Our newest pup star – Orlando
This month, our cover star is the adorable Guide Dog puppy in training, Orlando! He holds a special honour – his name was chosen by our Patron, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, The Governor of Victoria, during her visit to our newly redeveloped campus in July 2024.
Now eight months old, Orlando is growing into his role, displaying a calm nature and adaptability to new environments – which is exactly what we look for in a future Guide Dog. He’s already taking short trips on trains and trams as part of his early training, experiencing important environments and situations that will help him support someone with low vision or blindness one day.
At home, Orlando is just like any other playful pup. He loves splashing in the water and, of course, soaking up as many cuddles as possible! With your support, puppies like Orlando are on the path to changing lives.
Meet the team.
Hi, I’m Alex – Puppy Development Advisor at Guide Dogs Victoria.
I’m proud to say I’m living my dream! I joined Guide Dogs Victoria in this role in April 2021, but my journey with the organisation began in 2016 as an Ambassador and Puppy Raiser.
Growing up on a farm in Geelong, I later worked as a model, presenter, and in a local museum after completing my Masters in Cultural Heritage. My passion for Puppy Raising inspired me to earn a Certification in Dog Behaviour and Training, ultimately leading me to this incredible opportunity.
Every day as a Puppy Development Advisor is as rewarding as it is varied. I work with about 30 Puppy Raisers in my inner-Melbourne region, offering support through regular visits, puppy classes, and one-on-one behavioural training.
I also help recruit new Puppy Raisers, run information sessions, and manage our Puppy Raising Facebook group. Of course, no day is complete without plenty of puppy cuddles!
For me, there’s nothing more fulfilling than watching a wobbly 8-week-old pup learn the skills they need to grow into a confident Guide Dog, ready to transform the life of someone with low vision or blindness. Puppy Raisers play a vital role in this journey, and I’m there every step of the way to support them through the highs and challenges – from adjusting to life with a new pup to saying goodbye when it’s time for assessment.
I’m thrilled to introduce my new column, Ask Alex. In each new edition, I’ll answer your questions about puppies and Puppy Raising. Whether you’re a current Puppy Raiser or just curious, I’m here to help! If you’ve ever thought about becoming a Puppy Raiser, now’s the perfect time. Visit our website to learn more
Your support could change lives, one wagging tail at a time.
QT Melbourne x Guide Dogs Victoria:
A PAWfect match
QT Melbourne is known for its unique and
luxurious guest experiences – but now, it’s
getting a little more PAWsome. On February 25,
our exciting partnership with QT Melbourne was
unveiled, highlighting inclusion, wellbeing, and
making a difference – one tail wag at a time.
At the heart of it all is Russell, QT Melbourne’s
first-ever hotel Wellbeing Dog-cierge. While his
Guide Dog training took a different path, he’s
now found his calling in spreading joy, leading
morning walks, and greeting guests with his
signature charm. But Russell’s role goes beyond
cuddles and sharing puppacinos – he’s also
here to share the incredible work of Guide
Dogs Victoria.
Through this partnership, QT Melbourne has
created dog-friendly experiences like ‘Pups
& Pilates’ on the luxe QT rooftop, opened a
Dog-Friendly café in the lobby, and is offering
PupYeah! Staycations – for owners who want
to bring their four-legged friends with them as
they explore Melbourne.
Tap the image to secure your tickets now!
Campus showcase
Our Kew Campus is now fully open and includes comprehensive support services for our Clients, world class kennels, training and vet facilities, and nursery to foster our much-loved dogs, and offices for our staff. It’s here we hope to continue the work of our founders for decades to come. Since the official launch in late 2024 our Kew Campus has marked new milestones.
Residential program and accommodation
The new campus accommodation means once our Clients are matched with their Guide Dog, they can undertake a two-week intensive training program while staying at our purpose-built facility. This includes break out spaces, a lounge, and kitchen to make it easier to be away from home.
Sensory garden
Our sensory garden features thoughtfully designed elements, including musical instruments, a gold fish pond and water feature. It provides a serene space where people with blindness or low vision can enhance their sensory experiences and connect with nature.
Assistive technology and merchandise shop
Located next to reception, we have opened a retail shop which offers a range of assistive technology and Guide Dogs branded gifts and merchandise. It’s perfect for anyone looking to support our cause while finding useful and thoughtful items for a loved one.
The archives
Our 68-year-history has been carefully curated and displayed in an exhibition next to our reception. It includes rare photos and retro assistive technology and an old training uniform.
The Immersion Room and Sensory Room for our Early Childhood program
A purpose-built space designed to meet the needs of children from newborns to teenagers. Children can safely explore the tactile and interactive equipment in the room and on the walls.
Community hub
During business hours our community hub is filled with Guide Dogs staff and pups in training taking a bit of a break. It is also open to the public who are welcome to come and enjoy a coffee or cup of tea with us. So please think about dropping by next time you are passing.
The Betty Amsden Education Centre
This large room can seat over 80 people and can be rented for meetings and events.
Kew Campus
Festive Season wrap up
In December every year, we try and make sure to mark the time with a personalised thank you to as many of our donors and supporters as we can speak to. This year our caring staff called over 3,000 people.
Our supporters and volunteers are the reason we can offer so many wide-ranging services to our Clients, and that we can keep our wonderful dogs happy and healthy.
Here are some other things that happened in the lead up to Christmas:
Christmas origami
Over the year, Guide Dogs Victoria Clients and our friends at Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria have been teaming up to learn and create origami decorations.
With the help of experts from Melbourne Origami Group and staff and volunteers, hundreds of origami shapes were delicately folded and crafted. The traditional folding techniques were adapted, so people with blindness or low vision could follow detailed audio instructions, video tutorials, and tactile aids.
In December a beautifully decorated Christmas tree at our reception in Kew showcased advanced designs like cranes, boxes, baubles, diamonds and even a large star on top.
The origami sessions offered a space for social connection, laughter, and shared experiences and was a reminder that craft and creativity can be powerful tools for connection and community building
Otus lunches
More than 150 people who are a part of our Otus Fellowship gathered across Victoria in December to mark another year of their support.
The events are a chance to cultivate a strong relationship to a charity over decades. This year three Christmas lunches were held, in Geelong, Mornington and in Kew. Participants were able to hear from mum Kerry about how her Guide Dog Tegan, has helped her gain independence after she lost her sight.
The Otus Fellowship brings together like-minded supporters of Guide Dogs Victoria who intend to make a life-changing contribution to Guide Dogs through gifts in Wills.
Your words of care and kindness support the Kennels Team over Christmas
Thanks to supporters like you, we’ve been able to transform lives. Whether it’s helping little Ivy gain confidence with her Therapy Dog Perry, supporting Akira as she heads off to university with her Guide Dog Kash, or helping mum Kerry regain her confidence with her Guide Dog Tegan after a sudden loss of vision.
Your generosity ensures that we can continue to provide life-changing Guide Dogs and Therapy Dogs to those who need them most.
By 2030, it is estimated one in 29 Australians could be living with blindness or low vision, and we need your continued support to meet the growing demand,
Thank you for being a vital part of this incredible journey. Your care and support is felt every day at Guide Dogs Victoria.
Last Christmas, as part of our Christmas appeal mailing, our supporters once again showed their kindness and care by sending in their messages of love and support.
Your thoughtful words of encouragement and appreciation meant so much to our team, who work tirelessly to empower people with low vision or blindness, and the pups they are training.
We proudly displayed your messages in the Guide Dog kennels over the holidays, creating a warm and uplifting space for our staff and pups in training. These heartfelt messages of support reinforced the importance of our work and fuelled our commitment to making a difference in the year ahead.
Top training tips from the Guide Dog Training Team
Enhance your training journey and bring out the best in your furry best friend with these tips from our expert Guide Dog mobility specialists and trainers!
One of the first things you might do after bringing home your newest canine companion is teach them basic obedience commands like ‘sit’ and ‘stay’. But what is the key, you ask?
Positive reinforcement!
All animals require motivation to repeat a behaviour. Positive reinforcement uses rewards to strengthen desirable behaviours while having fun and building strong bonds. When a behaviour is followed by a reward, it’s more likely to be repeated.
Your training Toolbox:
1. Treats (the fastest and most reliable reward)
2. Pats and praise
3. Play
4. A combination of all of the above
Use the positive reinforcement technique at any time of the day – even outside of dedicated training time. If you notice your dog demonstrating a desirable behaviour (even if you haven’t given a command), reward them to reinforce the appropriate behaviour. When using treats as reinforcement, account for the treats into their daily food allowance to avoid overfeeding your dog.
Guide Dogs is proud to use positive reinforcement to train our dogs in line with animal welfare values and in accordance with the International Guide Dog Federation’s standards.
Training toolbox:
-
1. Treats -
2. Pats and praise -
3. Play -
4. A combination of all of the above
Farewell, Mr Walker
Park Hyatt’s beloved Ambassador Dog officially retires
After seven years of warm welcomes, exciting excursions, and countless pats and tail wags, Mr Walker, Park Hyatt Melbourne’s first-ever Ambassador Dog, has retired. The beloved Labrador has been a famous fixture of the luxury hotel, charming guests, befriending celebrities, and spreading awareness about the vital work Guide Dogs Victoria does to empower the low vision and blind community to live a life of their choosing.
Originally trained as a Guide Dog, Mr Walker found his calling at the Park Hyatt, where his exceptional people skills made him a natural in his role. Whether greeting guests in the lobby, offering companionship to travellers, or even making special visits to those missing their own pets, his presence brought a unique sense of comfort to the hotel that both staff and guests will miss. His impact extended far beyond Melbourne, with his heartwarming story inspiring The Tales of Mr Walker, a children’s book series that continues to support Guide Dogs Victoria’s mission and purpose.
Although Mr Walker may be stepping away from his ambassador duties to embark on his well-earned retirement by the ocean with the hotel’s former general manager, his paw prints will forever remain at the heart of Park Hyatt Melbourne. Our heartfelt thanks goes to our supporters at Park Hyatt Melbourne for their unwavering support and commitment to creating life-changing independence and confidence in the lives of people with low vision or blindness.
Happy retirement, Mr Walker – may your days be filled with sunshine, seaside strolls, and endless belly rubs! No matter where your paws take you, you’ll always be a Guide Dogs legend.
Ask Alex
Is Puppy Raising right for me?
What’s involved?
As a Puppy Raiser, you’ll welcome a potential future Guide Dog into your home from around eight weeks old until they’re ready to return to us after 12 months.
Your job is to nurture the puppy, so they grow into a well-socialised, confident Guide Dog.
Remember: Guide Dogs Victoria will supply all food, equipment, preventative medications and veterinary care.
Your questions answered:
- Do I need a big house with a yard?
- No, you simply need access to a suitable toileting area.
- Can I have other pets?
- Absolutely! Our potential future Guide Dog pups can happily co-exist with pet dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and reptiles.
- I don’t have experience in raising dogs – does that matter?
- It’s not a problem! Our expert puppy advisors and trainers will guide you every step of the way.
Training and care:
Puppy Raising requires time, commitment and regular training in various settings to expose a pup to diverse people, environments, and experiences. This builds a pup’s confidence and adaptability for their working life.
Support:
You’ll have monthly meetings with a puppy development advisor, plus group training and peer support to learn everything you need to know as the puppy ages. Many Puppy Raisers arrange meet-ups for puppy playdates. If you have travel plans, we’ll organise temporary care for the pup.
What happens when it’s time to say goodbye?
Letting go of a Guide Dog puppy can feel like a bittersweet moment.
While it’s natural to feel a bit sad after bonding with the pup, it’s important to remember the invaluable impact you are making in the life of someone with low vision or blindness.
Puppy tales
Pip returns for intensive training
Pip the Guide Dog is back on campus for the next step in her training! After spending time growing up and learning about the world around her, she’s now ready for more focused lessons that will help her become the amazing Guide Dog she’s destined to be.
At Guide Dogs Victoria, Pip is learning imPAWtant skills like safely guiding, stopping at curbs, and helping her future Handler avoid obstacles.
She’s also working on responding to commands in different environments, so she can handle everything from busy streets to quiet parks with confidence.
This stage of Pip’s training is all about preparing her for her most important job—helping someone with low vision or blindness live a more independent life. It’s a big job, but Pip is showing lots of promise!
As Pip continues her training, she’s getting one step closer to the moment when she’ll be paired with her new best friend.
Can you navigate the maze and help Pip and her handler safely find their way to the finish?
Caring for our dogs
Prioritising health and wellbeing from day one
Janice Aldred, Canine Health and Welfare Manager at Guide Dogs VIC, is dedicated to overseeing the health and wellbeing of all our dogs. Along with her team, she supports around 140 new puppies each year as they embark on their journey to becoming life-changing Guide Dogs.
From the moment the puppies are born, our team of caring staff and volunteers takes an active role in their development. Between play and rest, they spend quality time with each pup, helping them become accustomed to regular vet checks they’ll need throughout their lives.
Did you know that every dog in training undergoes a daily body check? This is a critical part of ensuring their health is monitored closely. We look for everything from potential ear infections and skin allergies to checking between their paws for any debris. No bit of fur is left unturned in our quest to maintain their health.
In 2025, we’re excited to announce that Coles is once again supporting Guide Dogs between Wednesday 23 April and Tuesday 20 May by donating five cents from every purchase of dog food and treats sold up to a maximum donation limit of $300,000. “Ensuring that our puppies and dogs in training receive the care they need to become life-changing companions for those with low vision or blindness is essential,” says Janice. “We’re incredibly grateful to Coles for their ongoing partnership which spans over four decades and for joining with the community to raise much-needed funds to support our dogs’ health and wellbeing.”
You can help too. Spread the word and make sure to shop in-store or on Coles online during this special fundraising period.
Of course, you can also support Guide Dogs year-round at your local Coles by dropping your loose change into one of the Guide Dogs Donation Dogs located in over 800 supermarkets across Australia.
Our partners
Thank you to our partners:
Your donations to Guide Dogs Victoria help us to continue our important work, including matching Guide Dogs and Therapy Dogs, Orientation and Mobility services and Occupational Therapy through almost 3,000 Client programs.
For more information, call 1800 804 805
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