Contemplating receiving a Guide Dog
“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.”
When Charlotte was in Year 12, she was thinking about getting a Guide Dog, but she wasn’t so sure. She grew up shy and introverted, very family oriented and with a love of learning and helping others. Her twin sister has always been by her side, and her nanna played a big part in her life. So much so that when she applied for her first Guide Dog, her nanna predicted the exact dog she would receive. Being a long-term supporter of Guide Dogs, after attending a Guide Dog Graduation Ceremony, Charlotte’s nanna called her and said, “there is a dog here that would be perfect for you!” Around one week later, Charlotte was matched with that very Guide Dog, Bronte. “It was meant to be”, Charlotte said.
“Bronte was there for a lot of firsts with my nanna, who has now passed,” says Charlotte. “Our first beach walk, first bush walk and first holiday. And in the end, she was there for my nanna’s funeral, and I felt like she was crying with me.”
The perfect study companion
Yellow Guide Dog, Bronte also went through all the highs with Charlotte and grew up with her throughout her two university degrees and Practical Legal Training to become a solicitor. She helped Charlotte travel to and from her home in Western Sydney to the city for her Social Science Degree and Law Degree. “I would’ve never been able to do it with just my cane,” says Charlotte. “Bronte hasn’t just helped me travel around; she also helped me interact with other people. She’s a great icebreaker!”
When Charlotte was attending work experience at two different law firms, she needed to interact with staff and Clients all the time. This was overwhelming for Charlotte as she’s introverted by nature. However, having Bronte by her side made all the difference as she managed to find people who accepted them both for who they are. “She was intuitive and would go up to people she knew would be okay with talking to us. I can get quite anxious because I don’t know if someone’s looking at me or know if I can speak, but when I feel Bronte next to me, she gives me all the reassurance I need.”
Towards the end of her time at university, Bronte became unwell, as aging dogs sometimes do. However, she kept pushing through because she loved working and most of all, she loved Charlotte. When Charlotte was admitted as a lawyer, Bronte was also there at her admission ceremony. “It meant a lot to me that she was admitted too. When they gave Bronte her own certificate, it was such a special moment,” said Charlotte.
Transitioning between two Guide Dogs
When Guide Dog, Bronte retired, Charlotte moved onto her second Guide Dog, named Hollie. While Bronte is a pale blonde and Hollie is a fox red, they are similar in personality and both extroverted. “When it was time to be matched again, I had to choose between two potential Guide Dogs, and I brought both of them home. When Hollie and Bronte played together, Bronte seemed like her old self again, so my decision was made, Hollie was the one for me.”
Hollie has settled into training well and gets along with Bronte like a house on fire. The comfort that a Guide Dog brings is also 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.”
Today, Charlotte and Hollie travel together, play together, chat and keep each other safe. As many Guide Dog Handlers receive more than one Guide Dog in their lifetime, it’s always important they feel equally secure and loved with every dog that comes into their lives. And for Charlotte, as she makes the journey towards her future career, having Hollie by her side not only to guide her, but to care for her, is one of the best things she could ask for.
