Jen has developed a new level of trust and way to communicate with her Seeing Eye Dog Nellie as they begin training for their 50km trek of the Bay of Fires in Tasmania.
“I can feel her looking up over her right shoulder,” she told Talking Vision.
“We communicate. We talk. But she doesn't speak. So I know exactly what she's trying to say, whether it be polite or impolite. She will get her message across, and I totally trust her.”
While Nellie might be more used to taking on escalators and doing the grocery shop with Jen in Hobart, the new training has proven surprisingly easy for the talented Seeing Eye Dog.
“I can trust her on tree roots and slippery rock,” she said.
“She just stepped up and she just ignores the wildlife.”
The Bay of Fires trek in November is a six-day trek around the unique landscape of North East Tasmania, going from beaches to rugged mountain terrain.
It has a reputation as one of the most pristine natural wonders of the world, as the white sands of the beach mix with granite boulders and lagoons.
Photo: The Bay of Fires in Tasmania.
The trek is also a fundraising opportunity to raise funds for the work of Seeing Eye Dogs.
Training for a Seeing Eye Dog, even before they get matched with their handler, cost upwards of $50,000.
Jen says Nellie has given her the confidence to go out independently, and try new activities she probably wouldn’t have even considered possible without sight.
“I’ve been on a four-seater plane, ridden a horse and cart with her,” she said.
“We’ve become a team.”
For the trek in November, Jen is happy she can join her sighted peers without the need for much assistance.
“I'm looking forward to being able to do it without having to hang on to someone's elbow or a piece of rope,” she said.
You can listen to the full interview below:
There are still spots available for the Bay of Fires Adventure. Visit the website for more information and to apply.
Talking Vision is a weekly discussion of issues relating to blindness and low vision.
It includes stories of inspiration and achievement and information on services for the community.
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