SA Guide-Dogs host 1st 2019 graduation
PAULSHOF – A number of dogs trained by the South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind entered the working world with celebration as they graduated on 9 February.
It was a day of celebration as the South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind had its first graduation ceremony of 2019 on 9 February.
The event was organised to recognise dogs trained by the organisation who are now ready to enter the working world, either as guide dogs for people who are visually impaired or as support dogs for those with mobility challenges. A number of dogs were honoured on the day from Gauteng and the rest of the country.
Two brood bitches were also recognised for their hard work raising litters of future guide dogs, and a staff member from the College of Orientation and Mobility explained the work she and her colleagues do.
A total of 10 dogs graduated on the day, although only half of them were actually present as the other half had been trained and homed in places like Knysna or Cape Town.
Present were five dogs and their new owners – four who are now guide dogs, and one who is now an autism support dog.
Ophelia the golden Labrador went to Colette Roos as her first-ever guide dog. Roos lives in Pretoria, has a deep passion for music and even opened up the graduation by singing beautifully for the audience.
Vogue the black Labrador went to Cornelle Leach, who is in her second year at North-West University in Potchefstroom studying towards a Bachelor of Commerce in Tourism and Marketing Management.
Usko the golden Labrador went to Hester van Deventer, also as a first-ever guide dog, who lives in George with her three children and five grandchildren.
Matilda the golden Labrador went to Kevin Bareuther, who is 10 years old, as an autism support dog. The little boy lives in Pretoria and is already head over heels in love with his dog.
Nova the golden Labrador went to Tanya Venter from Pretoria, a first-time guide dog owner, who has three children of her own and who teaches severely disabled children.
“It is such a blessing to receive a guide dog,” she said of receiving Nova.
“It was a big decision for me to get a dog, but having a dog is such a wonderful feeling of independence. They are so clever and can do so much for us.”
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