Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear harnesses.

On Wednesday 29 April, celebrate International Guide Dog Day with us by honouring the life-changing heroes that support people with low vision or blindness to live the life they choose every day. 

Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear harnesses.

Meet our hero Clients!

“I wanted a dog who was extroverted, because I was introverted,” says Charlotte. “And that’s exactly the kind of dog I was matched with.” Guide Dog, Hollie, is Charlotte’s second Guide Dog, and has settled into training well. She also gets along with Charlotte’s first Guide Dog, Bronte, who is now retired. The comfort that a Guide Dog brings is important, and Hollie has been a great companion throughout Charlotte’s PHD. “Doing a PHD is a little bit lonely, so I’m always talking to her when we are at the library and at uni. She’s the one I confirm all my arguments with,” said Charlotte.

Read Charlotte’s story.

Charlotte sitting outside with yellow Labrador Guide Dog Holly

“When I first started using a long cane over 15 years ago, I never thought I would end up with a Guide Dog. Now I’ve been with my Guide Dog, Quanti, for a little under a year, and it has been the best decision I ever made,” says Brian. Brian explains it like a Ven-diagram; the three best intersecting parts about having a Guide Dog are safety, functionality, and emotional wellbeing. “During my training with him, I was walking along the road, and the sun was shining in my eyes so I couldn’t see. So, I shut my eyes and enjoyed the journey. That’s the level of trust I have in Quanti,” said Brian. 

Read Brian’s story.

Brian standing outside with yellow Labrador guide dog

Transitioning from one Guide Dog to another takes hard work and training. Howeverit is nothing compared to moving from a long cane to a Guide Dog for the first time. “I was a cane user and basically it was like losing a part of your arm and gaining an extra four legs,” says Ria. Now, Ria and Trinity walk seamlessly together. The trust that Ria has in Trinity is strong. “I know I’m not alone, no matter where I am, because Trinity has got me,” said Ria. 

Read Ria’s story.

Ria and black Labrador guide dog sitting down outside.

Take the pledge.

Our Social Change Team and our partners are leading a campaign to shift employment systems, policies and practices through: 

  • Partnering with employers, government and allies to embed accessibility into systems change. 
  • Auditing recruitment platforms to identify barriers and propose practical solutions. 
  • Equipping workplaces with tools, templates and training to act confidently on inclusion. 
  • Sharing real stories that showcase what inclusive hiring looks like in action, from a blind chef running a restaurant to a tech expert building accessible solutions. 
Seth sits at round table holding his white cane with a laptop in front of him.

Access personalised support throughout New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory to live the way you want to, regardless of your vision level.

Ingrid and her Guide Dog Banner smiling at the camera.

Pet Insurance

The only pet insurance that helps support Guide Dogs Australia! Get cover for cats, dogs or registered Guide Dogs.

Two eight week old puppies, one yellow and one carmel, sitting outside next to each other on a path. They are both looking at the camera.

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