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Linda Blaik is pictured standing in some long grass with her Seeing Eye Dog, Kevy. Linda wears a bright red floral shirt that contrasts well against the dark grey wall behind her. Kevy is a mix of a black Labrador and Golden Retriever, and they both look towards the camera.
Linda and her Seeing Eye Dog Kevy

“Throughout my whole life, I’ve always known that Vision Australia was there for me whenever I needed them.” 

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When Linda was just seven years old, she was diagnosed with cone-rod dystrophy, a genetic condition that causes light-sensitive cells in the retina to break down. Linda continued through her life with some remaining vision, until 20 years ago, where medication for lupus burnt her retinas, leaving her with zero vision.

“My condition hasn’t stopped me from doing anything. I‘ve travelled, I’ve fundraised all my life and I’ve always been on committees to help support people. I love going to the theatre, I love footy, and I’ve always volunteered,” Linda explains.

Vision Australia has been a part of Linda’s life since the beginning. She's owned several dog guides throughout her life and recently decided to make the switch to Seeing Eye Dogs. “I heard about this amazing black Golden Retriever, and I said to my trainer, I want him,” Linda says.

Not long after, Linda met Kevy for the first time. “Everything ended up working out. We took things very slowly at first, but I knew within a day that Kevy was the one for me.”

Kevy is a social and confident boy who loves affection. He is always switched on and often attuned to people's emotions. “If someone’s sad, he instantly gravitates towards them. For example, my husband’s not well at the moment, and there are mornings where Kevy will lay outside his room. My husband will ask, ‘why is Kevy outside my door?’, and then later that day, my husband will start to feel unwell. It’s as if Kevy just knows,” Linda says.

Volunteering is a big part of Linda's life, and now, thanks to Kevy, she has the confidence and independence to spend time doing what she loves. Volunteering at the Seeing Eye Dogs Kennels and the Magpie Nest Cafe, Linda gets to give back to her community with Kevy by her side.

“I have always wanted to work with the Magpie Nest Cafe, but I didn’t have a dog that I felt comfortable enough with to do it. Kevy is a big boy, and he always makes me feel safe. Sometimes I have no idea where I am, but I just let him take the lead, and he gets me straight to where I need to be. We walk through the city, and he never hesitates. I no longer have an issue with going out at any time, day or night, and I’ve never felt that with any other dog before. Kevy is truly special,” Linda explains.

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Linda has a message for Petbarn staff, and for those who are supporting the appeal:

“Keep on welcoming everyone, all the dogs, all the cats and whoever comes in store. My Petbarn is so accommodating, and they always go out of their way to make me feel comfortable. Keep doing what you’re doing, because you’re doing it right. And to the public, get on raising those funds!”

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Help train up a pup this July

Show your support for the Petbarn Foundation Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal by donating in store or online.