Hero in a Harness: Winston Begins His Guide-Dog Journey
- Winston’s guide-dog graduation
- From Playful Pup to Skilled Partner
- More Than a Working Dog
- Supported by dotsure.co.za
At just under two years old, Winston, once a mischievous pup known for his cheeky bark and love of bucket-chasing, has officially graduated as a guide dog. Trained by the South African Guide-Dogs Association, Winston has been paired with Luwie, a seasoned handler who has welcomed him as a working partner, as well as family.
“I don’t see myself without a guide dog any longer,” says Luwie, who has been partnered with five guide dogs since 1994. “Since receiving Winston, I’ve been able to do everything myself again. He’s changed my daily routine completely. We bonded within a week, and now we’re just going strong.”
From Playful Pup to Skilled Partner
Like many young guide dogs, Winston started his training bursting with energy — sometimes a little too much. “He was actually quite naughty in the beginning,” laughs Megan Reid, a trainer at the Association. “He was more interested in playing than working, and he’d steal anything he could find. But he’s incredibly food-motivated, and that helped us build trust and teach him the skills he needed.”
One defining moment came during a blindfolded test walk. Megan thought it was time to turn, but Winston refused to budge. “Despite my insistence, he held his ground. He knew the route better than I did. That’s when I knew he was ready,” she says.
More Than a Working Dog
For Luwie, Winston is more than just a guide — he’s a loyal companion who also brings joy to the family. “Winston is sociable, friendly, and incredibly helpful. He even keeps my wife company and occasionally steals her buckets!”
These special partnerships between people and guide dogs take years of training and dedication, but the results are life-changing. They restore independence, confidence, and connection.
Supported by dotsure.co.za
Winston’s journey is made possible by organisations and sponsors committed to changing lives. dotsure.co.za proudly supports the South African Guide-Dogs Association by helping to fund guide dog training and covering more than half of the Association’s monthly vet bills. It’s all part of their mission to provide Soft Landings, not just for pet parents but for overall animal welfare.
The work of guide dogs like Winston has an incredible ripple effect, touching not only their handlers’ lives but entire families and communities.
The impact of professional pups like Winston ripples through families, communities, and hearts. And because all pets deserve protection, dotsure.co.za pet insurance also covers service dogs. Whether they’re chasing buckets or guiding the way, they’re here for them, wholeheartedly.
Ts & Cs and possible exclusions may apply and can be obtained by emailing u2us@dotsure.co.za. Dotsure Limited (Registration number 2006/000723/06) is a licensed non-life insurer and authorised financial services provider (FSP39925)
The post Hero in a Harness: Winston Begins His Guide-Dog Journey first appeared on Pets24.
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