Guide Dogs Tasmania celebrated one of the most significant occasions on its calendar on Tuesday 29 September, as graduating Guide and Assistance Dogs are recognised at a special ceremony attended by the Governor of Tasmania and Patron of Guide Dogs Tasmania, Her Excellency the Honourable Caroline Wells.
The graduation ceremony will recognise the extraordinary journeys of 19 special dogs, celebrating those who have supported and guided them and the partnerships that will go on to provide greater independence, confidence and comfort for Tasmanians living with low or no vision, disability or illness.
The ceremony represents the culmination of years of specialised training, dedication and hard work by our specialist training teams, and the many staff, Puppy Raisers, volunteers, donors and supporters involved along the way.
Guide Dogs WA/TAS CEO Anna Presser said graduation was always an important milestone for the Guide Dogs Tasmania community. “Graduation is a wonderful opportunity to recognise what each dog and the team that supports them has achieved together and to celebrate the beginning of the next chapter in their journey,” Ms Presser said.
“Each one of our dogs brings unique skills and attributes to the varied roles they perform, whether that’s as Guide, Assistance, Facility, Brood or Companion Dogs.”
“Behind every dog you will see an incredible network of people who have helped them reach this point – from our breeding and training teams through to Puppy Raisers, volunteers, donors and supporters.”
Ms Presser said that while not all of the organisation’s specially bred dogs will achieve the rigorous training standards required to become a Guide or Assistance Dog, these dogs go on to other valuable and important careers as Facility, Brood and Companion Dogs providing valuable support and guidance across a range of settings.
“We are particularly honoured to have our Patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Caroline Wells, Governor of Tasmania, officiating at this year’s ceremony and joining us to recognise the achievements of our dogs, and the value of our volunteers and community.”
The class of 2026 included three graduating Guide Dogs, two Facility Dogs, one Assistance Dog, three Brood Dogs, eight Companion and two Home Support Dogs.
Guide Dogs Tasmania has a proud history of supporting Tasmanians with low or no vision and will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2027.
Footage courtesy of WIN News Tasmania and Seven News Tasmania
