Seeing Eye Dogs Show, by Vision Australia Radio

On this episode we're joined by puppy and breeder carer Laura Allen who chats with us about her life with breeding dog Vinny. Laura is a repeat puppy carer, raised Vinny and the pair work in an office, are avid Carlton supporters, and keep active walking together. We also have part of an interview with Seeing Eye Dog handler Mitch Barri from the archives talking about his life as a dad and partnership with Seeing Eye Dog Yogi. If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/ We’re looking for more breeder carer volunteers in select regions of Melbourne listed on our website. Breeder carers care for the dogs in their homes full-time, and transport the dog to the Seeing Eye Dogs kennel facility in Kensington, VIC for breeding activities. These dogs are over 1 year old accepted into the breeding colony selected for their lovely natures and maintain their manners during their time in the breeding program. Find out about breeder caring here: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/volunteer/breeding-dog We're also open for puppy caring and training dog caring across other regions of VIC, NSW & QLD. If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs, the work we do, other caring roles or becoming a handler, head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode we're joined by Puppy Development Trainer Steph Shaw who shares some insight and psychology on dogs' sense. We discuss how dogs perceive the world and how those senses cam impact behaviour and the way we can train or handle them. If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/ We are looking for puppy carers now so if you're keen to raise a puppy to hopefully become a Seeing Eye Dog we'd like to hear from you! It's an incredibly rewarding experience, with training provided. Carers need time, patience and love to give to a puppy, so if you want to commit to a year of puppy raising, we would love your help. We're looking for carers now in parts of Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales listed on our website. Get in touch to find out about volunteering with us or apply now via our website. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seeing Eye Dogs handler Maddy joins us to talk about her life, partnership and story with Seeing Eye Dog Buzz. Maddy is an active handler who loves being out and about, running and swimming, when she's not working at a hospital in the city with Buzz by her side. They are a new team and Maddy talks about their training together, early adventures, and plans for the future. If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/ If you're blind or have low vision and are interested in becoming a handler or applying for a Seeing Eye Dog, please email us at info@sed.org.au or call on 1800 037 773 to discuss dog guide mobility, eligibility or assessment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Ashe Mooney, Seeing Eye Dogs lead veterinarian, joins us for a bumper guide interview talking about what not to eat for our dogs. We discuss toxic foods, hazards that a dog might ingest, tips to keep your dog safe from risky foods during social gathering, and what to do if you dog has potentially eaten something they shouldn't have. If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, Harriet is joined by two guests. Chris Edwards, Chief Mission Officer at Vision Australia, joins us to talk about proposed changed for the NDIS, how his team are making recommendations and working with government, and what these potential changes might mean for dog guide handlers. Abi Howes, Puppy Development Team Lead, joins us to talk about dog enrichment, different types of enrichment and how they can be used to address different needs of our dogs. If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) Vice President of Communications Tony Stephens to talk about the AFB's documentary Possibilities which tells the story about Helen Keller and discusses how her amazing legacy impacts and influences the modern lives of people who are blind or have low vision. In this interview we chat about Helen's life, how the documentary explores empowerment and blindness and low vision, and the making of the documentary shaped by people including those with lived experience. The documentary is available on Amazon Prime and Apple TV. To arrange a copy to view for education, please contact communications@afb.org . If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet talks to training dog carer volunteer Fabien. Fabien, along with his wife and son, are carers for dogs during their formal training. They work as a team to give a loving and restful home to dogs (often multiple at the same time!) during training and before being placed with a client. Fabien shares his story, love for labs, fitting in caring with work and family life, and experiences as a carer. We love our volunteer community and are appreciative of their work making our mission possible at Seeing Eye Dogs. We’re looking for lots of types of carers currently including training dog carers local to SED Kensington site. Head to the training dog care page of our website to find out about training dog care or to the volunteering page to read about all volunteer roles. If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by two guests. Kylie Gersh, Seeing Eye Dogs Dog Production Manager, joins us to talk about dog assessment processes and how we determine suitability for the role of Seeing Eye Dog or which career suits each dog. Kylie discusses how the Career Pathway Assessment helps select careers to achieve the best welfare for each dog and gets the right dogs to Seeing Eye Dogs handlers for long successful partnerships. Dr Ashe Mooney, Seeing Eye Dogs Lead Veterinarian, joins us to talk about kennel cough. If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode Harriet is joined by two guests: Queensland puppy carer Justine Dunn comes on the show to talk to us about her experiences caring for Enzo and Indy. Justine is a grandma, recently retired, and raising her second puppy. She chats with us about raising pups and their adventures together. Thanks Justine for your work as a carer, you make it possible! Seeing Eye Dogs lead veterinarian Dr Ashe Mooney joins us to share some information about bird flu and diseases dog owners should be aware of. Please be aware this is general information and please contact your vet for advice related to your own animals. If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/ We are looking for puppy carers now so if you're keen to raise a puppy to hopefully become a Seeing Eye Dog we'd like to hear from you! It's an incredibly rewarding experience, with training provided. Carers need time, patience and love to give to a puppy, so if you want to commit to a year of puppy raising, we would love your help. We're looking for carers now in parts of Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales listed on our website . Get in touch to find out about volunteering with us or apply now via our website . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show Harriet is joined by Seeing Eye Dogs lead veterinarian Dr Ashe Mooney. Dr Ashe shares some health tips and information about medical conditions that are more common in cooler months. We talk about hypothermia, kennel cough, conjunctivitis and provide some helpful information to help keep your dog happy and healthy. Please don't forget this is general advice, please refer to your vet for treating your animal. We have an interview from the archives on body condition score with Dr Ashe. We discuss how to keep the dog in the best physical condition using body condition measurements rather than weight to gauge health. If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seeing Eye Dogs handler Joan Duncan joins us to talk about her life with Seeing Eye Dogs. Joan's had four Seeing Eye Dogs so in this interview you'll hear some of the many stories throughout her time as a handler with dogs Cayla, Hillsy, Isa, and Lenny. We also talk about Joan's volunteer role at Seeing Eye Dogs. If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/ If you're blind or have low vision and are interested in becoming a handler or applying for a Seeing Eye Dog, please email us at info@sed.org.au or call on 1800 037 773 to discuss dog guide mobility, eligibility or assessment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show we have two interviews: Jett Greene, Puppy Development Trainer in NSW, joins us to talk about their story, life and role of a puppy development trainer. Paige Don, Puppy Development Trainer in VIC, shares some tips about happy and safe free-running and off-lead play for puppies and dogs. If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/ We are looking for puppy carers now so if you're keen to raise a puppy to hopefully become a Seeing Eye Dog we'd like to hear from you! It's an incredibly rewarding experience, with training provided. Carers need time, patience and love to give to a puppy, so if you want to commit to a year of puppy raising, we would love your help. We're looking for carers now in parts of Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales listed on our website . Get in touch to find out about volunteering with us or apply now via our website . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by puppy carer Melissa Hess. Melissa is a first-time puppy carer to Wasabi who has just began his Seeing Eye Dog training. Melissa works part time at TAFE, is studying her PhD, and enjoys park run. She's a busy and active carer, and fit Wasabi into her busy life including the family home with grandkids. If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/ We are looking for puppy carers now so if you're keen to raise a puppy to hopefully become a Seeing Eye Dog we'd like to hear from you! It's an incredibly rewarding experience, with training provided. Carers need time, patience and love to give to a puppy, so if you want to commit to a year of puppy raising, we would love your help. We're looking for carers now in parts of Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales listed on our website . Get in touch to find out about volunteering with us or apply now via our website . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the show, Harriet is joined by Seeing Eye Dogs Volunteer Partnerships Coordinator Liv Butcher, and first-time puppy carers Sharon & Scott Johnson. In recognition of National Volunteer Week, Liv joins us to talk about the work our 1000+ volunteers do across Seeing Eye Dogs, the amazing contribution of our volunteers and thanks our volunteers for the work they do. Sharon & Scott join us to share their story and experiences as first-time puppy carers in NSW caring for Seeing Eye Dog puppy Weasley. They talk about puppy caring as a family and the variety of experiences they and Weasley had together during the program. If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/ We are looking for puppy carers now so if you're keen to raise a puppy to hopefully become a Seeing Eye Dog we'd like to hear from you! It's an incredibly rewarding experience, with training provided. Carers need time, patience and love to give to a puppy, so if you want to commit to a year of puppy raising, we would love your help. We're looking for carers now in parts of Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales listed on our website . Get in touch to find out about volunteering with us or apply now via our website . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by first-time puppy carer Bek Brindle who shares her experiences raising Sven alongside her partner Ben in QLD. Bek is a corporate events manager, and co-carer husband Ben is an engineer so they balance busy lives whilst volunteering. Then we share an interview from the archives with Seeing Eye Dogs handler Chris Edwards Chief Mission Officer in Corporate Affairs & Advocacy with some tips for handlers around travelling with your Seeing Eye Dog. If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/ We are looking for puppy carers now so if you're keen to raise a puppy to hopefully become a Seeing Eye Dog we'd like to hear from you! It's an incredibly rewarding experience, with training provided. Carers need time, patience and love to give to a puppy, so if you want to commit to a year of puppy raising, we would love your help. We're looking for carers now in parts of Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales listed on our website . Get in touch to find out about volunteering with us or apply now via our website . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seeing Eye Dogs handler Nicole Tillotson and her dog Trixie join us to talk about their upcoming fundraising adventure Trek For Vision. We talk about their partnership and working together to achieve their goals. Nicole is working toward this Trek and a half-marathon and encourages people to set challenges and work toward their goals, especially for a good cause! Trek for Vision with Trixie 2026 is raising funds for Seeing Eye Dogs Youth Program and you can support Nicole and Trixie's effort in the Trek here: https://vision-australia.grassrootz.com/visionaustralia-greatoceanwalk-2026/nicole-tillotson with funds going towards the Seeing Eye Dogs Youth Program. Then we have part of an interview from the archives with Youth Program participant graduate Perle Peel who talks to us about her experience in the program. She has now graduated as a team with her Seeing Eye Dog Jetta. The Youth Program was a valuable experience that prepared her for life with Jetta, so please consider making a donation to keep the program running for 2027. You can hear the whole interview on the Podcast now . If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this International Guide Dogs Day special of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by Rolf Geerlings, Seeing Eye Dog handler to Marlo and Children and Young People Operations Lead at Vision Australia. Rolf shares his story of becoming a handler and the journey to gaining his independence back after challenges with vision loss. He talks about his partnerships with retired dogs Echo and Stella, and his new and current partnership with Marlo. If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/ If you're blind or have low vision and are interested in becoming a handler or applying for a Seeing Eye Dog, please email us at info@sed.org.au or call on 1800 037 773 to discuss dog guide mobility, eligibility or assessment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Ashe joins Harriet to talk about World Veterinary Day on April 25. We talk about the life of veterinarians, some of the challenges facing vets in the industry, and how you can work well with your vet to get the best out of your vet. We then talk vet tips about limps and arthritis in dogs. Please note content warning: this interview contains discussions of suicide and self-harm to raise awareness. If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show we meet Rel Mollet, a volunteer who has many roles. Rel is an experienced puppy carer, volunteers on site with our puppies and dogs, volunteers at the Youth Camp, runs Caring information sessions and more. She also is a mum and works in the book publishing industry and uses flexible working conditions to help Seeing Eye Dogs. Rel is a wonderful dedicated volunteer, and we couldn't thank her enough for the work she's done. If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/ We are looking for puppy carers now so if you're keen to raise a puppy to hopefully become a Seeing Eye Dog we'd like to hear from you! It's an incredibly rewarding experience, with training provided. Carers need time, patience and love to give to a puppy, so if you want to commit to a year of puppy raising, we would love your help. We're looking for carers now in parts of Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales listed on our website . Get in touch to find out about volunteering with us or apply now via our website . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Puppy carers Cheryl Mansell & Sophie Tighe join host Harriet talking about their puppy caring journey with Velvet. Cheryl and Sophie share the caring responsibilities for Velvet who goes between their two homes meaning the carers can balance puppy caring with their lives and jobs, and Velvet benefits from two lifestyles and the socialisation opportunities that brings. We also have an interview from the archive with trainer Jack Lord from during his trainer traineeship talking about the role of a Seeing Eye Dogs trainer. If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/ We are looking for puppy carers now so if you're keen to raise a puppy to hopefully become a Seeing Eye Dog we'd like to hear from you! It's an incredibly rewarding experience, with training provided. Carers need time, patience and love to give to a puppy, so if you want to commit to a year of puppy raising, we would love your help. We're looking for carers now in parts of Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales listed on our website . Get in touch to find out about volunteering with us or apply now via our website . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.