Guide Dogs Tasmania has been providing Guide Dogs to the community for over 60 years. We exist to ensure people with vision impairment, disability and illness can live independent lives of their own choosing. It takes two years and costs more than $50,000 to train a Guide or Assistance Dog.
These dogs give the gift of independence and confidence to their handlers, and it takes two years of intensive training to prepare them for their unique task. They bring joy and companionship, hope and opportunity not only to the people whose lives they are changing, but also to their families.
Our Guide Dogs are specifically trained to help people retain their independence, increase confidence and social interaction, to allow for greater participate in work, study or recreation activities, and provide a sense of safety. The skills involve include: helping their handlers to avoid obstacles, stopping at kerbs and steps to maintain safety and assisting in locating destinations as well as traffic lights, chairs and doors.
An Autism Assistance Dog is trained to assist with behavior management and can help calm a child, reduce episodes of sensory overload and interrupt behavior patterns. They can also help with the child’s safety. Some autistic children have a substantially lower awareness of danger and may have a tendency to abscond during times of anxiety or stress.
By leaving a gift in your Will, you will support the training of these incredible dogs, and help may more Tasmanians achieve greater freedom, independence and companionship.
Your Will is one of the most important documents you will ever prepare. Of course, when preparing your Will, your priority will be to provide for your loved ones.
May people also use their Will to make a powerful statement about their values and causes close ot their heart. A gift in your Will is the ultimate expression of generosity, as it is the gift that keeps on giving – long after you are able to do so personally.
It stands as legacy to your memory, and one that has the power to transform the lives of Tasmanians beyond your lifetime.
Ever since Peter Bomford started looking after our training dogs, he’s become a passionate supporter of Guide Dogs Tasmania.
He loves getting to know each dog and gets a wonderful feeling when they go on to be matched with someone who needs them.
But it’s something that Peter has set up for the future that is most humbling. He has decided to leave a gift in his Will to Guide Dogs Tasmania, so his support can continue – long after he is able to do so personally.
“As soon as I knew more about it and had the association with several dogs I thought ‘Yes, that’s what I’m going to do’,” said Peter.
Leaving a legacy gift in a Will is a meaningful way to ensure your support continues even after you are no longer able to contribute personally. These types of gifts can have a significant impact on organisation’s and causes that are important to individuals.
Guide Dogs Tasmania plays a crucial role in training and providing Guide and Assistance dogs to those in need. Every puppy that joins the pack will change a life. Wherever they are placed, and whoever they are matched with, each dog will have a life-changing impact on a n individual Tasmanian or family living with disability or illness.
Peter’s decision to leave a gift in his Will means that more puppies will be trained to meet the growing demand for these valuable companions, assisting Tasmanians who require their services.
Creating a legally valid and up-to-date Will is not only a responsible step to organise your affairs but also an opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the causes and people that matter most to you. Just as in Peter’s case, such a gesture can stand as a meaningful legacy that brings pride and fulfillment.
To find out more about leaving a gift in your Will to Guide Dogs Tasmania, call (03) 6232 1222 or email giftsinwills@guidedogstas.com.au. Please visit our website at guidedogstas.com.au
All images: Supplied.
This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Guide Dogs Tasmania
