Gordon Boughton of Wyee Point lives a laidback lifestyle, despite his glaucoma, where increased eyeball pressure has caused a gradual loss of sight.
His life took a turn for the better when Vision Australia matched him with Seeing Eye Dog Yuma.
They have daily walks to a local lake where, if it’s hot, Yuma takes a dip.
Yuma also guides Boughton to lunch dates and appointments and he is beyond pleased to still have independence.
“People express surprise that, at 80, I’ve just got my first dog,” he said.
“Older people do get Seeing Eye Dogs as well.
“Many people helped raise Yuma from puppy to Seeing Eye Dog; I thank everyone who helped make this special dog what he is.
“When he’s out of his harness he loves running around and swimming.
“And then when we go out, he’s in the harness and he’s just the best working dog.
“You couldn’t ask for a better companion.”
From the age of eight weeks, Seeing Eye Dogs like Yuma need volunteer carers, with the call now going out for more volunteers.
The national program asks volunteers to take puppies into their hearts and homes in their first year.
These pups go on to help people who are blind or have low vision to live life as they choose.
A puppy development trainer shows carers how to teach a puppy basic training, such as time in shops and cafes and on public transport, walking on a lead, to be ready for real life as a Seeing Eye Dog, with food, equipment and vet care costs all covered.
Gosford puppy development trainer Jess McKenzie says no experience is necessary.
“(You just need) a love of dogs, a little patience and a willingness to learn,” she said.
“Volunteers can also meet like-minded people, learn new skills and give back to their local community.”
Applications for new puppy carers are now open in areas including the Central Coast.
For dates, times and locations of local and online puppy caring information sessions, search for Seeing Eye Dogs puppy caring online.
Source:
Vision Australia