VCAL

Guide Dogs

On Friday the 22nd of October, the VCAL students listened to Dorothy Docherty from the Guide Dogs speak about her experience with vision impairment and her Guide Dogs Anya and Maisie and assistance dog Gypsy.

Dorothy with Anya (from https://www.fpmagazine.com.au/guide-dogs-australia-named-trusted-charity-355938/)

Sharna (Year 11)

After listening to Dorothy Docherty speak about her guide dogs, I gained more insight on the world of those who need guide dogs. A misconception that people believe is that guide dogs are pets. They are not pets but working dogs who cannot be distracted from their work. If they are distracted, it may be harder for them to properly take care of their owner. Dorothy also told us some stories about how well trained her dogs are. I am impressed by the evolution of dogs in the healthcare field and would like to learn more. 

Neha (Year 11)

In the presentation of Dorothy about her Guide Dogs, she talks about how she has two dogs Anya and Maisie. She says she uses carrots as it's really healthy for them and it also gives clean teeth. She sometimes cuts them up also. I really loved listening to Dorothy. She says she's a volunteer at guide dogs.

Cecilia (Year 11)

On Friday 22nd of October, Dorothy Docherty from Guide Dogs Australia came in to talk about her story of what happened to her and how she had her two Guide Dogs Maisie and Anya where one was 11 and the other was 3. They guide her around as well as her husband and carer. Her biggest challenge will be adapting to the outside world now that lockdown is over. She answered the questions we had. 

Amy D (Year 11)

Dorothy Docherty lost her sight when she was 48 years old. She spent 7 months in the hospital. The first time that she started walking again without her sight she used a white stick and an interesting fact that she taught me was that it is against the law to separate owners from their guide dog. Another interesting thing she said was that her guide dog liked eating carrots and broccoli and cauliflower stems. My thought after hearing her speech was wow I know that if I lost my sight I would have given up my life but she didn’t so she is an amazing person.