over time, especially with EDS it could beco.e an issue WAY younger than most ppl experience disk problems. 💗 Just trying to look out.
I’m really bad about that, even when I stand up straight I look in the mirror and see my head forward still 🥲
Love the videos!! This is awesome!! I am so glad we are seeing representation!!
That cardigan is certainly gorgeous, I love half half colour split clothing, the colours mix to have a milky silky honey vibe
Can you imagine trying to focus on doing a runway walk with tonnes of people watching you and then getting dragged by a massive dog the whole way? That’s horrifying even for a sighted person! You handled the situation very well Molly! Also those people should’ve known better than to reach out of pet a working service dog! There should have been an announcement beforehand to let everyone know!
I am so happy for you that you got to finally do a live event again. Hoping the numbers go down in my country soon too.
Anyway, I love the lipstick you're wearing in the talking bit at the end. Can anyone tell me which one it is? (or a close match?)
Oh wow! My eyes went starry eyed when I heard about the disability modeling! I always wanted to be a model but never could cause hello! I am also a 4ft 11 physically disabled girl. So OBVIOUSLY I I don't fit in to be a model! That's a super awesome!
OMG Erica!! I remember meeting you in college and you were so sweet and I’m so excited to see you doing well!
Your bangs looked amazing at the show! I hope you got whatever products they used!
I think it was perfect, you showed the real thing and also showed both options.
As a crocheter, I appreciate the crochet shout-out! It really is a labour intensive but fun hobby :)
You are amazing Molly, so proud of all this
I can’t believe it’s 2 years. It blows my mind. I never knew momma Burke was a professional photographer
22:35 “my over all thoughts and feelings-“ **is wearing overalls**