"With Poppi as my eyes, I get to do all the things that other people do, with independence and freedom."
“I have a condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa and that means I’ve lost my eyesight from the outside in, until there is a little tunnel I can see through,” says Liz. “That’s why my Guide Dog, Poppi is so important.”
Meet Liz and Poppi
Liz has a condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a rare genetic eye disease that affects the retina. RP leads to low vision or blindness as it causes cells in the retina to slowly break down over time. Liz’s Guide Dog, Poppi helps her navigate her community and live independently.
“I’ve had Poppi for a while now, and she’s learned to do a lot of important things like how to find tables and chairs and help me navigate busy streets and crowded places,” says Liz.
Poppi has been through our six-month long Guide Dog Training Program before being matched with Liz. She has been trained to guide Liz through busy and crowded areas like shopping centres, train stations and along main roads.
“Anywhere I need to go and need my eyes, AKA Poppi, she can come along,” Liz said. “With Poppi as my eyes, I get to do all the things that other people do, and importantly, I get to do it with independence and freedom.”
With Poppi by her side, Liz volunteers, goes to the gym, participates in the community and meets up with friends. “Poppi makes all of that possible.”
By donating today, you can support people with low vision or blindness in your local community.
We believe everyone should have access to the support and tools required to live an independent life. Without you, we couldn’t support Clients like Liz to pursue meaningful activities that are important to them.
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