Howard and 'Falcon'

Falcon's Story

As a puppy, he was cheeky, playful and up to mischief whenever he got the chance. At times, it wasn’t certain that the young ‘Falcon’ would grow up to fulfil his destiny of becoming a Guide Dog.

‘Falcon’ is the well-known face of Guide Dogs Queensland. His image is seen in the Guide Dogs Queensland corporate logo, on the side of their training vans and in their    publications, but few people know he is also a working Guide Dog.

‘Falcon’ arrived on July 14, 2002, sired by GDQ’s Stud Dog ‘Roo’ and born to Brood ‘Elsie’. This parentage has a long and distinguished Guide Dog pedigree, so there were high hopes for ‘Falcon’ and his litter of eight from the beginning.

He has become a superb ambassador for Guide Dogs Queensland, however, his future as a Guide Dog wasn’t always a sure thing.

Teaching himself to open pool gates to satisfy a love affair with water did little to impress his puppy raiser and trainers. His cheeky nature and tendency to love play over work were endearing but not exactly Guide Dog traits.

As a puppy, ‘Falcon’ had a unique first 12 months with his Puppy Raiser Jonathon who was based in Brisbane. Having his own business, Jonathon, travelled throughout Australia, sometimes having ‘Falcon’ accompany him on flights, in boardroom meetings and onto construction sites.

Such a busy and privileged training life helped ‘Falcon’ become a confident and eager young dog – ready for Guide Dog training at age 12 months.

Coincidently, ‘Falcon’s’ Puppy Sponsors were also in the construction business.  Falcon’s training was generously paid for by Walter Constructions, who as Diamond Sponsors followed his progression through training and even attended his graduation.

It costs $25,000 to breed and train each Guide Dog, and with no government funding for Guide Dogs Services, the association relies on a Puppy Sponsorship program, donations and annual fundraising appeals such as the recent Pawknock Appeal to help cover the costs.

While training at the Breeding and Training Centre, at Bald Hills, Falcon caught the eye of the Guide Dogs Queensland marketing department. Staff watched him sit with pride and confidence while waiting to demonstrate his abilities and it soon became obvious they had found the image of Guide Dogs Queensland.

Courageous, Confident, Welcoming, Proud and A Leader are all words that have been used to describe his image, Guide Dogs Queensland and those individuals who seek our services.  At 20 months of age, Falcon was officially judged ready for matching. He’d successfully completed the intensive six months of Guide Dog training, having grown into a mature and caring young dog.

A month later, he was matched with Howard Morris, whose first Guide Dog had recently retired for health reasons.  

“I was told that it can be hard to bond with your second Guide Dog, as everyone loves their first Guide Dog so much – but it was never a problem with ‘Falcon’,” Mr Morris said.

“He fitted into my life and my family immediately. He’s been a wonderful friend and guide since that first day.”

Though don’t be fooled by that regal exterior Howard warns, as there still beats the heart of a playful and cheeky pup at times.

“He is a dog after all. A special one, who despite the benefit of some amazing training, is still a dog. Out of harness he romps around as if he’s six months not six years old, and still loves to belly bust into the nearest puddle, pool or lake,” Howard said.

Howard and ‘Falcon’ are well-known in their Caboolture community, and keep fit with daily outings to the library, shops, friends and Falcon’s favourite route ‘the park’.

“He never opts for the short-cut home as the long route takes him via the park,” Howard said.

“But I don’t mind, I love to walk with him. He’s so relaxed, and steady… I trust him 100 per cent. Often if there’s a new obstacle in our path, like a palm frond, he’ll slow right down, and stop before it so I can feel what it is and move it out of the way or tell him to go around.”

Howard and ‘Falcon’s five-year partnership has developed into a wonderful working relationship. When Howard puts his books in his bag, ‘Falcon’ sees and knows to head in the direction of the library without even being told.

When Falcon’s tail wag increases in speed, Howard knows a friend is near and will often – when time permits – slip him out of harness and allow some free play and cuddle time. “He deserves it, and so many people know and love him,” Howard said.