As Rosie Batty’s Australian of the Year term comes to an end today, Vision Australia has named one of its 8-week-old Seeing Eye Dog pups after her son, Luke, as a tribute to her courage, resilience and tireless work to end family violence.
The puppy will be named Luke after Rosie’s 11-year-old son, Luke Batty, who was killed by his father almost two years ago.
On being told of the naming, Ms Batty said she was thrilled with the tribute.
“I love dogs and have four of my own. Luke’s dog is called Lilly and she is a beautiful golden retriever.”
“Dogs have always been an important part of my life and, particularly, now that Luke has gone, my dogs continue to bring me huge comfort and great joy. I know how very important it is for people who are blind or have low vision to have a dog, not just for the practical support that they provide, but because a dog is the most beautiful-natured animal in the world and is always your very best friend,” she added.
Seeing Eye Dogs Australia, a division of Vision Australia, provide the gift of independence and confidence to a person who is blind or has low vision so they are able to go about their everyday life.
Ron Hooton, Chief Executive Office for Vision Australia, said Seeing Eye Dogs have the ability to change lives and saw the naming as the perfect fit.
“Ms Batty tells us that dogs were important to Luke, so it seemed like the perfect fit. Ms Batty is welcome to meet puppy Luke whenever she likes, and we’ll be sending her updates of Luke’s progress,” Mr Hooton said.
“To be blind or to have low vision can be very isolating so it is rewarding to see the change in people’s confidence when they are partnered with a Seeing Eye Dog. Busy places are no longer confronting and tasks that we take for granted in our everyday lives become much easier thanks to the Seeing Eye Dog,” Mr Hooton added.
In the spirit of Australia Day, another puppy in Luke’s litter has been named Flinders after Matthew Flinders - the first explorer to circumnavigate Australia and identify it as a continent. Over 100 geographical places and features across Australia are associated with Flinders.
Luke and Flinders will join 15 other Seeing Eye Dogs-in-training at the Rosebud Australia Day Festival today from 11am. Puppies and trainers will be giving the public the opportunity to see the types of training that is involved over the two years it takes for them to become a qualified working dog.
Luke and Flinders are black Labradors; Luke already has a slightly mischievous side.
“I am so very touched and thrilled. Luke would be too. It is an absolute honour to have a dog named after Luke but I hope that the puppy isn’t as mischievous as Luke was!,” she said.
Media enquiries: Rebecca McLean, Communications Advisor, 0403371559 or [email protected]. http://seda.visionaustralia.org/
Address for media op: Village Green, Point Nepean Road, Rosebud. This is opposite the Rosebud Hotel/Eighth Avenue Rosebud. If you turn right off freeway at Jetty Road. Turn left at Point Nepean Road. When you see the Rosebud Hotel on the left you will see the Village Green opposite (with all the marquees).