For Sheryl-Lyn, watching her daughter struggle with low vision was heartbreaking.
“Ivy was really anxious and nervous anytime we left the house, even as a baby. Any new environment and she would just scream and cling to me 24/7,” says Sheryl-Lyn.
Meet Ivy
Ivy's story
Seven-year-old Ivy, a bright little girl with a love of colour, was born with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, Ocular Albinism and Nystagmus.
Ivy’s conditions mean she has blurry vision, combined with sensitivity to light. “She can see up to 10 centimetres and everything after that is a blur,” says Sheryl-Lyn, Ivy’s mother. To Ivy, “everyone looks the same at school because they all wear the same uniform. We need to speak to identify ourselves to her.”
“Ivy was really anxious and nervous anytime we left the house, even as a baby. Any new environment and she would just scream and cling to me 24/7,” says Sheryl-Lyn.
Meet Perry
A perfect match
Ivy’s life transformed with the arrival of Perry, her Therapy Dog. Perry quickly became more than a companion, he became Ivy’s anchor.
Whether it’s navigating to new places or offering a calming presence during anxious moments, Perry is an integral part of Ivy’s life. “When Perry came to us, I was able to take him everywhere we went.” Sheryl-Lyn says, “When Ivy would get anxious, she would curl up on the floor with him or he’d walk next to her. Perry is her best friend. They do so much together and he really knows when Ivy needs comfort.”
Perry always supports Ivy and can identify when she becomes overwhelmed or anxious. Sheryl-Lyn describes cuddles on the floor with Perry, as Ivy’s “safe place.”
Every year in Australia more and more people are affected by low vision or blindness.
Without your support, Guide Dogs could not have been there from the very beginning to provide Ivy with the early intervention she needed to set her up for success. Will you give the gift of independence this Christmas to children like Ivy?