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Life at HQ: we’re working hard and loving the training!

We live full time at Seeing Eye Dogs HQ, where Mal is our instructor. Mal is awesome – so kind, patient and has the best treats! She understands each of us, our individual strengths, how we learn best and the special skills we bring.

Libby, Laksa and I are refining our training and doing lots of assessments. Wearing our harness now feels completely natural and we are always eager to get started every day.

A black Labrador lying down on grass in front of a blue backdrop.
Libby is comfortable wearing her harness.

We’ve learned to walk in a straight line, guide confidently in our harness, target kerbs and safely navigate obstacles like poles, trees and bins. Aren’t we clever? Mal says she really enjoys training us and gave us a report card to share with you!

  • Lyric – Very impressive, with low level dog distraction and lots of initiative.
  • Laksa – Walks with great purpose, full of enthusiasm, progressing quickly. Loves to learn.
  • Libby – Super sweet, loves people. Picking up skills easily and showing great improvement in restraint.
A black Labrador lying on autumn leaves in a park.
Laksa loves to learn and is doing great.

One of our favourite things to do is ‘targeting’, where we learn to find seats, counters, handrails and pedestrian crossing buttons – it’s essential for a busy day with our future handlers!

Formal training: practicing guiding skills

Formal training: practicing guiding skills

Libby, Laksa and I have been showing off our amazing guiding skills with our instructor, Mal. We’ve been practicing walking in straight lines, finding kerbs and buttons, avoiding obstacles. And guess what? We all aced it!

Lyric's Pack

Blindfold test: time to lead

Libby, Laksa and I will soon prepare for our next big challenge – the blindfold assessment! We have to guide our instructor through busy streets while they wear a blindfold. Another instructor follows behind to ensure we remain safe, but it’s up to us to lead the way! We need to show we truly understand everything we’ve learned. We’re nervous but excited and ready to do our very best!

Follow along on our journey

First update (8 weeks old):

We’re leaving Seeing Eye Dogs HQ and heading off with our puppy carers!

First update (8 weeks old):

Second update (4 months old):

We’re learning basic obedience and completing our very first assessment.

Second update (4 months old):

Third update (7 months old):

We’re learning so many new cues and working on our socialisation skills.

Third update (7 months old):

Fourth update (10 months old):

We're getting more confident and settled on public transport!

Fourth update (10 months old):

Fifth update (13 months old):

We have been accepted into formal training!

Fifth update (13 months old):

Sixth update (16 months old):

We’re refining our skills and doing lots of assessments!

Sixth update (16 months old):
Nemoy and Seeing Eye Dog Benji standing together.

With Benji, I can make choices and be independent

Nemoy’s match with Seeing Eye Dog Benji was everything he hoped for, giving him the freedom and independence he urgently needed.

Born with no vision in his left eye, due to a condition called toxoplasmosis, he lost sight in his right eye at age 18, following a retinal detachment.

“To me, true independence is knowing and understanding all of your choices and choosing the one that works for you at that time. This is what Benji has given me,” said Nemoy.

Carefully matched to Nemoy's individual needs and personality, Benji offers something no other mobility aid can – the freedom to move through the world with confidence rather than caution.

“Your impact goes a long way for people who need Seeing Eye Dogs. My hope is that you feel it in your heart when you see someone living the life they choose. Thank you.”

What’s next for this newsletter

Do you remember when we first met, all those months ago? Me and my pack were so tiny, playful and curious about the world. And now… look at us! World-class Seeing Eye Dogs, about to meeting our paw-fect match. It’s amazing… and it’s because of you.

Thanks to you, people who desperately need us will soon be confidently walking down the street, catching a bus, going to work, doing all the things they’ve dreamed of. You made that possible.

Before I go, it’s time for you to meet Ebony’s Pack, a brand-new litter of puppies! They are super fluffy and curious – when you turn the page you’ll see!

Having you on our journey to become Seeing Eye Dogs has meant everything to us. We truly couldn’t have done it without the most important member of our Pack – you! I’m sure you will love following Ebony along on her journey in becoming a Seeing Eye Dog.

With lots of love and final tail wags,
Lyric xox

Lyric, a chocolate labrador, sitting on autumn leaves.