Graduating is a momentous occasion in anyone’s life, regardless of whether you wear a grad hat and post a selfie, or you have four legs and are rewarded with your first harness. 

Both come with a sense of accomplishment, some with dog treats. 

Such was the case on Wednesday morning 1 November when Saskia, Questa, Unix and Treacle celebrated their graduation at a ceremony at Swansea RSL. 

The quartet is the latest to officially become Guide Dogs in the region. 

After five months intensive training at the Guide Dog Centre, each has learned the skills to guide a person with sight loss safely.   

The foursome graduated with two Therapy Dogs called Mac and Natty, with all six dogs being described as having distinct, loveable personalities. 

Mac and Natty will be placed with individuals or in facilities such as schools, nursing homes, psychologists, counsellors, rehabilitation clinics and even courtrooms to provide companionship and emotional support.    

All six dogs were presented with their first harness, signaling the end of five months’ intensive training. 

The training costs $50,000 each pup and remarkably all six graduating canines had their training costs covered thanks to the generosity of those who included a gift in their Will. 

They’ll all soon begin work for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. 

“We have a wonderful group of graduating Guide Dogs who will soon be matched with a person in the community who is living with low vision or blindness,” Guide Dogs training and dog manager Melinda Bowden said.    

Once they are matched, the new Guide Dog team spends several weeks in training, working closely together to ensure they form a strong bond of trust, and learn all the skills that will increase the Handler’s freedom and independence.    

“We also want to recognise that this Graduation has been made possible because of Gift in Wills and so we’re incredibly grateful for the ongoing support we receive from the from all of donors that allows us to continue our vital work,” Ms Bowden said.   

*It takes $50,000 to breed, raise and train each life changing Guide Dog*

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