Features

What comes to mind when you mention February 14th to many? The answer to that is normally a particular emotion we refer to as love and the need to celebrate it.

While putting aside the commerciality of love with all its fancy trimmings let's think for a while what a visually impaired person would love to have, given a choice and at any time.

I did not realise this until I met Roy Perry who, in his 70s, has discovered what a difference a Guide Dog made to his life. Living in Gozo and partially sighted, he is the only person in Malta who owns a guide dog. He is currently making it his mission to pass on the message to the locals, both sighted and not, to understand a Guide Dog's crucial function.

Roy explained to me some concerns he is discovering since he and his beloved guide dog ZAC has been together. I tried to get the whole story behind the concept of Guide Dogs by putting some questions to him.

How long have you had Zac as a constant companion?

Since March 2004. We were trained in the UK and moved to Malta in 2006.

What is the procedure for getting a guide dog?

In Malta there is a register of persons who may qualify. If they are over the age of 16 they will be invited to apply.

Is there some association in Malta for guide dogs?

Yes, the Guide-Dogs and Services for the Blind Foundation - Malta was set up in 2006. It is more gerally known as the Malta Guide Dogs Foundation - Fondazzjoni Maltija Klieb Gwida.

Are there any guide dogs being trained on the Island at the moment?

There are three pedigree puppies who are being coached for possible selection to enter a Guide Dog training course.

Tell me about the process that goes into the training of a guide dog.

Usually dogs are reared by a ‘brood bitch', an animal specially selected for the task with Guide Dog ancestry. The puppies are brought up with great care to ensure they do not suffer from any disease or defect. They are placed in the care of a Puppy Walker for 15 months where they learn general obedience, roadcraft and cleanliness. They then enter special training under all conditions of climate and location. If they graduate they are coupled with a suitable human client and intensively trained together for a further month.

How are you finding the general public reacting to you when you enter shops and restaurants accompanied with Zac?

At first there is some suspicion but when the role of the dog is explained, this changes to affection.

Does the Malta Guide Dogs Foundation have plans to raise funds towards the rearing of such dogs?

Eventually but first we are to import fully trained animals from three training schools in Europe. Three will come from Slovakia, two from Sicily and one, plus a brood bitch, from Croatia. Guide Dog schools are prepared to help each other. A fully trained dog costs around €10,000 not including transportation. There is a 3-phase expansion plan after this. It is estimated that we will need to raise around € 45,000 per year to fufill this.

Does the Foundation like to make a plea for trainers or other personnel regarding guide dogs?

Volunteers are welcome to carry out a number of duties, practical, secretarial or administrative. We also need to find a suitable person to enter a three year graduate course as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor who will be responsible for running the Guide Dog school and the training of clients.

A Guide Dog partnership gives mobility, security and freedom to a blind or visually impaired person. The interdependence within the relationship is truly remarkable - a true love match.