Bribie pair to star in Queensland campaign - October 2010

Bribie Island local Darryl Welding and his Guide Dog ‘Urban’ are the new ‘faces’ of a statewide campaign to raise much needed funds for Guide Dogs Queensland.

The story of Mr Welding and ‘Urban’- who was named after Australia’s most famous country music son, Keith Urban, has been featured in a mail campaign which rolls out across Queensland this month.

The letter details the story of Mr Welding’ s vision loss and his remarkable relationship with ‘Urban’ set against the back drop of their home on beautiful Bribie Island.

Mr Welding, who has been blind since birth, was matched with ‘Urban’ in June after the retirement of his fourth Guide Dog ‘Warri’.

Driven, focused, and handsome - just like his namesake - Guide Dog ‘Urban’ is a Labrador Retriever who became Mr Welding’s lifeline to independence in June.

Mr Welding said coincidence or not, ‘Urban’ shared many of Keith Urban’s qualities.

“He’s got that drive about him but he’s also got a good, soft nature,” Mr Welding said.

Mr Welding, 52, said he knew he had found his new guide when ‘Urban’ laid his head on Mr Welding’s feet during their first meeting at Guide Dogs Queensland.

“I met different dogs during the matching process, but with ‘Urban’ it was just a gut feeling. Waiting for him was worth it, I love him.”

GDQ Chief Executive Officer Chris Laine said it cost $30,000 to breed, train and place a Guide Dog with every dollar raised by the community.

“Guide Dogs Queensland receives less than seven per cent in government funding for specific orientation and mobility services and none for our Guide Dogs,” Ms Laine said.

“Through Mr Welding generously sharing his story, we hope to raise enough money to train several more Guide Dogs just like ‘Urban’, who is an exceptionally well behaved and loyal individual.”

To read more about Mr Welding’s story or to donate to Guide Dogs Queensland Free Call 1800 810122.