Unleashing Freedom: How Seeing Eye Dogs Transform Lives

“She was just like a little weapon… nothing fazed her.”

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That’s how Lucia Corradi describes her Seeing Eye dog, Luna, after completing a five-day trek in New Zealand for Vision Australia. But for Lucia, Luna isn’t just a trekking companion — she’s a lifeline to independence, joy and renewed confidence.

Lucia didn’t always rely on a guide dog. She began losing her sight at age 10 and lived for many years with low vision, as she shares her story with Hope Drive, “only in the last 15 years has it really deteriorated… I used to use a cane when I wasn’t feeling safe enough anymore. So, the last 11 years, I’ve had two dogs.”

Life before Luna: living with low vision

Lucia’s journey hasn’t been easy. Living with low vision — and later, more significant sight loss — came with increasing challenges. While many assume blindness to be an all-or-nothing condition, Lucia reminds us, that it’s a spectrum. “Only 10% of people who have vision conditions are blind — 90% have low vision,” she explains. “We’re all different too. You can’t put us all in the same box.”

Her own condition has left her without central vision, relying solely on peripheral sight. “I don’t see things right in front of me… I only see someone when they’re right on my shoulder,” she says. The condition made daily life and basic travel increasingly difficult, especially as Lucia aged, saying, “my confidence really went downhill. I wouldn’t leave the house without someone with me.”

In fact, over time Lucia said that she stopped running, stopped walking alone, and gradually let go of the things she once loved. That is, until she met Aura — her first Seeing Eye dog.

Behind every Seeing Eye dog is a dedicated network — breeders, puppy carers, trainers and supporters — who make it all possible.

First Aura, then Luna: a new lease on life

Lucia received her first dog, Aura, a golden Labrador, 11 years ago. “I had her for eight years,” she says fondly. “She was wonderful.” These dogs are not only trained with precision but are full of personality. “They’ve still got really good personalities,” Lucia laughs, noting that Luna’s nickname is ‘Lunatic’ when she’s off-duty.

But as soon as the harness goes on, everything changes. “You put that harness on, her tail stops wagging. She’s at attention. She walks into it voluntarily, too. It says a lot about the training.”

Being a Seeing Eye dog handler doesn’t mean you train the dog from scratch, but it’s a partnership that requires ongoing work. “You’ve got to keep on top of their training all the time,” Lucia says. “You learn in those first two or three weeks after handover how to keep it up — things like crossing the road or targeting businesses. You can even teach them new routes.”

With Luna by her side, Lucia has found the courage to embrace life again.

Reclaiming confidence and joy

With Luna by her side, Lucia has found the courage to embrace life again. “I’ve done the City2Surf now with the dog. I’ve done the Seven Bridges Walk a couple of times. And this year, Luna and I did a trek in New Zealand for Vision Australia.”

That five-day trek wouldn’t have been possible without the security and companionship of a guide dog. “They’ve changed my life,” she says simply. And Luna? “Loves it. She loves walking fast, loves the trekking. She was amazing.”

Listen to the full conversation in the player above.

Raising the next generation of Guide Dogs: you can help

Behind every Seeing Eye dog is a dedicated network — breeders, puppy carers, trainers and supporters — who make it all possible. Lucia’s own experience highlights the urgency and importance of this work. “It’s 18 months to two years before you get them… a lot of money and time is spent on them.”

Thankfully, organisations like Vision Australia and their Seeing Eye Dogs program, supported by Petbarn, are working to meet the growing demand. “Petbarn have been with Seeing Eye Dogs under Vision Australia for about 12 years,” Lucia explains. “They’ve raised enough money for more than 170 dogs.”

But the need continues. “The more we can get, the better,” she urges. “Last time, I waited two years for Aura. This time with Luna, I only waited four months — because more people are fundraising, so more dogs are being trained.”

Currently, the annual fundraiser aims to raise $1.1 million to help train 22 more dogs — with each one costing approximately $52,000. It’s a big goal, but every bit helps. “Any little bit that they can give — you’re changing someone’s life,” Lucia says.

Listen to the full conversation in the player above.

Feature image: CanvaPro