There’s no denying the power of dogs.
They provide love, companionship and for some people, they can provide a whole new take on life.
Guide Dogs are a very special kind of dog, providing independence to many visually impaired people around Australia. And today, 16 Labrador recruits received their harness, marking their graduation as Guide Dogs.
The graduation ceremony took place at the Guide Dogs Centre in Glossodia, NSW where all those involved in their training – from puppy raisers to trainers – watched them parade down a red carpet.
One of the 16 wonder-dogs who graduated today was Statler, a beautiful blonde Labrador who was raised as a puppy by Ashley Leggett.
Before commencing his intensive training at the Guide Dogs Centre, Statler lived with Ashley, who cared for him from eight-weeks until 14-months old, teaching him basic obedience and of course, showering him with love and affection.
“When we picked him up, we fell in love with him instantly,” Ashley said.
“When mum and I found out he was graduating, we just burst into tears. The first thing we though was ‘He’s going to get a human!’”
Another person who was involved in the “graduating class” of today was trainer Carla Zakrzewski.
“It’s like watching a child graduate,” she laughs.
Carla has spent the past five months training the recruits, following their 12-month stint with puppy raisers.
“They come to us and we start training them to be Guide Dogs,” she explains.
“No day is the same with them but our overall training sees us taking them out to residential areas before ending up in the city.”
Carla training one of the recruits
Edie Derry, Photofresh Photography
The demand for Guide Dogs has never been greater. This coming year, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT needs to match 20 new Guide Dogs with new owners as well as replace 41 retiring Guide Dogs.
“It has taken more than $35, 000 to breed, raise and train each Guide Dog so the graduation [is a] celebration of all the hard work and training over the past two years to the life-changing dogs to the all-important working stage of their life,” Guide Dogs Service Manager, Paul Adrian said.
In NSW and ACT alone, there are around 100, 000 people living with uncorrectable vision loss.
“With these figures predicted to increase by more than 50 per cent by 2030, the demand for Guide Dog services is ever increasing,” Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Acting General Manager Fundraising, Natalie Moses said.
Sinclair, a member of the “graduating class”
One person who knows all-too well the benefit of these wonderful dogs is Lorene Mathis.
Lorene was declared legally blind at birth, however she spent a significant part of her life relying on others to get her around safely.
It was only when her third child began preschool that she contacted Guide Dogs NSW/ACT and was introduced to her first dog, Claire, who she “worked” with for close to eight years.
“Before I got a guide dog, I’d fall over all the time. I was also highly anxious and would get stressed by normal everyday situations. One time, I was crossing the road and I stepped out at the wrong time and I was sworn and beeped at.”
However, having her guide dog with her has given her a new sense of independence.
“People can automatically see that I’m not stupid or clumsy – I just can’t see what I’m doing!”
Razzle, who will now be entering the work force.
At the graduation ceremony, each dogs gets introduced and they get their moment to shine – walking down a red carpet in front of all those who helped them get to this point.
“These dogs provide so many people with a level of independence they’ve never known,” Carla explains.
“When I go out and see my dogs with their new owners – and seeing that level of trust they have in each other – it’s beautiful.”
Puppy Raiser Ashley also agrees.
“It was the best thing I’ve ever done.”
So, to the graduating class – Clooney, Narmee, Pearl, Sinclair, Violet, Piper, Statler, Possum, Quiggley, Quinbe, Quinton, Quizzy, Razzle, Rory and Sebastian – keep up the good work!
To help Guide Dogs Australia raise and train more dogs, call 1800 484 333 or, click here.
