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.
Meet our hero Clients!
Charlotte and Guide Dog, Hollie
“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.
Brian and Guide Dog, Quanti
“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.
Ria and Guide Dog, Trinity
Transitioning from one Guide Dog to another takes hard work and training. However, it 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.
Take the pledge.
Get involved in our Inclusive Employment Campaign.
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.
Maximise your independence.
Access personalised support throughout New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory to live the way you want to, regardless of your vision level.
Explore ways to get involved
Get active in supporting Guide Dogs.
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Raising and training a puppy is incredibly rewarding for the whole family. Do you have what it takes to nurture a puppy as they grow into a Guide Dog?
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Support our work towards creating a society where people with low vision or blindness are respected, valued and included in all areas of life.
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Hosting a Donation Dog will enable your business to get involved with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT at no cost. Plus, they're well trained to 'sit' all day!
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Every product you buy supports our puppies-in-training on their journey to become Guide Dogs.
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Leaving a gift in your Will can have an enduring and profound impact on the life of someone with low vision or blindness. Discover how to help Guide Dogs and leave a lasting legacy.
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Become a Puppy Pal today and help train more puppies to become life-changing Guide Dogs. A small, regular, monthly payment can go a long way in changing someone's life.
About our Dogs
From puppies to life-changing partners.
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Puppy Raising
Raising and training a puppy is an amazing experience that is incredibly rewarding for the whole family.
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Therapy Dogs
Therapy Dogs are companion animals who provide comfort, companionship and emotional support to individuals, families, and people visiting or living in facilities.
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Reclassified Dog Adoption
Find out about dogs who have a career change.
Pet Insurance
Guide Dogs Pet Insurance.
The only pet insurance that helps support Guide Dogs Australia! Get cover for cats, dogs or registered Guide Dogs.
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