KALAMUNDA now has two Seeing Eye Dogs (SED), after SED Ulysses and her dog handler Jo McCormick recently moved to the area.

SED mobility instructor Matt Wood said his work involved working with dog handlers to ensure they are safe and confident in their independent travel and mobility.

“SEDs are legally entitled to travel to all areas including all public transport, taxis, ride shares such as Uber, shopping centres, restaurants and cafes.

“This legislation enables the SED handlers to live a normal life, just like everyone else,” Mr Wood said.

Colleen Ashby said she received her first SED in 2018 after she lost 95 per cent of her sight due to complications with a heart transplant the year before.

“I had seven years of a wonderful working partnership with her and she now remains a pet with me for her retirement life.”

Being an active person, Mrs Ashby said Vision Australia told her she would be an ideal candidate for a dog.

“I was also a special needs education assistant at the Lesmurdie High School and having a dog would be ideal in that work environment,” Mrs Ashby said.

At the end of March, Mrs Ashby was paired with her second SED Inca whom she had been working with for the past five weeks.

She said SED allowed people who have little or no vision confidence to get out-and-about by themselves.

“Just knowing that your trustee and loyal partner is there all the time by your side, guiding you in amongst crowds and busy areas is so important for your mental health and general well-being.”

Mrs Ashby said she’s had some amazing experiences with her SED.

“Being in a march for the World Transplant Games in 2023 and proudly walking for Australia, with crowds on either side.

“I have flown on planes to Queensland, Sydney, Melbourne with my best companion by my side in unfamiliar areas, keeping me safe.

“Just recently, my new dog Inca safely guided me down some very rocky terrain at Kalbarri to get down to a viewing platform.”

Jo McCormick said she’s had her SED for nine months, and having Ulysses played a vital role in her everyday life.

“My first SED has been truly life-changing,” Ms McCormick said.

“The support, companionship and enhanced mobility my dog provides have been foundational to my independence and quality of life.”

Ms McCormick said when she was given Ulysses, she already had two other dogs at home.

“One of the most memorable moments was the seamless integration of my first SED into our home, which already included two adopted rescue dogs.

“It was heartwarming to witness all the dogs getting along so well.

“Now, we have a house full of happy dogs.”

Both Mrs Ashby and Ms McCormick said off leash or long lead dogs that come over to their SED was one of the many challenges they faced.

“This is very distracting and dangerous as it takes the dog away from its working capacity of being able to guide the handler,” Mrs Ashby said.

“These are working dogs and the focus needs to remain on the handler and their job at task, not on other people trying to whistle or call their name and distract them or to come over patting them.

“They are there for a job.”

Ms McCormick said another challenge was when drivers stopped in areas where pedestrians do not have the right of way in an attempt to be courteous.

“While the intention is appreciated, it can actually create confusion and increase the risk of accidents,” she said.

Ms McCormick said she hoped the SED organisation would be given greater recognition for the work it does and wished for it to be integrated more in WA.

“Their impact is life-changing and I believe more people should have access to their incredible support,” she said.

Mrs Ashby hoped to share her experience with SED, with others in the community.

“I hope to get back into my walking group, get some social groups together with other handlers and get a good community awareness around these amazing animals,” she said.

“Public awareness is one thing that I’m aiming to try and participate in to promote the value and importance of SEDs.”

At the end of April, SED celebrated the life-changing work of SEDs on International Guide Dog Day, and also its 65th anniversary at Vision Australia in Leederville.