Freeman means freedom for Sara

With the Petbarn Foundation Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal 2018 now in full swing, we wanted to take a moment to look into the life of one of our Seeing Eye Dog Clients. Sara is matched with Seeing Eye Dog Freeman and she talked with us about the freedom that Freeman has given her.

Sara is a PhD student. She’s fierce, she’s independent, and a lot of that is due in no small part, to her Seeing Eye Dog, Freeman.

“Freeman is a real gift in my life” Sara said. “”He’s given me joy by being by my side everywhere I go. He’s given me freedom.”

Sara paused for just a moment, struck by a thought. “His name is Freeman and he’s given me freedom. Perhaps he should have been called Freedom instead.

There was a time where Sara had to get around without Freeman, where she was much more reliant on her long white cane.

“When using my cane I needed to let people guide me more. When going into a new building, I might have trouble finding my way out, or where the lifts or stairs were. I often had to find people to ask in the first place. Without Freeman it was very difficult.”

It’s not just the ability to go places that Freeman is able to assist Sara with. He has helped instill a new sense of courage.

“If I was on my own, I wouldn’t have the courage to find a new address. I’d say I couldn’t do it and would need help. With Freeman, I have courage and am brave enough to venture to new places, he makes the impossible possible.”

Something that struck Sara immediately about Freeman was how well trained he was.

“I had no idea what a Seeing Eye Dog could, or could not, do. I’d never had a dog before, let alone a Seeing Eye Dog. It’s amazing to me that you can give a command and he’ll do it. Freeman understands what I’m saying. It’s more like talking to a human than an animal. Since that moment he’s been like a son and I forget I’m talking to a dog! Even after five years I still feel amazed at how I can connect with him.”

Sara’s experience with Freeman extends beyond the training offered by Seeing Eye Dogs. She has found that Freeman is certainly very perceptive when it comes to rewards that he is owed.

“When we’re walking down the street and Freeman does something good, I tell him that he’ll get a reward when we get home. When we do get home, he is often the one to remind me of my promise by going to where I keep the dog treats,” she says with a laugh.

Sara’s life has certainly changed for the better since being matched with Freeman. It is with contributions from our wonderful partnerships with The Petbarn Foundation, Petbarn stores, Greencross Vets, City Farmers, Royal Canin and our community that have made Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal a possibility since its launch in 2014. Last year alone we were able to raise $679,000. That may seem a lot of money, but it takes $50,000 to train just one Seeing Eye Dog.

Until June 11th, whenever you make a purchase at a Petbarn or City Farmers store or a Greencross Vets, you will have the opportunity to donate to the Seeing Eye Dog Appeal. Alternately, you can visit https://www.petbarn.com.au/services/pet-foundation#donate to make a direct donation online.