These gorgeous dogs have bright futures ahead! Here’s what they have been up to.
Luna
Cheeky black Labrador Luna is lighting up the Mornington Peninsula with her affectionate puppy smile. Coming up to 8 months old, little Luna is the sixth Seeing Eye Dog pup to pounce into her carer’s home, a typical Labrador who is full of love for everyone. She likes to start her day bright and early at 6am with breakfast and a walk, and is partial to a bracing swim at the beach. She is also quite the cultured pup, enjoying cinema, concerts and the theatre on occasion. Luna’s temperament and training are sweetening as she calms down in recent months, as she tones down the princess behaviour and focuses on her career. She’s also a very healthy and slim pup who knows how to strike a pose – and her carers say Luna is one of the best pups they have had (I bet they say that to ALL the puppies). With her lovely nature and enthusiasm for learning – not just treats! Luna’s carers and her puppy development trainer say Luna is well on her way to becoming a star Seeing Eye Dog.
Sadie
Sadie is a cheeky, friendly and loveable yellow Labrador who is always eager to please – a very important attribute in her chosen line of work. At 10 months of age, Sadie is working extra hard on her training and has improved dramatically in her walking since changing to a head collar. She no longer pulls on the lead for unplanned adventures, instead staying directly by her carer’s side like the good girl we always knew she could be. Her regular routine involves going to the park in the morning for a run-around with her best dog friends, before trotting off to work with her carer at a construction firm in the Melbourne CBD. During office hours, Sadie has the important task of Chief Nap Supervisor and Pat Receiver, both of which she excels at according to her carer’s colleagues. Sadie is very confident in crowds and comfortable in the city environment, enjoying all new spaces and smells with wonderful adaptation skills. She has recently spent some time at the kennels at SEDA to work on a minor behavioural issue, but her puppy development trainer is generally very happy with her behaviour, and she is also a very fit, healthy and trim dog, with one of the sweetest snouts you’d ever see. With her willingness to learn and her strong desire to please, Sadie’s carer believes she is on track to becoming an excellent Seeing Eye Dog.
Murphy
Murphy is a handsome yellow Labrador with honey gold colourings who, at almost 10 months of age, is in his boisterous and strong-willed adolescent stage. His daily routine involves waking up at 7:00 am for breakfast followed by a long morning walk, then roaming around town with his carer before another afternoon stroll. As a teenager, Murphy has become stronger to handle but his carer and puppy development trainer believe he will settle down as he matures past the rebellious phase. He also has potential to be a wonderful father thanks to his eagerness and keen attention, so he will go through the relevant medical examinations in the coming months to assess his suitability for the breeding program. Aside from his daily walks, Murphy’s favourite activity is swimming, whether it’s a large body of water or the toddler pool down the side of his carer’s house. Murphy loves the water and will dip his paws in any chance he can get. He also likes getting out and about on public transport and is very good with stairs, elevators, cars and traffic – he’s a very inquisitive pup and loves it all. His aptitude for learning and bold nature will stand Murphy in good stead when he completes his training for his exciting career as a Seeing Eye Dog.
Roxy
A highly valued team member at Vision Australia is the delightful darling Roxy. As a Seeing Eye Dogs Ambassador, this friendly and loving yellow Labrador lights up the office with her golden coat and dazzling smile. She’s also a regular at Mooroolbark College where her carer’s daughter is a school teacher, and she can receive the friendly pats she deserves. To unwind, Roxy enjoys a long walk around Lilydale lake on weekends as well as getting out and about to local cafes and restaurants. Having recently passed her nine-month assessment with flying colours, Roxy is doing very well with her training and just needs to conquer walking up and down metal stairs. She has also improved significantly at food refusal and now makes her way through the supermarket with ease – no longer getting distracted by food on the floor of the produce section. Roxy has also shown potential as a breeding dog, having recently spent some time at the SEDA kennels where she was admired for her temperament and dashing profile. She will undoubtedly make a fine mother with her strong sense of accountability, adorably soft cuddles and wonderful disposition. Regardless of whether she becomes a breeding dog, Roxy has enormous potential to reach her career goals as a fine Seeing Eye Dog in no time.
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