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holiday. And in the end, she was there for my nanna’s funeral, and I felt like she was crying with me.” The perfect study companion Yellow Guide Dog, Bronte also went through all the highs with Charlotte and grew up with her throughout her two university degrees and Practical Legal Training to become a solicitor. She helped Charlotte travel to and from her home in Western Sydney to the city for her Social Science Degree and Law Degree. “I would’ve never been able to do it with just my cane,” says Charlotte. “Bronte hasn’t just helped me travel around; she also helped me interact with other people. She’s a great icebreaker!” When Charlotte was attending work experience at two different law firms, she needed to interact with staff and Clients all the time. This was overwhelming for Charlotte as she’s introverted by nature. However, having Bronte by her side made all the difference as she managed to find people who accepted them both for who they are. “She was intuitive and would go up to people she knew would be okay with talking to us. I can get quite anxious because I don’t know if someone’s looking at me or know if I can speak, but when I feel Bronte next to me, she gives me all the reassurance I need.” Towards the end of her time at university, Bronte became unwell, as aging dogs sometimes do. However, she kept pushing through because she loved working and most of all, she loved Charlotte. Bronte was at Charlotte’s side for her admission ceremony, and even received her own certificate! PHOTO CREDIT: GUIDE DOGS AUSTRALIA reader ’ s digest 8   JUNE/JUly 2026 When Charlotte was admitted as a lawyer, Bronte was also there at her admission ceremony. “It meant a lot to me that she was admitted too. When they gave Bronte her own certificate, it was such a special moment,” said Charlotte. Transitioning between two Guide Dogs When Guide Dog Bronte retired, Charlotte moved onto her second Guide Dog, named Hollie. While Bronte is a pale blonde and Hollie is a fox red, they are similar in personality and both extroverted. “When it was time to be matched again, I had to choose between two potential Guide Dogs, and I brought both of them home. When Hollie and Bronte played together, Bronte seemed like her old self again, so my decision was made, Hollie was the one for me.” Hollie has settled into training well and gets along with Bronte like a house on fire. The comfort that a Guide Dog brings is also important, and Hollie has been a great companion throughout Charlotte’s PHD. “Doing a PHD is a little bit lonely, so I’m always talking to her when we are at the library and at uni. She’s the one I confirm all my arguments with.” Choosing not to rehome her first companion, Charlotte kept Bronte on as a retired pet, meaning the two dogs now share the home together. Today, Charlotte, Hollie, and Bronte live happily under one roof as an inseparable trio. Free from the harness, Bronte is enjoying a well- deserved life of leisure and acts as the ultimate playmate for Hollie when the working day is done. Having both dogs by her side gives Charlotte the absolute best of both worlds—Hollie to guide her safely into her future career, and Bronte to enjoy a peaceful, well-earned retirement as a beloved member of the family. Many Guide Dog Handlers receive more than one Guide Dog throughout their lives. readersdigest.com.au     9 My Story