Family fun day with the SA Guide Dogs
People with guide dogs and service dogs came to enjoy the family fun day.
The SA Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind held a family fun day on March 10, to celebrate the leap year.
The theme of the event was ‘Leaps of fun’ and attendees certainly did have fun. Everyone embarked on different activities which included a kennel tour, a blindfold walk experience with a guide dog, a dog race, a magic show and a chance to drive blindfolded.
“We truly appreciate days like these because they help and educate us. We might have family members that need this kind of help and events like this one are an eye-opener. I really enjoyed myself and the food was amazing. I hope more people can come out to see the amazing work done by these dogs,” said visitor, Tamsyn Griffiths.
She commended the SA Guide Dogs on the work that they do and said she will continue supporting them whichever way she can.
During the event attendees were educated on the kind of dogs they raise. According to one of the kennel supervisors, Corlet Grobler, they have guide dogs and service dogs.
“The guide dogs help people with disabilities. They guide them around and help them with their movements while service dogs help with movements. These dogs are usually for people who cannot do certain things for themselves. These dogs help with switching on and off the lights, closing and opening curtains and so forth,” said Grobler.
During the kennel walk, Grobler explained to attendees, “Our dogs multiply through artificial insemination.”
Grandpa Trevor Nel was excited to bring his granddaughter out to see the guide dogs. “These children are always on their phones. They must come out more often and see people and organisations that make a difference. I brought my granddaughter Taylor to see the nice market and to have fun with the guide dogs. You never know who might need them, so raise awareness everywhere you go.”
Taylor said she was excited and said she did not think she would have so much fun. “When it was grandpa‘s idea I thought I was going to be bored and I think I should go out with grandpa more often.”
Attendees never expected to be driving blindfolded but they were given a chance to experience how it is to drive without eyesight. There was a field where different people could drive and park blindfolded. “This experience was really amazing. I did not think driving blindfolded was a possibility but I did it,” said Jessica Pita.
Related article: Join the SA Guide dogs for a family fun day
