Lester and 'Kenya'

Since “Kenya” came bounding into Lester’s life, they have developed a strong bond based on trust and mateship.

“Kenya”, a two year old Curly Coat Retriever x Labrador Retriever, had big paws to fill following the retirement of Lester’s first beloved Guide Dog “Yorrick”.

Lester and “Yorrick” were well known in the local community having worked as tour guides at the Boondall Wetlands and as volunteers at the Guide Dogs Breeding and Training Centre.  Lester said the decision to retire “Yorrick” after eight and a half years was not an easy one, but with “Yorrick” nearing the end of his working life he knew it was time for him to hang up his harness.”

“My biggest worry about retiring “Yorrick” was where he was going to go. I wanted him to be with someone who would give him the attention he was used to,” Lester said.  “I was relieved when a retired Puppy Raiser offered to take him, so I am still able to visit him regularly which is a great comfort.”

Lester says getting a new Guide Dog has been a really exciting and surprising experience.

“After eight years with “Yorrick” I thought no one could replace him, but “Kenya” is such a fast learner it is amazing how quickly we have become a team," he said. I have the eye disease Retinitis Pigmentosa and have very little vision now, so it was a relief when I started working with “Kenya” and everything just seemed to click.”

Lester says that thanks to Guide Dogs Queensland’s domiciliary Guide Dog training program, both he and “Kenya” were able to complete their training together at home and in his local area.

““Kenya” only had to be shown the way to my local football club once and he knew the way," he said. “It really is brilliant having a Guide Dog - they give you so much independence and freedom.

I put my life in “Kenya’s” hands every time I walk out the door and he never lets me down.”

“He’s not just my eyes, he’s my best mate.”