Mike and Eva Truelock, who are both visually impaired, depend on their guide dogs to get around.
But they never expected the dogs would guide them to love.
"The dogs were scheming something,” Eva Truelock said.
In 2007, Mike Truelock traveled from Texas to train his dog, Mimi, at Southeastern Guide Dogs in Palmetto. Eva, who was having behavioral issues with her dog, Cara, was there at the same time.
Both were focused on training their dogs, but little did they know that fate had other plans.
"I was just going there to get a dog and come home," Mike Truelock said. "But yes, one thing led to another, and I ended up ... in the long run, (finding) a lot more than just coming back with a dog."
After training, Mike returned to Texas and Eva to Winter Haven. A short time later, Eva sent Mike an email. He followed up with a phone call.
An hours-long phone conversation led to visits, and after more than a year of long-distance dating, Mike popped the question.
"Mike and I both believe in God, and there’s no other way that could happen other than God planned it,” Eva said.
The Truelocks now live in Winter Haven with their new guide dogs, Romeo and Sandy.