Ex-Ambassdor Dog, Ewan becomes the newest member of our Companion Dog program.

Our Ambassador Dogs are specially chosen dogs who just love attention! These dogs help Guide Dogs Victoria by attending public events and allowing people to get up close for a cuddle, without removing a working Guide Dog from their duties. Ambassador Dog Ewan had been lapping up this attention for many years but has now moved to a new and important role as a Companion Dog. Our Companion Dog program provides gentle, patient dogs with children and adults with a physical or intellectual impairment. Companion Dogs bring enjoyment to the whole family, offering unconditional love to their owner and the benefit of regular exercise and responsibility.

In May, Ewan met his new owner Isaiah, a 12 year old boy with high-functioning autism. Isaiah experiences periods of distress, where talking becomes a sensory overload for him and creates further confusion and anguish. In an effort to provide security and comfort without the verbal confusion, Isaiah’s parents looked into the Companion Dog program.
 

When parents Kristen and Paul received a message that a suitable dog was ready, they were initially hesitant to go ahead. They had been having difficulties with Isaiah and weren’t entirely sure that it was the right time for a Companion Dog. Before bed that night they hoped for a sign to help them make the right choice. They couldn’t believe their eyes when they turned on the TV the next morning to check the weather forecast. It was April 29, International Guide Dog Day. They saw Guide Dogs on every station – even in the weather reports! So the decision was made to bring Ewan into their lives.

In an emotional handover, young Isaiah let previous owner, Orientation & Mobility Instructor John-Ross, know that Ewan would be well cared for. Although the staff miss seeing Ewan around the office, we know that he will enjoy many years of happiness in his new home and provide the amazing benefits of canine companionship to a special young boy.
 

Ewan’s new family truly adore him and Isaiah has been excitedly introducing him to family and school friends. Not normally affectionate towards people, Isaiah cheerfully wraps his arms around Ewan for cuddles, his new mate that has no expectations and nothing to say. When asked how he feels about Ewan, Isaiah says proudly “It’s a true fact, dog really is a man’s best friend.”