Putting the bounce in Alison’s step!

With your support, Ziggy is helping 80-year-old Alison live life to the fullest.

When laid-back black Labrador, Ziggy, walked through Alison’s back door, it was a sign of their wonderful partnership ahead. This young charmer simply lay down by the ranch slider and made himself right at home! Transforming Alison’s life in an instant. “He just moved in and that was that,” Alison laughs.

For Alison, Ziggy means freedom. In just six months, this devoted companion has become a confident guide dog. He takes Alison into town to run errands and joins coffee dates with friends. Best of all, Ziggy is part of Alison’s beloved walking group, which she helped create 25 years ago. The group brings blind and low-vision members together with others in the community for weekly adventures. “Sometimes we’ll have maybe five guide dogs out walking, and when we take them to the beach, we can let them off. They all go absolutely berserk – in the water, chasing each other around. It’s hilarious!”

 

At home, Ziggy brings joy and independence to Alison’s days with his cheerful 6 am wake-up calls, complete with face-licks. This energetic Guide Dog keeps Alison active – rain or shine! “I am so grateful to have a guide dog,” she says. “I can just go into town any time and do whatever I want. He knows his way around now and is confident out on the street.”

All three of Alison’s guide dogs have been wonderful companions – and after waiting so long for Ziggy, she appreciates him immensely. What makes this partnership so magical is Ziggy’s loyalty to Alison. This lovely Lab is always by her side – either curled up on her feet, angling for pats or letting her know it’s treat time!  “He just never leaves you – in fact, he’s right beside me now!” Ziggy is more than a guide dog. He’s Alison’s friend. Much-loved companion and a lifeline to independence. “Ziggy is my independence – he’s my eyes. I just couldn’t imagine not having him.”

With his perfect temperament,chilled-out until it’s action time, Alison and Ziggy are living their best life together. “If you want to go for a walk, he’s like ‘oh yeah, righto, we’re away!”

Thanks to your ongoing support, we can breed and train more brilliant guide dogs like Ziggy and provide life-changing services such as white cane training, independence support and more. Your generosity goes beyond helping guide dogs – it brings independence, confidence and joy.