Our Cover Star
Meet Rocket
Meet new puppy Rocket from our Fruit and Veg litter. Now five and a half months old he is often out socialising with new doggy friends, visiting cafes with his Puppy Raiser and mastering the art of staying calm in busy places.
He’s also been off on a caravaning adventure to Yarrawonga, soaking up sunsets, playing in the sand, and enjoying those laid-back campfire vibes. Rocket knows that when his orange training jacket goes on, it’s time to focus – playtime comes later!
Rocket’s training now includes taking on stairs, lifts, small supermarkets, and walking on different surfaces. And he’s doing it like a pro. Go Rocket!
Meet Janice
Caring for every stage of life
Nursery and Lifecycle Health Services Manager Janice Aldred oversees all the puppies and dogs housed in the Nursery and Boarding Block.
Janice works to ensure the health and wellbeing of all dogs within the GDV colony. This includes the breeding dogs, all our dogs in training, the puppy raising program, plus Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, and Wellbeing Dogs.
Janice and her team maintain the hygiene standards of the kennels and yards, ensure that every dog and puppy is well fed, and provide special diets for pregnant and lactating dogs.
“My role also includes managing duties at the Vet Clinic, assisting with the care of dogs before and after surgery, and liaising closely with our on-site vet. And developing new ways to ensure consistency in the high standards of medical care.”
The question Janice is most often asked is “How long does it take to train a Guide Dog puppy?” She says “Our puppies are placed with a Puppy Raiser from around 8 weeks of age and return to the kennels for assessment once they are 12 months old. They continue their development with Dog Trainers and the caring Kennels Team. This helps the dogs progress through the next phase of their training journey.”
Janice’s days are full and fast-paced. She looks after dogs coming for vet consultations or surgery, and often assists the vet. After surgery, post-operative checks and discharge notes are done for each dog. Lots of cuddles are also given to the 4-legged patients to help them recover after surgery, or keep calm during a consultation.
There have been many beautiful moments over the years, including welcoming countless puppies into the world. Janice says, “I’ll always be grateful to the mum dogs for trusting me during such a vulnerable and important moment – it’s something I never take for granted.”
“I truly love my job. Every day is busy and often hectic, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Even after 24 years, I still learn something new every day and am inspired by the achievements across our organisation.”
“During my time at Guide Dogs Victoria one thing has remained constant: the unwavering care and commitment to the wellbeing of our dogs and pups. It’s clear to everyone involved that these animals are truly special.”
Meet Janice
Pathways to Work
A Guide Dogs Victoria first
The new Guide Dogs Victoria Employment Service was established in September 2024, supported by Perpetual IMPACT Philanthropy.
This service helps working age Victorians with low vision or blindness, as they consider career pathways, participate in work experience, or volunteering.
Support is given to prepare for a job application, attend an interview, disclose their vision loss, or identify assistive technology needs with an employer. In Australia almost 70% of people with low vision or blindness struggle to gain employment.
For all our Employment Service clients, there is a common perspective, that to work, is to have pride in yourself, your abilities, and your potential.
Kaye Jones – Employment Service Lead, told us “I have been so fortunate to be working alongside a Client and hear the excitement of the possibilities that her new role enables. How she will structure her workday, how will she travel to work, and the real potential to buy her own home.”
For further information regarding the Employment Service, please contact GDV’s Customer Service Team on 1800 804 805.
Reader's Digest Most Trusted Charity
Guide Dogs Named One of Australia's Most Trusted Charities
We’re proud to share some exciting news with you – Guide Dogs has been named one of Australia’s top three most trusted charity brands in the 2025 Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards, earning a Highly Commended recognition.
The Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards is one of Australia’s most respected and long-standing consumer awards initiatives. Since its launch in 1999, the Trusted Brands survey has been a key indicator of quality, reliability, and public trust – judged directly by Australian consumers. This recognition is only possible because of your support. Thank you for standing with us and helping to make our work visible, valued, and trusted by the community we serve.
Mary's Story
Finding Strength Through a Therapy Dog
Mary’s life was once filled with sport, energy, and community. A natural athlete, she grew up playing tennis, basketball, and netball. Thriving on the social connections and activity those games brought.
But life changed dramatically when Mary was diagnosed with macular degeneration, followed by several strokes. Her health challenges made it harder to stay active and connected; slowly, the outgoing and social lifestyle she once knew gave way to isolation.
Wanting to change her situation, Mary reached out to Guide Dogs Victoria and after an assessment and matching process, she was introduced to Gil, her new four-legged partner.
The bond was immediate. Trust was established in an instant, and with it came a powerful sense of companionship. “Suddenly, I didn’t feel alone anymore,” Mary says.
With her Gil by her side, Mary’s life has been transformed. She now enjoys daily walks, and visits new places with confidence.
She even takes Gil with her to work.
Mary now delights in sharing her and Gil’s adventures with friends and family through social media. A family member recently remarked: “I could not believe the love you can see between the two.”
For Mary, Therapy Dog Gil is more than a companion, he has been the key to regaining freedom, confidence and joy.
Today, Mary is the living proof of the lifechanging difference that a Therapy Dog can make possible.
PAWfect Presents
PAWfect Presents for Christmas
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Make 2026 a tail-wagging year to remember with our beloved Guide Dogs calendar, packed with even more adorable pups. Each happy face is a daily reminder of the incredible lives you help change.
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Big plans? Big heart? Our photo-free large print A3 calendar gives you extra space to jot down all your important dates. Designed especially for those with low vision, it’s planning made pawsible.
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Spread some puppy love this Christmas! Each pack includes 10 festive cards and envelopes across five joyful designs - ready to fetch smiles from everyone on your list.
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Small in size, big in cuddle power! Choose cream or black, each 10cm mini plush puppy sits proudly in its own harness, ready for playtime or display. Always a fan favourite!
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Cuddle up with the plush PJ Puppy - the snuggliest bedtime buddy! This 40cm-long cutie has a secret: a zipped, lined compartment under its tummy for storing your PJs or treasures. Soft, huggable, and paw-sitively adorable.
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You’ll be looking for any excuse to show a little ankle in these pawsome socks! Keep your feet cosy in furtastic style. One size fits most adults - perfect for dog lovers from heel to toe.
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Wrap up your gifts in pure pawsitivity! Our pack includes 10 sheets of wrapping paper and 10 matching gift tags (two designs, five of each) so your presents look almost too good to open.
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Brighten your kitchen with a splash of colour and puppy charm! Two pawsome designs - colourful checks with our Guide Dogs logo, and bold colour blocks. They’re lightweight, stylish, and ready to dry dishes in tail-wagging fashion.
Save Money & Support Guide Dogs with the Entertainment App!
You can support Guide Dogs Victoria while treating yourself (or a loved one) to savings with the Entertainment App!
For just $70 a year, you’ll unlock 100’s of offers and $100’s of discounts on petrol, groceries, dining, retail, accomodation and more. Save $100’s on things you already buy – all accessed from your phone.
Buy a subscription and nominate Guide Dogs Victoria as your charity of choice, 20% of the purchase price ($14) goes to Guide Dogs Victoria.
Easing the transition
Our New Guide Dog Retirement Program
After a lifetime of dedication and service every Guide Dog is ready to retire.
So having created a partnership built on trust, independence and connection how does a Handler cope with losing a trusted Guide Dog companion?
This year Guide Dogs Victoria pioneered the first Australian course to help Handlers as their Guide Dogs approach retirement.
This two-day residential program was a blend of well facilitated discussions and practical physical activities. It was a chance to pause, reflect and plan ahead with expert guidance, practical advice, and the support of others who truly understand the journey ahead.
Seven clients attended this Australian Guide Dogs first. All Guide Dogs received a wellness check with our on-site vet; there were group discussions with clinical psychologist Sara Waitzer, a refresher course on long cane skills, and insights into caring for an aging Guide Dog.
These two days helped change views on their dog’s retirement with many Handlers no longer feeling scared about changing from one Guide Dog to another.
“The retirement process for our working dogs can be incredibly complex and involve so many layers. But it is a topic that really needs to be … talked about. So having this incredible opportunity to do this in a safe and respected space has been, for me, incredibly worthwhile and insightful.”
Practical skills, real independence
Dog, Dine and Dash
Our Occupational Therapist and Orientation & Mobility Specialist hosted a fun and skill-building group program earlier this year for a group of our Clients.
Five Clients started the day by baking cookies using a cherished family recipe.
For some people with blindness or low vision, it was their firsttime baking and decorating, making it a fantastic opportunity to develop new life skills.
Later, there was a chance to use assistive technology with tools like Navilens, Piccybot, and Meta glasses to combine navigating an area with practical mobility training.
Finally all Clients had a chance to experience what it’s like to work with a Guide Dog – learning basic targeting techniques like locating a chair. This offered a glimpse at the incredible support a Guide Dog can provide.
Guide my way
Park Trek 2026
Walk the highlights of the iconic Great Ocean Walk from Apollo Bay to Port Campbell.
Guide Dogs Victoria has partnered with Park Trek to create a spectacular fully guided walk that brings together the highlights of the Great Ocean Walk over four spectacular days, from 17 – 20 March 2026
You can join Guide Dogs Victoria CEO, Nicky Long, Guide Dogs Victoria Clients, and likeminded supporters to hike and raise funds supporting people with low vision or blindness.
This 4-day guided walking experience is a positive boost for your body, mind and spirit while exploring a spectacular coastal trail that is rich with history of the infamous “Shipwreck Coast”.
Walking with Purpose
Guide Dog Handler Erin on walking Park Trek
“For me, joining Park Trek isn’t just about enjoying the beautiful Great Ocean Walk – though I can’t wait for that! It’s about stepping up for a cause that I live and breathe every day. Raising funds ensures more people who are blind or have low vision can gain the freedom, independence, and confidence that my Guide Dog brings to me.
Every dollar raised goes towards the $50,000 cost of a Guide Dog – helping to train, feed, and prepare a dog to become someone’s partner in independence. When I walk during Park Trek, I’ll be thinking about the next person waiting for their Guide Dog, and how these funds will help make that partnership possible.
I’m really looking forward to walking alongside leaders and supporters of Guide Dogs Victoria, sharing stories, and pushing through the kilometres together. We’ll be tackling the trail as a team, showing exactly what Guide Dogs make possible. I know there’ll be plenty of laughter, maybe some sore legs, but most of all, a shared sense of pride that we’re walking for something bigger than ourselves.”
Ask Alex
The Puppy Development Timeline
As a Puppy Development Trainer at Guide Dogs Victoria, no two days are ever the same, but one thing is constant – the day always starts and ends with dogs!
I travel to wherever I am needed, helping to guide families and individuals raising puppies from 8 weeks to around 14 months old.
Every day I have one goal in mind – helping the next generation of Guide Dogs reach their full potential.
Here's a typical day's work...
8:00 AM – Wagging into the Day
The phone buzzes with early updates from volunteer Puppy Raisers. This can be messages about how pups are progressing on walks, house training wins with newly placed pups, and the occasional health concern such as an itchy ear or upset tummy.
8:30 AM – Home Visit: First Steps for Flora
My first stop is the home of a new Puppy Raiser looking after a 9-week-old yellow Labrador named Flora. It’s Flora’s first official check-in since arriving one week ago, and I am here to observe, advise, and encourage.
At this age, it’s all about gradual exposure, as well as building confidence and trust.
This little pup is learning her name, how to walk calmly on lead, and how to respond to basic cues. Plus a few lessons on toilet and sleep training.
Even at this age Puppy Development Trainers are looking for key traits that will shape this pup’s future as a Guide Dog.
10:00 AM – Puppy Enrichment Group: Community Engagement
Later that morning, I am overseeing a weekly puppy enrichment group at the local oval.
This group brings together Puppy Raisers and their pups for a mixture of socialisation and structured training exercises. It’s not just about the puppies – it’s about the people too!
After the session is complete, the group goes to a nearby cafe where the dogs snooze under tables while the Puppy Raisers chat over coffee, sharing stories and supporting one another through the highs and challenges of Puppy Raising. This is a space where confidence grows, both for the pups and the people raising them.
12:00 PM – Progress Checks on the Road
Every day I visit Puppy Raisers across my region.
Today I am checking in on Pluto, a lively black Labrador puppy who is approaching the teenage stage. Pluto is confident but at times can be a bit cheeky.
During a short walk and training session at a busy shopping strip, I offer some tips on lead manners and impulse control around other pet dogs. This helps Pluto develop the focus and steadiness needed for advanced Guide Dog training down the line.
We’re raising future life-changing Guide Dogs and every pup needs to be able to handle the real world with calm and confidence.
2:00 PM – Quick Lunch, Big Conversations
Back at the Guide Dogs campus in Kew, I jump on a phone call with a first time Puppy Raiser. Their pup has been struggling with loud noises at the train station.
Supporting our volunteers is just as important as supporting our dogs. I believe confident people raise confident puppies!
Then it’s time to reply to emails, write up visit notes, book in new Puppy Raiser home interviews, as well as schedule more Puppy Raiser visits.
4:30 PM – Reflections and Plans
Finally, I check my schedule for tomorrow. There will be lots to do.
Despite the jam-packed busy days, I wouldn’t trade my job for anything. Every pup I support brings us closer to changing someone’s life, and I’m so lucky I get to be part of that every single day.
Australia Post Bill Pay
In the next few months you will be able to make a donation to Guide Dogs Victoria over the counter at an Australia Post shop.
It’s so easy! Ask your Australia Post shop team to scan the barcode on your donation form and then choose how you would like to pay.
It’s safe, easy, and convenient, and perfect if you do not like banking online.
Optimal health at the forefront
Caring for our canine colleagues
At Guide Dogs, one of our top priorities is the health of our dogs and preventing disease, so they can fulfil the very important job of supporting a person with low vision or blindness.
One of the ways our partnerships come to life is through supporting our clients. Paratriathlete, remedial massage therapist and mother, Beth, shared with us how her fourth Guide Dog, Flinnie, has helped her live a full and active life. “It’s important to me that Flinnie remains healthy and protected from parasites thanks to products like NexGard SPECTRA®, as being busy, it’s one less thing I need to worry about.” says Beth.
Karlee, another Guide Dog handler, has gained the newfound freedom to make the move to the city and live an independent life as she begins her studies at university with her Guide Dog, Isla, by her side.
“I’m so grateful to be able to support Isla the same way she supports me,” she shared with us. “Thanks to NexGard SPECTRA ®, I know she’s protected and healthy, and that means everything.”
Guide Dogs Australia has proudly partnered with Boehringer lngelheim Animal Health Australia for over 20 years, who provides preventative health support to our Guide Dogs across Australia, from puppyhood all the way through to their role as companions. In the past financial year alone, Boehringer lngelheim has donated more than 2,350 vaccines and 24,800 doses of parasite protection, including NexGard SPECTRA®, to our Guide Dogs.
We’re incredibly grateful to Boehringer lngelheim for their ongoing support in keeping our Guide Dog colonies safe and well.
Thank you to our partners:
Support Guide Dogs today
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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