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Celebrating the E Litter’s Graduation

More than 300 Guide Dogs supporters joined us on Wednesday 12 February at Adelaide Oval to celebrate the graduation of the E Litter puppies-in-training.

Chief Executive Officer of Guide Dogs SA/NT Aaron Chia hosted the event, proudly congratulating members of the E Litter on completing their puppy training journeys.

Puppy sponsors, corporate supporters, major donors, board members and ‘Name a Puppy’ competition winners were among the guests eager to meet Eden, Ejay, Electra, Elsi, Essi, Esky and Epic and hear how far they’ve come since starting their journeys at Guide Dogs’ Puppy Development Centre just over two years ago.

“Our Guide Dogs, Autism Assistance Dogs and Therapy Dogs enable independence, participation, inclusion and wellbeing for people with vision impairment, children living with autism and their families,” said Aaron.

“Graduation represents a major milestone in the lives of our puppies-in-training.”

Esky, the first graduate to take to the stage, will continue on her training journey as the next ‘Ambassadog’ for Guide Dogs SA/NT, acting as the face of the organisation and helping to spread the word about our life-changing services.

Not every puppy will be suited to the responsibility of being a Guide Dog or Autism Assistance Dog, and Electra, Elsi, Essi and Eden are now enjoying lives of leisure, bringing joy and companionship as much-loved family pets.

Epic, the only male of the E Litter, is now providing emotional support and companionship to a young man with Down syndrome. Epic is already developing a close bond with his new family and we are thrilled to hear how he will make a profound difference to their lives.

The final E Litter graduate was Ejay, who was unable to attend the event as she’s preparing to soon become a Mum. Ejay showed so much potential during training that she is graduating as a brood, nurturing our next generation of puppies.

Guests also enjoyed celebrating the incredible achievements of other working dogs – including Apollo, who is supporting children with autism, severe disabilities and behavioural challenges as a Facility Dog at Kidman Park Primary School.

Autism Assistance Dog Zena has formed a wonderful bond with seven-year-old Oisin, whose parents Lisa and Gary shared how Zena’s presence in their lives has brought them incredible peace of mind.

We also introduced some of the latest matches from our Guide Dog program; Chelsea and Skylar, Aaron and Chevy, Neil and Georgia, and Ian and Simba.

Facility Dog Zero was a crowd favourite, thanks to his calm and gentle nature. This also makes him an ideal fit for his role as a Canine Court Companion with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, supporting young victims of crime and witnesses during the court process.

Finally, guests were delighted to meet Quincey, Qutie, Rayne, Remi, Raven and Rocket – adorable members of the Q and R Litters. At just 21 and 16 weeks old respectively, these pups (alongside their brothers and sisters) are just beginning their training journeys and we can’t wait to see them develop as Guide Dogs, Autism Assistance Dogs or Therapy Dogs.

We thank guests for joining us on this very special day and extend our gratitude to Adelaide Oval for their generous hospitality.

Enjoy the event highlights via our Facebook page.