Michael and 'Cara'

Please support Guide Dogs Queensland this Christmas with a tax deductible donation. Your gift will help thousands of people now and into the future with low or no vision.

One such individual is 27-year-old Paralympian hopeful Michael Sheppard who has been blind since birth.

This Christmas will be a bittersweet one for Michael because it will be his last using his Guide Dog ‘Cara’. She will be retired from service in the New Year, most likely just prior to the 2012 London Games.

‘Cara’ will be 10-years-old next year at which time Michael will hand back her harness to Guide Dogs Queensland, and the beautiful black Labrador Retriever cross - now grey with age - will start a new life.

Normally, Guide Dogs Queensland would look to replace ‘Cara’ but the thought of parting with his best friend and Guide who has lead him through life since he was 19 was too much to bear for Michael.

“It’s just not what I want,” said Michael. “Going from a situation where she is with me every day to where she’s not, and I am taking another dog out. It’s not fantastic for her. I just see it as fair, really.”

Michael is one of the few clients who have made the decision to retain their Guide Dog as a pet following its retirement. He will return to the White Cane until ‘Cara’s’ passing, rather than replace her.

“‘Cara’ has given me the best years of her life. I want her to be happy,” said Michael. “It will be good for me to brush-up on my White Cane skills, and when I do get another dog I won’t be comparing them.”

Not only has ‘Cara’ given Michael the best years of her life but she has shared in the best years of his.

“She was with me at my 21st; when I graduated from University; when I represented Australia in Goalball, and at my wedding last year,” said Michael. “She had ribbons on her harness.

“’Cara’ has been integral to my life. The thought of retiring her is very daunting, just not a good feeling.”

Retiring a Guide Dog is one of the most challenging realities for our clients. It is confronting and sad because the relationship is as much about love and friendship as it is about independence and mobility.

“I always thought ‘Cara’s’ retirement would be a hard proposition to get my mind around,” said Michael. “To Guide Dogs credit they tell you this is what will happen in eight years time but it went by so quickly.”

Guide Dogs Queensland has the option to extend the working life of a 10-year-old Guide Dog by a final six months on vet advice and instructor recommendations if the dog is enthusiastic and capable like ‘Cara’.

But the reality for most Guide Dogs is they will be withdrawn between 8 – 10 years to ensure they enjoy a long and happy retirement, even though all are treated as pets by their clients once the harness is off.

“I think ‘Cara’ will really miss the work,” said Michael. “Her tail never stops wagging when she’s working. Her harness is the only thing that will make her drop her toys – to her it’s like another toy – she loves it.

“I remember the instructor who first trained us back in 2004 commented on ‘Cara’s’ drive and enthusiasm. She said, ‘Her heart will go all the way to the end. You will just have to manage her’.”

It is not unusual for a client to have up to six Guide Dogs throughout their life. Each costs $30,000 to breed, train and place but will be offered free of charge to those in need thanks to people like you.

Now a supporter of Guide Dogs Queensland as well as a client, Michael urges other donors to make a contribution this Christmas to help fund the training of another life-changing companion like ‘Cara’.

“If one person donates a little, it may not seem like a lot but everything does make a difference.”

In the most difficult of fundraising years we can assure you, never a truer statement has been made.

Thank you and Merry Christmas.

DONATE NOW to Guide Dogs Queensland’s Christmas Appeal.