19 dogs have graduated into new careers helping Tasmanians live more independently, at a ceremony in South Hobart today.
The class of 2026 includes three guide dogs, two facility dogs, one assistance dog, three brood dogs, eight companion dogs and two home support dogs.
The ceremony marks the end of years of training by specialist teams, along with staff, puppy raisers, volunteers, donors and supporters.
Governor of Tasmania and patron of Guide Dogs Tasmania Caroline Wells officiated at the event at the C3 Convention Centre in South Hobart.
Guide Dogs WA/TAS chief executive Anna Presser said graduation was always an important milestone for the organisation.
“Graduation is a wonderful opportunity to recognise what each dog and the team that supports them has achieved together and to celebrate the beginning of the next chapter in their journey,” Presser said.
“Each one of our dogs brings unique skills and attributes to the varied roles they perform, whether that’s as guide, assistance, facility, brood or companion dogs.”
“Behind every dog you will see an incredible network of people who have helped them reach this point – from our breeding and training teams through to puppy raisers, volunteers, donors and supporters.”
Not every dog bred by the organisation meets the strict standards needed to become a guide or assistance dog.
Those dogs move into other roles as facility, brood and companion dogs, supporting people across a range of settings.
The dogs will go on to support Tasmanians living with low or no vision, disability or illness.
Guide Dogs Tasmania will celebrate its 70th anniversary next year.
The organisation has more than 100 dogs in its program, either working in the community or still in training.
Breeding, raising and training a single guide or assistance dog takes around two years and significant resources.
The program runs on community donations and the work of a large team of volunteers.
