Battery World Maitland franchisee, Katie Hallinan joined the national call to raise funds for Guide Dogs Australia: not only do they have to name hundreds of puppies each year, but they also need donations to help train them.

In store to pick up a new car battery, Abby, who has become friends with Katie over years as a customer, knew how sad Katie was when her dog Clifford passed away a year ago. So she popped a $2 donation in the box and put down Clifford’s name to enter the draw.

“I work for a company that places people with disabilities in jobs every day, so really understand how important a guide dog is to provide mobility for people, to not only get to and from work, but live life to the fullest,” Abby said.

“Katie’s dog was a regular in the store and you could just see how people loved to give him a pat when they came in, especially children who did not have pets at home. Being a charity I knew there was not a prize as such for picking the name: you don’t expect one because it is a real honour that somewhere, someday, someone will be living life their best thanks to a dog called Clifford. I can’t wait to visit Brisbane in time to meet him: he is still too young to travel and still to be weaned from his mother.”

Thornton’s Cathryn Gilewski knows first-hand the independence and mobility a Guide Dog can offer.

Mrs Gilewski has been blind since she was 13 after she was severely injured by a horse. She received her first guide dog, Buddy, when she was 19. 

Prior to receiving Buddy, Mrs Gilewski used a long cane to navigate her surroundings safely.

“Getting my first guide dog was like going from a bicycle to a four-wheel drive,” Mrs Gilewski, “It’s like getting your license for the first time; suddenly you’re able to go wherever you want.”

In January 2016, she received her fourth guide dog, Chloe.

“Chloe is absolutely magic,” she said, “You’d think we’ve been working together for five years, that’s how well she is doing. I feel so lucky to have such a gorgeous dog.”