After more than 10 years of dedicated service, one of Perth's veteran Seeing Eye Dogs is ready to kick his paws up and enjoy retirement.
A Decade of Devotion
Melville local Des Wallington was matched with chocolate Labrador Champ more than a decade ago through Vision Australia, following a degenerative genetic condition and a traumatic injury that caused him to go completely blind.
“It was like learning to see again once I got Champ — we could do our own shopping, and do most things I was able to do prior to going blind,” Mr Wallington said.
“You’ve got to learn to trust that dog. Is he going to stop at the edge of the road, or is he going to just walk out onto it? And he’s got to learn to trust you, too.”
Mr Wallington said having a Seeing Eye Dog compared to a mobility cane makes a world of difference.
“Champ has been my eyes and soul right through everything. A Seeing Eye Dog will keep you safe, and it also listens. A white cane will only make a noise,” he said.
Emotional Support Through Tough Times
Champ also provided the emotional support Mr Wallington needed following his wife’s death several years ago.
“My wife was extremely sick, and I was virtually dealing with going blind and looking after her,” he said.
“Champ sort of took over as her dog, and he’d lay next to the couch until she’d fall asleep, then he’d come and get me. He was her guardian angel.”
The Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs Program
Vision Australia’s Seeing Eye Dogs program trains and cares for the animals, transforming them from puppies to life-changing support companions.
Champ is one of only five chocolate Labradors in the program across Australia.
“They normally don’t use chocolate labs, because I think they have a mind of their own. Champ and I go to concerts, we go out for dinner with friends, and I live a totally normal life,” Mr Wallington said.
A New Chapter with Cuba
Champ is now transitioning into retirement, but Mr Wallington said he will continue living with him and his new Seeing Eye Dog, Cuba.
“Myself and Cuba are very close already, but the training hasn’t really kicked in as yet. She comes over here three days a week for the afternoon, which is good because the two of them have gotten to know each other,” he said.
“Champ’s not going anywhere — if I had the choice of getting another dog and Champ going somewhere else, I wouldn’t get another dog.”
Champ’s final working day will be at the end of May, when he will officially pass the harness to Cuba, who is also a chocolate Labrador.
The milestone coincides with last week’s International Guide Dog Day, which celebrated the vital role support dogs play in allowing people with low or no vision to live independently.
A Bittersweet Farewell
Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs mobility instructor Matt Wood said retiring a hardworking Seeing Eye Dog was bittersweet.
“It’s always a proud moment to see a dog retire after such a long and successful working life, but it’s also emotional. These partnerships are incredibly close, and saying goodbye to that chapter is never easy,” he said.
“Champ’s decade of service is a remarkable achievement, and a testament to the extraordinary bond that can form between a handler and their Seeing Eye Dog.”
He said the dogs provide life-changing support for people, allowing them to stay connected to their community.
“We’re excited for Des as he begins this new journey with Cuba. Every match is carefully considered, and we’re confident Cuba will continue to support Des in maintaining his independence and active lifestyle,” he said.
