Lilly and Teddy - Taking on Adulthood Together

“For me, being a cane user requires a very linear mode of travel, which can be time consuming. Teddy loves targeting things, which really speeds up my travel, and it’s nice to have his companionship while doing so,” Lilly says.

19-year-old Lilly has always aimed for the stars. Currently in her second year of a Bachelor of Science hoping to major in Zoology, Lilly grew up with a deep passion for music and performance. While she now spends most of her time focused on her degree, Lilly is currently a panellist advocating for better accessibility in theatre, something she does with her Seeing Eye Dog, Teddy, at her feet.

When Lilly was just 12 weeks old, doctors discovered that she had been born with a rare inherited condition called Leber’s congenital amaurosis, causing Lilly to be totally blind. Vision Australia stepped in to support Lilly and her family throughout the entirety of her childhood, with Lilly herself featuring as one of the faces of Carols by Candlelight twice.

As Lilly enters adulthood with Teddy by her side, Vision Australia are supporting her through this next chapter of life. “The journey to getting Teddy was great,” Lilly says. “I felt so supported by everyone at Seeing Eye Dogs, and it all happened so quickly.” 

Teddy is a hardworking, confident and loving boy who takes his role very seriously. “He is just excellent and so focused on harness. He’s a willing worker and he’s got great initiative. He always settles really well and will lay next to me during a Uni lecture, but when he’s off harness, he loves to run around with his toys,” Lilly says.

Since starting university, Teddy has been essential in Lilly’s confidence and independence while travelling to and from. It was the first trip to university together that made Lilly truly realise the impact Teddy would have on her life. “It’s been great having him there with me. The opening of a new station has meant I can use a new route, and it was so easy to learn with Teddy. That first moment made me realise just how comfortable and independent I felt,” she says.

Not only does Teddy help guide her through everyday life, but he also breaks down a barrier of misunderstanding from the public. “One of the main reasons I got Teddy was due to the reaction I often get in the community from sighted people thinking I need more help than I do and physically grabbing me,” Lilly explains. “Teddy has helped bridge that gap and dissuades people from doing that, which has really helped my mental health and confidence when being out in public.”