Best Buds

The duo is the first Guide dog-owner team to be fully trained in Singapore—previously, pairing was unavailable locally, and had to be done overseas. Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, Zara Linehan, 34, relocated to Singapore from Britain due to her husband’s work commitments, and began working with Guide Dogs Association of the Blind (GDAB). Her first charge was two-year-old Labrador, Jordie. Although bred in Australia, he was brought to Singapore to be trained with Gary.

Gary was diagnosed with glaucoma in his thirties, but continued to work as it only affected his right eye. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse when he lost his vision two years ago. The father of two lost his job, and could not read. Thankfully, things improved from there:  He found GDAB, completed the Orientation and Mobility course, and had his application to get a Guide Dog approved.

Two issues ago, our team had the pleasure of speaking with Zara, and joining in one session of training with Gary and Jordie. Although it was one of the first few sessions the team had together, they were already working together very well under Zara’s instruction. Read more here (http://www.petsmagazine.com.sg/wellness/others/452-paw-partners-guide-dogs) or for the full story, flip to our Animal Therapy Special in our June/July 2015 issue.