Central Coast resident Rolf Geerlings says he can’t stress enough the profound impact his seeing-eye dogs have had on his life.
A passionate pastry chef crafting extraordinary wedding cakes, Geerlings’ world turned upside down when he received a heartbreaking diagnosis of an eye condition destined to steal his sight.
“Echo was my first seeing-eye dog – she burst through the door and everyone who met her said she was one in a million,” he said.
“Echo was absolutely amazing and beautiful, she changed my life, and we were inseparable for 10 years; she was my rock.”
When Echo retired she remained with him and that’s when he met Stella, his current seeing-eye dog.
“I can’t stress enough the profound impact my seeing-eye dogs have had on my life,” he said.
“They helped me break free from my shell and gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams.
“When you have a vision impairment you can be surrounded by a crowd and still feel utterly alone.
“But it takes a little lick from my faithful companion to reassure me that everything will be okay, and that I’ll never be alone.”
During July the Petbarn Foundation and Vision Australia’s Seeing Eye Dog Appeal has set an ambitious target to raise $1M.
It takes $50,000 to teach a seeing-eye dog the skills it needs, so this year’s $1M target will help train 20 seeing-eye dogs to support Australians who are blind or have low-vision.
An estimated 453,000 Australians are blind or visually impaired, with about 12,500 additional people each year experiencing vision loss, and seeing-eye dogs are their lifeline for independence.
Donations can be made through Petbarn stores at Gosford, Tuggerah, Charmhaven or online at petbarn.com.au to teach these seeing-eye dog puppies the skills they need.
Sue Murray