Seeing Eye Dog in training, Frieda, is high in the odds of winning her maiden Puppy Games.
The four month old comes with a special advantage, she is both trained and cared for by puppy development trainer Paige Coleman.
“So I raise Frieda in addition to my work as a puppy trainer, so that gives Frieda and I a little edge on top of the other teams, so not only do I train her I but Frieda also lives with me,” Paige tells Talking Vision.
Caption: Puppy development trainer Paige Coleman with Frieda.
Frieda is up against three other puppies, Isobel, Ivory and Chessy in the July 22 Seeing Eye Dogs Puppy Games.
This week Talking Vision delves into the preparation of the puppy games and hears about the importance expert training has on creating a fully-fledged Seeing Eye Dog.
At puppyhood, they are taught basic socialisation skills and obedience but at maturity, each dog receives up to six months of expert training with a specialised instructor.
It takes up to two years and over $50,000 for a puppy to reach a level it can become matched with someone with a vision condition.
Also on the show Stella Glorie speaks with computer scientist Philip, who has had an astounding career in mathematics and robotics and is fascinated with robotic vision systems.
He speaks about the hurdles he had to overcome, from university teachers expecting very little of him, to broaching the topic of his blindness to potential employers.
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.
Tell us your story by emailing [email protected]
The Seeing Eye Dogs Puppy Games will be streamed online on July 22 at 1pm (AEST).
To donate visit thepuppygames.visionaustralia.org