Guide dogs graduate

The South African Guide Dogs Association for the Blind held their final Guide Dogs graduation for 2014 at the Gladys Evans training centre on Wroxham Road, Paulshof.

The graduation honoured five visually impaired humans and the dutiful dogs they have been matched to. Guide dog trainer, Joel van Stavel explained that the association breeds golden retrievers, labradors and crosses between the two to be guide dogs because of their even temperaments and their willingness to follow instructions.

When the puppies, who are born at the training centre are old enough, they are given to volunteers known as puppy raisers to care for, train and socialise for one year. After a year, the dog is given back to the association for intensive training.

Visually impaired people are matched to the dogs and have to undergo an intensive three-week training programme and sign a contract, ensuring the well-being of the dog before taking their dog home.

The association monitors every one of their dogs regularly. It also trains service dogs for people who are physically disabled, as well as support dogs to help children with autism to express their emotions.

The graduation was an emotional day for guide dogs and their owners, and gifts of Bob Martin dog food and a custom Porsche blanket each, put a smile on the owners’ faces and had their dogs’ tails wagging.

“At SA Guide Dogs we open doors and pathways and the dogs lead the way,” Van Stavel said.