Ask Paul Castle how he navigates the world, and he’ll introduce you to Mr. Maple, a golden-furred Guide Dog with a steady gaze and a heart bigger than his paws.
Together, Paul and Maple form a partnership that’s equal parts practical and profound. It’s a bond that has not only changed Paul’s life but has also captured the imagination of millions who follow Paul and his husband Matthew online.
WHO ARE MATTHEW AND PAUL?
If you’re active on TikTok or Instagram, you may have come across Matthew and Paul, a married couple from Seattle who chronicle their daily lives, joys, and challenges.
What sets them apart is their willingness to share Paul’s journey with blindness, offering a candid, sometimes humorous, always heartfelt look at life with vision loss.
With over two million followers across platforms, Matthew and Paul have become powerful advocates for disability awareness, LGBTQ+ visibility, and, perhaps unexpectedly, for the remarkable abilities of Service Dogs like Mr. Maple.
Paul was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a progressive condition that gradually narrows one’s field of vision until it’s little more than a blurry pinhole. “Imagine seeing through a tiny, cloudy circle surrounded by static,” Paul explains. This daily reality would be daunting for anyone, but with Maple by his side, Paul faces the world with confidence and a good deal of wit.
HOW PAUL MET MR. MAPLE
Paul’s life changed when he was paired with Mr. Maple through Guide Dogs for the Blind, a nonprofit that provides expertly trained Dogs to people with visual impairments, free of charge.
The process is rigorous: Dogs are raised and socialized by volunteer families, then undergo intensive training before being matched with their future human partners. Once paired, the new team receives weeks of in-depth instruction: learning to communicate, trust, and navigate the world together.
For Paul, the partnership was instant. “Maple isn’t just my Guide Dog – he’s my independence,” Paul shares in his posts. From crossing busy streets to boarding public transport, Maple’s keen senses and unwavering focus keep Paul safe.
But the relationship is much more than functional; it’s a friendship built on loyalty, intuition, and countless shared adventures.
Guide Dogs for the Blind’s support doesn’t end with the match. The organization continues to cover food and veterinary costs for the Dog’s entire life, ensuring that financial barriers never stand between a person and their Guide Dog.
“They want you and your Dog to succeed together,” says Paul, “and that means taking care of both of us.”
THE EVERYDAY HEROISM OF SERVICE DOGS
To watch Maple at work is to witness professionalism with a wagging tail. Maple guides Paul around obstacles, stops at curbs, and even blocks him from oncoming traffic. If danger appears (say, a silent electric scooter approaching), Maple plants his paws and refuses to budge, no matter how much Paul insists. It’s a trust that’s been honed through thousands of daily decisions.
But it’s not all seriousness and commands. At home, Maple is affectionate, goofy, and endearingly devoted. The line between Service Dog and best friend blurs. “There’s an emotional safety in knowing Maple is always there,” Paul notes. “He’s not just my eyes – he’s my heart.”
TURNING ADVERSITY INTO AWARENESS
Matthew and Paul’s social media presence isn’t just about adorable Dog videos (though there are plenty); it’s a platform for education. Through candid posts, Q&As, and viral moments, they address common misconceptions about blindness and the role of Service Dogs.
A recent incident threw their advocacy into sharp relief. In May 2024, Paul and Maple were denied entry to a Seattle restaurant. Despite Maple wearing an official harness, a staff member questioned Paul’s blindness, saying, “You don’t look blind.” The staff even threatened to call the police if they returned.
Instead of shaming the restaurant, Paul chose to share the experience online, turning a moment of discrimination into a teaching opportunity. The story struck a chord, sparking national discussion about accessibility and the rights of people with disabilities.
Paul is quick to point out the dangers of “fake” Service Dogs, or pets dressed as helpers without proper training. “Every time someone brings a fake Service Dog into a public space, it undermines the trust people have in Dogs like Maple, and it puts real working Dogs and their humans at risk,” he explains.
NATIONAL SERVICE DOG MONTH
Did you know that there’s an entire month dedicated to celebrating Service Dogs? National Service Dog Month is observed every September in the United States. The month honors the extraordinary contributions of Service Dogs to people with disabilities, and raises awareness about their training, rights, and the organizations that support them.
Originally established by actor and comedian Dick Van Patten in 2008, the celebration includes fundraising, public education, and special events spotlighting these canine heroes.
THE JOY OF REUNIONS
In a heartwarming twist, Paul has been working to track down the other Dogs from Maple’s litter, hoping to reunite the siblings and their families.
It’s an ongoing project, but the response from the community has been enthusiastic. Each reunion is a celebration of connection, not just between Dogs, but among the people whose lives they’ve transformed.
GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND
Founded in 1942, Guide Dogs for the Blind is one of the world’s leading providers of Guide Dogs.
The organization operates on a unique model: Recipients pay nothing for their Dog or the ongoing support. Volunteers raise puppies, trainers teach specialized skills, and clients are matched based on personality, lifestyle, and needs.
Even after graduation, the organization covers the Dog’s food and vet care for life, ensuring that every Dog can devote themself fully to their human partner.
A BOND THAT INSPIRES
Paul and Mr. Maple are more than just a man and his Dog; together, they’re a symbol of possibility. Their journey, chronicled by Matthew’s gentle humor and Paul’s unflinching honesty, invites us to reconsider what disability looks like, and what true partnership means.
Through good days and setbacks, Maple’s steady presence offers a simple but profound truth: Sometimes, the greatest gifts come on four paws.
