Your support changes lives
Help train more Guide Dogs like Tessie to become life-changing companions for people like Alex.
A life-changing call
Alex has lived with type 1 diabetes since she was seven years old. In 2019, her sight started deteriorating – she had developed diabetic retinopathy. Today, Alex is completely blind in her right eye and her left eye has just 20% vision.
It’s not something she’ll ever get back.
At the start of 2023, Alex turned to Guide Dogs SA/NT for help. Not long after, she got a call that would change her life. Alex was told about a dog – sassy, gorgeous, and perfect for her. The next morning, Alex met Tessie.
“I’ve always had pet dogs, but Tessie is different. She’s something special. She helps guide me as someone living with vision loss, but I’m autistic as well, so she’s also that emotional support. It’s true companionship,” said Alex.
By supporting Guide Dogs SA/NT, you’re not just training dogs, you’re changing lives! You’re giving people like Alex the tools, skills, and confidence to live independently.
Alex is so grateful for her life-changing companion, and describes Tessie as extraordinary!
“She’s cheeky, smart, and full of character. And she’s given me the best gifts – independence and confidence.”
The gift of confidence, self-belief, and hope
With Tessie by her side, Alex has finished her Social Work degree and is now studying a PhD in Behavioural Science. Outside of study, she has found new joys too. Alex picked up the guitar when she lost her sight, and now she plays and sings every week. It helps her de-stress and gives her another way to express herself. One day, she’d even like to perform at the Fringe Festival or join a band.
“The difference Guide Dogs makes for people is not just the dogs, it’s everything,” said Alex.
“It’s the teaching how to get around, it’s the assistive technology, it’s the community you can build within Guide Dogs as well.”
“As I often say: the only thing wrong with people with vision loss is that we can’t see. Everything else works, the mind’s still there, the willingness to be part of society is still there. It’s just we’ve got to do it differently. And that’s what Guide Dogs makes possible.”
With your support this Christmas, Guide Dogs SA/NT can make a life-changing difference by enabling independence, confidence and freedom for people living with low vision, blindness and other specialised needs.
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