Following the tragic death of Seeing Eye Dog, Matilda, in August this year, Vision Australia is thrilled to announce the successful match of Andrew Close and his new Seeing Eye Dog, Orca.
The Seeing Eye Dog community was shocked and saddened when Matilda fled from three attacking pit bull dogs only to be struck by a car on Bell Street. Police from West Heidelberg took Matilda to the emergency vet in Plenty Road however she passed away at the vet due to multiple injuries.
In a bittersweet ending, Andrew was identified as a potential match for Seeing Eye Dog in training, Orca. On November 26, the pair met to begin training together.
“Andrew and Orca have spent the past two weeks bonding and training together. It has been an important time for the pair who now begin their life together,” said Leigh Garwood, General Manager Seeing Eye Dogs and Orientation and Mobility at Vision Australia.
“They have a couple more weeks of training to go. Orca needs to become familiar with Andrew’s regular travel routes but it is great to see them working so well together already.”
The death of Matilda was a huge blow for the tight knit Seeing Eye Dog community which is made up of puppy carers, staff, clients and puppy sponsors – all of whom are passionate about the dogs.
Despite the tragedy, Vision Australia has been overwhelmed by the compassion and support shown by the Australian community and is asking people to continue supporting the organisation.
“We rely on donations from businesses and individuals and this year we were thrilled to be selected as the recipient of the eftpos Giveback donation. The campaign aims to raise money for a new Seeing Eye Dog breeding and training facility which will help us to match more people like Andrew with a highly trained dog.”
“It costs more than $30,000 to train each Seeing Eye Dog. As a not for profit, Seeing Eye Dogs Australia relies solely on the generosity of the community to provide ongoing services to people who are blind or have low vision,” Mr Garwood said.