Guide Dogs Australia

I am pretty sure that by now, everyone in the country has heard of Rachael Leahcar.  The amazing eighteen year-old who blew away judges on Australia’s latest reality mega-show, The Voice.  The lead up was phenomenal, she was lead up the stairs and guided to the stage.  When she was in place, the words ‘You have landed’ greeted her, and she began with her rendition of La Vie En Rose.  Each of the judges turned around, wanting her on their team; Rachael didn’t know this however and questioned if anyone had turned.  Rachael is legally blind – she has only 10 per cent of her vision.  That is what makes her courage so admirable.

'La Vie En Rose'
Image from The Voice Online

This has opened a lot of doors for, not only Rachael, but many people with a vision impairment throughout Australia.  When people realise the courage that was put behind that performance, it encourages them to also believe in themselves.  

The Australian spirit encourages people to work hard, to earn what they have and to never give up.  This mentality rings true with many people who have a vision impairment, they have to work hard, they have a tough life: enter Guide Dogs Australia.

Guide Dogs Australia assist people who are blind or have a vision impairment to ‘gain freedom and independence’, they help to ‘equip, empower and educate’ those who are vision impaired.  They provide services which reduce the disadvantage of people with vision impairments through the Guide Dog Program.

'Guide Dog Puppy'
Image from the ABC

Guide Dogs are incredibly special dogs, usually Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers or a cross-breed of both; they are bred for their gentleness, intelligence, energy, loving nature and highly trainable qualities.  The dogs are carefully selected for all of these character traits and bred accordingly.  This is perhaps why Guide Dogs have such a long loved and trusted past.

Mission Statement and Values of
Guide Dogs Australia and Guide Dogs Queensland

 A Guide Dog begins training from just a few weeks old.  They first meet their trainer, a bond is built between the two and a long working relationship is formed.  They are first taught the basic commands at initial training programs at their centre, only progressing when these have been learnt.  The majority of the training program takes place in the ‘real world’; places like residential neighbourhoods, rural and city settings, shopping centres and bus and rail stations.  After a twenty week training course, the dog is put to the test one last time before graduation.  The dog has gained experience for almost any situation and the ability to lead their future-owner with confidence.  Once they have graduated they get placed in the loving home of a family.

'Man's Best Friend'
Image From the Guide Dogs Australia

There is an immense amount of work that goes into the Guide Dog program in Australia.  As a non-government funded organisation, they rely solely on business and public donations for their entire operation.  This is achieved by constant involvement in the community, through family open days, programs to help people to become more aware of the role of Guide dogs Australia as well as training programs.  Guide Dogs Australia is reliant on volunteers to continue the operation of the organisation; people to clean out the kennels and watch over the dogs overnight to dog trainers and breeders, everyone has a place.

'Graduation Day'
Image from Guide Dogs Australia

Guide Dogs are talented dogs.  They love to work and are extremely loyal.  They love to receive praise for doing the right thing and they carry out their role as a Guide Dog perfectly.  They truly are ‘man’s best friend’.

All information was gathered from

• http://www.guidedogsqld.com.au/
• http://www.guidedogsaustralia.com/
• http://www.sixfeetonejourney.com/home.aspx
• http://www.thevoice.com.au/profile/rachael-leahcar/