Four paws. Freedom. Fun. Carolyn and Zeb’s journey.

Four paws. Freedom. Fun. Carolyn and Zeb’s journey.

Carolyn waited over a year for her new guide dog. But when Zeb finally arrived in September 2024, he was worth every minute! This chilled-out, clever Labrador brought something truly special into her life – freedom – complete with lots of licks. “Zeb is a quiet-natured boy, but he’s friendly and very loving,” Carolyn says warmly.

Zeb is a very good boy when it comes to his guiding work! His intelligence shines in the sweetest ways, remembering every route and stopping at familiar places as if asking, “Is this where we’re going today, Mum?” This smart Guide Dog also pauses at each bus stop on regular routes, checking if it’s the one Carolyn needs. “They’re so clever,” says Carolyn with a smile. “He’s got a very good memory.”

Carolyn was born with Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome and lost her vision completely on August 18 in 2011. The same day, her first guide dog, Imogen, was born – a serendipitous connection that changed her life. “When I was told her date of birth, I thought that was meant to be,” Carolyn recalls.

When Imogen bounded through Carolyn’s door for the first time, she rolled on her back with an invitation to rub her tummy. “Our friendship sealed, basically. She was a lovely, dolly girl who was friendly to everybody,” Carolyn recalls with a smile. Imogen gave Carolyn independence and companionship for 10 wonderful years before retiring in May 2023. “I had the hard decision of putting her up for adoption. And I knew that was going to be tough, but I also knew, on the other hand, I was doing that for her sake, because she needed to be in the home where she had lots of attention,” says Carolyn.

Learning to navigate vision loss also meant gaining new skills. Back in 2003, when Carolyn knew her sight was deteriorating, she learned Braille – opening up a whole new world of reading.

But even with years of support from Blind Low Vision NZ, daily life still presents challenges. Carolyn’s local area is full of roundabouts, incorrectly placed tactile markers, overhanging trees, cracked footpaths and crossing signals that don’t work. “It makes you question whether it’s worth walking that route or taking the easy and expensive way out by getting a taxi,” Carolyn explains. That’s why Blind Low Vision NZ advocates for better accessibility across New Zealand, thanks to wonderful supporters like you.

Now Zeb helps Carolyn navigate these challenging streets confidently and run errands independently. They go on walks to visit Carolyn’s mum down the road together, listening out for Tuis singing in the trees along the way. “You can’t do that with a cane!” Carolyn laughs.

Most importantly, Zeb is a lifeline to work. He guides the way to her job – safely taking the bus each way together. Carolyn’s job gives real meaning and purpose to her life, and she couldn’t do it without Zeb.

But life isn’t all work for this dynamic duo. At home, this lovely Lab is “a chronic licker” who “loves playing,” says Carolyn. Zeb’s favourite toy is his rattle box – he rattles as he plays fetch, leaping enthusiastically around the lounge, all wags and affection.

Wherever Carolyn is off to, you’ll find Zeb with her every step of the way. From work to walks and everything in between. Zeb is much more than a guide dog; he represents freedom – letting Carolyn live life on her terms. “You get a very loyal companion and friend you can enjoy going out and working with.”

Thanks to your ongoing support, we can keep breeding and training exceptional guide dogs like Zeb, while also providing essential services like Braille training, emotional counselling, and community advocacy. Your generosity brings confidence, freedom and happiness to more Kiwis living with vision loss. Thank you.