Cassandra Chui and her guide dog Esme arrived in Singapore on 4 December, after four weeks of intensive training in Australia.

Cassandra and Esme are the first guide dog team from Singapore to successfully complete training since 2005 and the first to do so at Guide Dogs Victoria in Melbourne, Australia.

Everyone living in Singapore can lend their support to Cassandra and her Guide Dog Esme by making them feel welcome.

Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, Aaron Horsington says the community at large plays an integral role in the journey of a Guide Dog and its owner. “Apart from companionship, a Guide Dog offers the owner a strong sense of security and independence.

Mr Horsington said another way the community can help Cassandra is to not pet Guide Dog Esme when she is in harness and working. “It is a natural reaction for the public to want to pet a working Guide Dog but doing so can distract the dog and this can have serious consequences for the owner. “Guide Dogs must focus exclusively on the safety of their vision impaired companion”.

For more information on becoming a volunteer, making a donation or a general enquiry contact:

Guide Dogs Association of the Blind Ltd

6786 1877 

meowluan.lim@guidedogs.org.sg

www.guidedogs.org.sg