Guide Dog 'Urban' to rival Keith's appeal - October 2010

A Guide Dog named after Caboolture’s most famous son, Keith Urban, is the new face of a statewide campaign to raise funds for Guide Dogs Queensland.

Driven, focused, and handsome - just like Keith, Guide Dog ‘Urban’ is a Labrador Retriever who became ‘the eyes’ of Bribie Island resident Darryl Welding in June.

Mr Welding, who has been blind since birth, said his canine companion shared many of Keith’s qualities.

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

‘Urban’ is Mr Welding’s fifth Guide Dog and follows in the footsteps of Guide Dog ‘Warri’ who retired earlier this year.

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 but with ‘Urban’ it was just a gut feeling,” he said.

“He let out a big ‘Woof’ when he saw some other dogs and I thought, ‘This boy’s got something’!”

“Waiting for ‘Urban’ was worth it. I love him,” he said.

Caboolture residents should keep an eye out for a letter featuring the pair which is about to land in mail boxes across Queensland.

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

“Guide Dogs Queensland receives less than seven per cent in government funding for specific orientation and mobility services and no funding for our Guide Dogs,” she said.

To read more about Mr Welding and ‘Urban’, or to donate to Guide Dogs Queensland Free Call 1800 810 122.

For further information please contact GDQ Communications and Marketing Manager Donna Hurley by phone: 3500 9017 or email: d.hurley@guidedogsqld.com.au