Alayna was just 11 years old when she lost her sight and was diagnosed with optic atrophy, a condition caused by fluid pressure damaging the optic nerve irreversibly. Now, Alayna lives with no sight in her right eye, and only 10% peripheral vision in her left, with no colour or depth.
Alayna was referred to Vision Australia directly after her diagnosis and has been supported by them ever since. In 2016, she made the decision to get a dog guide, who worked by her side until its retirement in 2022. At the beginning of 2024, Alayna met Joey for the first time and was instantly drawn to him. A few months later, they began formal training.
Joey is described as a true gentleman. A sweet boy who is always relaxed and goes with the flow. The pair recently celebrated 12 months together, and Alayna’s life has truly changed for the better since. “Joey has opened my life right up. I’m able to do so much more now. He’s very reliable, I can try things that would normally be a challenge, but with Joey it’s a breeze. He just takes the complexity right out of my day,” she explains.
Alayna loves all things arts and craft and has recently started gardening. She enjoys giving back to her community and currently volunteers at the Seeing Eye Dogs Kennels. Thanks to Joey, Alayna has the confidence to continue her passions with ease. “Joey always calms down the situation. I always know he’s going to stop at stairs, and whenever I come to the city, on and off public transport and through crowds, he makes it so easy. I wouldn’t do any of those things without him,” she says.
“My life would be a lot harder without Joey. I’d have to deal with open spaces and crowds with just my cane, which is something I struggle with. With Joey, I have the confidence and trust to do those things. Joey is a massive companion for me, he’s like an extension of my left arm,” Alayna says.
Alayna has a message of gratitude for those who support the Petbarn Foundation Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal:
