Fern helps Jeanette move around
They have been together for four years and Fern has been very helpful.
The journey of finding a best friend was never easy for Jeanette Barnard who was struggling with her eyesight until she got assistance from the SA Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind.
She now has Fern, a puppy full of life and intentions of helping Barnard move around. “Fern is the fourth puppy I have from the SA Guide Dogs. She is amazing and I couldn’t have asked for a better best friend.”
She says the only problem with having a furry friend is restrictions in some areas. “I always need to be with Fern, she is my eyes; she guides me, and some places like malls do not understand that. Fern is very helpful with the condition I am in but I cannot take her to a lot of places and that sometimes hurts me.
I do miss the three other guide dogs but having Fern fills up that slot.
“My first guide dog started bumping into things when we walked and I would also bump into things. I knew something was wrong and I had to get her checked out. During her checkups I was told that she has eye problems and cannot help me going forward. It was very sad to see her go but I knew it was for the best.” She had a second guide dog, Goldie. “When I got Goldie I was very happy. She was free-spirited and amazing company but unfortunately, she was shot and she passed away.
“My third guide dog was amazing. We were together until she retired. There was no problem with her; she was just a ball of fire. She retired at 11years and she unfortunately passed away due to cancer but we had amazing memories together and I will always remember that burning ball of fire and fun.”
Her fourth guide dog is Fern who has been nothing but a best friend and very helpful to her. “Her beautiful skin always has to match my style because she is always the best looking. I love Fern. She really makes a difference and helps me with a lot.”
Related article: Raise a hero pup with the SA Guide Dogs
