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Lucia Corradi is seen kneeling down against a white wall with her Seeing Eye Dog, Luna, next to her. Lucia is in all navy clothes and smiles at the camera, with Luna, a black Labrador, looking directly at the camera as well.
Lucia and her Seeing Eye Dog Luna

“I have so much confidence when I go out now. People always come up to me and ask questions, and they’re always so blown away by what Luna does for me.”

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Lucia began losing her vision at just 10 years old. Initially diagnosed with macular dystrophy, her condition was later diagnosed as retinal dystrophy, a condition that causes progressive vision loss. For much of her life, Lucia retained around 50% of her vision, but today, only 10% remains.

Vision Australia has supported Lucia throughout her whole life. As she started to feel her confidence drop around 12 years ago, Lucia decided it was time she get a Seeing Eye Dog. The journey to being matched with her first Seeing Eye Dog was a hands-on yet quick process, and just four months after her application, she was matched with Aura.

“It was a scary process thinking you could trust a dog to take you everywhere, but Seeing Eye Dogs made it so easy and relaxed. They really matched me with the right dog,” she says.

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Aura worked with Lucia for nine years, and in January last year, Aura retired and took on the new role of beloved household pet. Four months later, Lucia met her second Seeing Eye Dog, Luna. This year marks Lucia’s 10-year anniversary with Seeing Eye Dogs.

Luna is a happy, easy-going dog who loves to be around people. While Aura was more relaxed and reserved, Luna is worry-free and filled with energy. “Both Luna and Aura have been perfect for me. They’re both very different dogs, but amazing in their own ways,” Lucia says.

Lucia became emotional as she reflected on the impact both Luna and Aura have had on her life: “I was getting to a stage where I didn’t want to leave home anymore. I was feeling unsafe and had no confidence, and they have truly saved my life in every possible way. My family now know that whenever I leave the house, I’m going to be safe, and I just can’t imagine my life without them,” she says.

Fitness has always been a big part of Lucia’s life, and while she loved running outside, she found herself hesitant of being outdoors on her own. Thanks to Aura and Luna, she has now created a bucket list and has the confidence to get back outside, tackling the City2Surf and 7 Bridges Walk challenges. This May, Luna will be by her side once again as she takes on Vision Australia’s Abel Tasman Trek.  

“Thanks to them, I’ve got my independence back. I can go for a walk, go to my appointments or get the train to see my daughter. These are all things I would have never done prior to having them. I was starting to become very reserved and withdrawn, but now I have met so many people since being involved with Seeing Eye Dogs and Vision Australia,” Lucia explains.

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Lucia has always had an interest in alternative medicine, and following her vision loss, she decided to embrace her passion and become a remedial massage therapist. According to Lucia, business is booming thanks to Luna, whose gentle snores during sessions have become a favourite feature among clients.

Lucia has a message of gratitude to share with Petbarn and Seeing Eye Dogs supporters:

“Keep doing what you’re doing. You have no idea how much you’re changing a life. Your donations help save lives, so thank you for all your support.”

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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.