1800 422 007
Not many Seeing Eye Dogs get the chance to spend time in the Big Brother House.
When Ollie was just a pup, he entered the House for seven days. The contestants were responsible for naming him and training him on a series of basic commands. The commands included sit, stay, come, go to bed, lie down, go to the toilet and eat on the blow of a whistle. Big Brother decided that the contestants succeeded in their challenge and provided them with a celebration brunch on Ollie’s twelve-week birthday.
After leaving the House, Ollie returned to the serious business of training to become a Seeing Eye Dog and upon graduation, was matched with Alan.
Alan has always had low vision caused by a combination of glaucoma, cataracts and astigmatism. He began using a white cane during high school, and it was part of his life for over 25 years.
“When I used the white cane I still had to find things, like obstacles, by myself. With a Seeing Eye Dog it’s like having a sighted guide by my side,” Alan said.
“Ollie’s been a perfect match. He gives me a lot more independence and confidence in getting out and about, even going to new places. If we’re walking along the footpath and Ollie wants to go left or right I trust him completely.”
Alan likes to go to the local shopping centre every day where all the shop keepers know them both well. Through repetitive training Ollie can find specific shops, such as the coffee shop or post office, on command.
As well as getting out and about with Ollie, Alan also gets around on two wheels.
Alan loves being on a motorbike and is an Associate Member of the Harley Davidson Owner Group (HOGS). He rides pillion with the group three to four times a year throughout South-east Queensland to participate in the group’s charity rides.
Alan said that Ollie has helped him so much and has literally changed his life. They’re a great team and have a strong bond.
To show his love for his Seeing Eye Dog, Alan now sports a tattoo of Ollie on his upper left arm.