My favourite Graduates!

The Governor General of Queensland her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM arrived in her official car and we all filed into a large hall. The handlers and the Graduates were all there, handlers on the chairs, graduates by their feet.

Yes, this was the Guide Dogs Graduation Ceremony for their dogs and handlers who had successfully completed the demanding course. The dogs have become Guide Dogs and the handlers have gained their freedom, confidence and ability to live full and demanding lives.

Trainers, volunteers and sponsors came in considerable numbers to give their support to this event where we heard from the Governor General, who is patron of Guide Dogs. Rhett Bryant with Trixie told us about his gradual inability to see which seemed overwhelming and desperate until he was given Jeffrey and now Trixie, Guide Dogs who are constantly by his side. Working dogs who are there to ensure the safety and protection at all times of their carer. Rhett spoke about his journey stopping at times, to check his emotions, which were on the point of spilling over, together with those of the audience.

So many people contribute to Guide Dogs – indeed most of their funding comes from the Community. A woman we shared tea with who is an MS sufferer, has just been diagnosed with bowel cancer yet she continues to give the dogs a home during their training. She used to foster the pups but now she has moved to the teenagers who are a little more obedient and house trained.

Their efforts are immense, their results amazing.

If you can help in any way either by volunteering or donating or offering a home please do so. Every little bit of help counts and look at what they achieve.