Lynn and Hector's story

00:36

S1

On Vision Australia Radio, you're listening to the Seeing Eye Dog Show with me, your host [indistinct]. Today I've got two guests on the show. The first is Lynne Potter from Western Australia. Lynne is a singer, handler of seeing eye dog Hector. We're going to be talking a little about the life of Lynne and Hector, the work that they do together and the kind of benefits of having Hector in Lynne's life. 

Then I'm going to be playing an episode from the archive with Kim Brewer, senior puppy development at Seeing Eye Dogs. We're going to be talking about dog toys and how to select the perfect safe dog toys, especially if you've got a puppy or in program dog. But it's another good tip for anyone who was looking at at a big store like Pet Barn and wondering what they should choose for their dog. So without further ado, here is my interview with Lynne talking about her life with seeing eye dog Hector. Hi, Lynn. Thank you for joining on the show today.

S2

I'm happy to be here. Thank you very much for inviting me.

S1

So we're actually going virtual. So where in Australia are you?

S2

I'm in Perth, Western Australia and the suburb is Duncraig.

S1

Which is probably a pretty beautiful place to live, I can imagine.

S2

It is a very it's very picturesque here, very hilly, a very nice area environment to walk seeing eye dogs through. Even though in this area there are a lot of people that just let their dogs off-lead. And I had a bit of an episode yesterday that I had to report to the council. Oh, dear.

S1

Oh, no. It's I think that is probably one of the most frustrating things about about about other people's dogs is the off-lead aspect.

S2

Oh, definitely. Yeah, But luckily I got the dog's name, so I just rang the council and I put in, the guy came out to where I was and took a statement and everything.

S1

Oh. Hopefully they can fix that one with you. I think it's one of those things, gradual steps. And I think people aren't always very aware of the impacts of that particular issue. They assume that it's just, you know, nicer for their dog. But without really thinking about actually, though, the implications for other people.

S2

Well, that's the thing. And sort of the amount of people have said to me, oh, they only want to come over and play. And I'm like, no, go to a dog beach or dog park. Yes.

S1

My dog has had a very large amount of training that that we'd like to keep. Thank you.

S2

Yes, definitely. And luckily with Hector, he's the type of dog, if he sees a dog or a person coming towards us, he will just stop and wait for them to go past. And that's what he did with this dog yesterday. It was full-on, literally bumping into him. And, you know, and he just sat. And didn't move until I finally got these two little girls to get the dog away and I just carried on.

S1

Well, it's it's nice that he can handle it. Unfortunate that he has to.

S2

Yeah, I'll definitely... Yeah. I think what frightened them was when I actually pointed out the fact that I was blind and this dog is a seeing eye dog. And they basically said to me, Oh, we didn't realise. And I said, That's why it's got the harness on it, you know. Oh, gosh. But anyway, that's part of life, part of having a seeing eye dog.

S1

So thinking about that, seeing either, could you please introduce Mr. Hector and and how long, you know, how long have you been working together?

S2

Yep. Hector has been in my life since the 28th of September 2020. He flew over from Melbourne in the height of Covid, and he's my first male dog and the youngest dog I've ever been given. So when they told me that he was only about 18, 19 months, 18 months old, I thought, I've got a male dog and he's young, This how is this going to work? But no, he's actually very totally amazing. You know, his work ethic is absolutely one over 100%. So, yeah, I'm really glad.

S1

And you guys really hit it off straight away. You've told me in the past, didn't you? It wasn't very... it wasn't a bumpy start, was it?

S2

No, it wasn't, actually. We picked him up from the airport and he. He had no collar or anything. So we're like, okay, how's this going to work? Anyway, we got him into the car and he just lay on the back seat and it was like, Do we really have a dog in here?

05:09

S1

Do you guys go on particular adventures? Are you people that go driving and traveling? Is that something that you guys do together?

S2

Really took him down to Albany and Bunbury two years ago and then we've... that was really good. We went for about 4 or 5 days. I go on the train down. No, I've been on the train a few times with him and he absolutely just gets under the seat and everybody just looks at him and starts talking to us. He's a real talking point, but most of the time my adventures are just around where I live. 

Like I go to church. And from the first hour we're into church. This is something that I taught my other dog to do, but never him. When I went up to get Communion, he just took me up, put his front paws on the step and just sat, you know, like pulls up on the step and just looking. And I thought I didn't even have to tell you to do that. He just does it. The priest that we've just had retire every time she came to him, she'd always give him a blessing. So, yeah, he's a very clever, clever dog. And he's won the hearts of the many people.

S1

And. And especially you, I'm assuming.

S2

Oh, definitely. Definitely me. Yeah. And he loves his toys. He loves his... I've always sworn I'd never give my dog a squeaker because I could not stand the squeaky noise. But the first couple, I think we had had him about a week and we heard this squeaking noise and we think, Where's that coming from? And he had this little thing sticking out of his mouth. And it was actually one of the cat's little toys. We didn't get it for years. And he didn't even realise it had a squeaker in it until we found it. Oh. So whenever we go to the shops now, we always get the squeaker that we can tolerate. And we know he loves.

S1

I mean, I think that really is the true mark of of friendship and your your bonding really, isn't it? You said, oh, I've made I've made a pact to not do this but offer you. Yeah, sure.

S2

Oh definitely. Yeah.

S1

He's not your first dog. You said how many senior dogs have you had? How long have you been a handler for?

S2

Since 1997. I got my first seeing eye dog in [indistinct] Guide Dog in Victoria. Then she retired in Adelaide and I got my second guide dog in Adelaide and she retired. Well, I retired her in Perth and then I got seeing my dog Norma that came down from Brisbane. I got her in 2011 and then she retired in 2020. 

And sadly, like I said, I have to have a put down last year when she was just over 13 years old, but she developed bladder cancer a year. So we took her to the vet and I was going to bring her home on medication. But the vet said, you know, it all work. But once the medication wears off, she'll probably be back in the same boat. And because she was constantly needing to go out but she wasn't doing anything, and you bring her back into the house and then she's sort of like start peddling in the house. And I said to Peter, We can't have her doing that, you know? So I just made the decision that day to put her out of her misery because she was in a lot of pain.

S1

Well, it's sometimes, unfortunately, it's the kindest thing to do. I had a similar situation last year too.

S2

Oh, yeah, Yeah. But it's amazing how, like, we walked back in the house without her. And I think for the first couple of days, Hector just thought, oh, she's gone to be cared, because I had a carer that used to look after her when we when we went away. But I think as the days wore on, it became apparent because, you know, even our four cats had four cats at the time. They were all miserable and we were all miserable. 

So it took a fair while for it to sort of that feeling of mourning, I suppose it is that to wear off. So. Yeah, but no, he's, he's, you know, he's, he's still a happy dog in harness and, you know, out of harness and a very sort of cuddly dog.

S1

I can imagine he would have been a quite good support for you at that time. And when things are a little bit tricky, then if you if he's that kind of supportive, cuddly type of guy.

S2

Oh, yes. Yes. You know, it definitely brings a whole load of fun into the house. So that's for sure.

09:31

S1

When you continue to have dog guides or single dogs over over a fair few years, what makes you come back and continue being a dog guide handler?

S2

When I when I got my first one, the only reason I got her was because I used to I used to travel around without a stick and without anything because my vision was to the point where I could go to the shops and push two shopping trolleys around and do all my shopping. But then I started to go. I started to find that when I was walking, I would think of it was an obstacle in front of me. So I'd stop and look around. But there was nothing. And other times I wouldn't see the obstacle and I would just collide with it. 

And I thought, okay, obviously things are going a bit. It took me a while to realise that was what was happening, but my vision was changing. So a family friend said, Why don't you think about getting a guide dog? And I said, Well, I'm not totally blind. I don't think they'll give me one. But she says, Well, find out. And yeah, you know, six months later I got my first dog and it just took a whole load of pressure off. I could relax and I was out because she's she's very much she was very much like Hector. You know, I could once the training, initial training was over, I could relax and close my eyes. 

So having a dog rather than a stick for me, I also feel safer, even though I know they're not there to guard you, they're only there to guide you. It just made me feel a lot safer because there wasn't a point when I was out with with a white stick and there was a guy driving past me and he tried to get me into the car. Um, you know, and when I got to where I was going, I was an absolute mess. But I've never felt like that when I've had a dog. I've never, ever felt unsafe or anything because people don't know what they are capable of doing. If pushed, I feel, yeah. So for me it just gives my life a lot more of a relaxation when I'm out and about. I don't have to worry.

S1

I suppose that kind of it's that, you know, your mobility and you're being able to go to church independently and for your coffees and then just navigate your neighborhood. But then also kind of knowing that you've got that other, you know, that dog with you as well as that type of kind of protection and support and companionship, is that the kind of main can benefit?

S2

Absolutely. Absolutely. And like you said, I can do you know, I'm not sort of dependent on someone to take me, you know, everywhere I want to go, I can just say, well, I'm going to do this today. And off I go with Hector. He's become very well known in the neighborhood. And, you know, I've met a few people when I'm out walking because they are a talking point. It's amazing that, you know, you go out somewhat, you know, go out for a walk and, Oh, hello, Hector. Oh, hi, Lynn. Sorry. And I go, Don't worry, I know where I stand. It's sees when I go for coffee at church. The first thing when I go up to get my coffee. Here's a biscuit for Hector. Now, what would you like? Okay. 

Oh, but no, it's lovely. You know, I'm in my mid 50s now. Hector's turned four, so if he goes, you know, as far as my my two female previous female dogs. Yeah. I mean he would I think he will still be working when he's about 12, 13 so that will put me into my 60s. I wouldn't be able to go without a dog. Definitely would not be able to go without a dog. So yeah, I can, you know, God willing, I can see myself having dogs for quite some time.

S1

So really that kind of partnership for you is is kind of part of your life as much as anything else. You know, that's something that you're pretty committed to.

S2

Yes. Oh, definitely. Yeah. I've gone through two marriage break ups. The first one was when I had my first guide dog and the amount of support, you know, just knowing they're there, whatever else happens in my life, I'm there for you just as much as you're there for me. Because if I did do something stupid, then what would happen to my dog? You know? 

So they've definitely got me through a lot of tough times and just, you know, I just think, well, this has happened in my life. Move on, carry on and just be with your dog, you know, And if something else special happens, fair enough. But if it doesn't, then, you know, there's more to life than having humans in your life. Yeah. I mean, to me, dogs literally are my best friend.

S1

That's the thing as well. It's that independence and you've got that companionship and that in itself, you know, keeps you active, keeps you out and about in the community. That's quite special.

S2

Oh, definitely. Yeah. I mean, I was going to for the last two years, I've been going to the gym. I don't take Hector every time, but when I do, he just goes into the office with with trainer. And when she's having her breakfast, she'll give him a treat that I've taken in for him. And then the next thing he's walking around the gym. You know, like I said, he's the only male allowed in here. And he just goes up to everybody and sort of says hello. And and, you know, they absolutely love him.

S1

Is it a dog friendly gym or is he special? Permission to be a free dog in the gym?

S2

I think he's just got special permission. I mean, he's still in his harness. He's still got his lead attached, but he just wanders around the gym, you know, and I'll be on the bike. And then the next thing I feel this nose on my arm and he's just come around and found me. So he just sits down next to me. And while I'm with someone on the circuit, he'll just go and sit in the middle and, you know, and basically his head's following me all the way around and he's got little quirky things, like he'll be on his bed and he might be asleep, but he's got his eyes open or he'll lift one. I look at Peter, put that one down, lift the other eye, look at me and put that down. He does all these little quirky things that he does. Oh...

15:30

S1

Oh, sorry. I was going to say, And that's one of those things that that can be as appreciated by, by you as a handler, as much as kind of just like bring you a little bit of a giggle every now and then.

S2

Oh yes. Yeah. And I look at it at the point of view. Yes. He is a highly trained dog. When I'm out with him, I expect him to do what he's been trained to do. But when we're at home, then to me he's got to have his free time. You know, he's got to be able to have fun and have his free time. We take him to the park, throw the ball for him. Yeah, but no, I mean, Hector's like the... we just call it, he's a nutcase when he's not in harness, literally. But...

S1

Well, one of the reasons why we're on the show talking together today is we were talking a little bit about the the Petbarn campaign. So so people are now across Australia, the kind of Petbarn. And 30 Farmers in Western Australia stores are raising money for seeing eye dogs. So for anyone that can can go into a Petbarn or city farm store or even a green cross, bats, they can make a donation to seeing our dog. So as far as I guess how things have changed your life, do you have any anything that you'd like to kind of, I guess, say about, you know, people making that donation and that impact that it has for for you and other handlers?

S2

Oh, definitely. Yeah. I mean, every every little bit helps. It goes a long way. And if, you know, the more people that can donate and it doesn't, you know, whether it's $2 or, you know, $100, that just means so much to people in my situation because it then helps... sorry, seeing eye dogs, you know, breed the dogs, train the dogs and give them to us because without, you know, people's generosity, it just wouldn't happen. 

And I don't think, you know, like people sort of think we pay for the dogs. And I said, if I had to pay for this dog, I wouldn't be helping him. And they're like, Well, how much does he cost? And when we tell them, they're like, You're kidding. And we're like, No, no, no. You know, it costs this amount. And that amount has gone up. You know, with every dog I've had. When I got my first dog, it was 30,000. My second was 40. You know, and now with Hector, it's just amazing the cost and the, you know, and and for them to be given to us free. Literally. Basically free. It wouldn't wouldn't be able to be done without people in the community, you know, donating. 

So if people, you know, passing Petbarn like you said, or Green Cross vets or even City Farmers and they they can, you know, spare a little bit. Just know that we appreciate everything that these people do, the community does, because without it, we wouldn't have our dogs.

S1

Very well said. Thank you so much for joining me on the show and talking about you and and Hector.

S2

No, thank you for having me. I really appreciate it. And so does Hector.

18:40

S1

You've been listening to the show on radio. Hope you enjoyed my interview with Lyn Potter, a single handler from Western Australia, with her singing idol Hector. If you'd like to find out about the Pet Barn appeal, head to the Pet Barn website at Pet Buncombe. Forward Slash said. We'd like to thank everyone who has gone into a pet barn or city farmers store or gone online to make a donation for this appeal. Don't forget that you can support many great foundation appeals across the year at Pet Barn, or you can head to the Senator's website to make a donation to us, or you can find out about volunteering or other ways of helping. If you are someone who is blind, has a vision, and they are interested in finding out about getting your own dog, head to our single's website as well to find out whether a single looks right for you and apply. 

And now for our next episode, I'm going to be playing an A repeat from the archives with Kimera like talking about selecting a safe and fun toys for your dog. Thank you for listening and I hope you enjoy. Hi, Kim. Welcome back.

S3

Thank you.

S1

So we're just going to jump straight into it. What types of things do you look for, for toys, for your dogs?

S3

So when we are looking for to purchase toys for our puppies or telling our carers which which toys are suitable. Generally, we have a policy about no rope toys. Just as a precaution for the type of dogs that we have. They can be quite strong jawed and just destructive. And the rope toys tend to disintegrate into long threads which then wrap around their stomachs when the puppies swallow them and lead to the puppies requiring surgery. So we tend to have a hard policy on no rope toys. The fluff in normal toys, if they do happen to to ingest it, is fairly safe that it will just kind of pass through. But the rope definitely wraps around the internal structure of the stomach and can cause havoc in there. 

So yeah, the rope toys are a big no. Most soft toys are fine. We do ask carers if they do go to op shops or are purchasing toys for their pets that are stuffed with that cotton stuff in that they remove the eyes and nose if they're like a hard button or something like that because the chances that our puppies will follow them. Um, the, my favorite toy that I would, I'd purchase for my pet dogs as well as the CNI puppies I take home are just actually from the reject shop. And they're just the skin of the toy with no stuffing or very little stuffing because my guys are destructive toy players. 

So as a general rule, they don't get a lot of soft toys because they just immediately fluff them and they tend to go with your heart chewing toys because they just have that type of mouth. And they also don't mind carrying that kind of toy around. Your hard toys are either your dense rubber toys or your specific toys that are designed for hard mouth dogs like nylon bones, just like staffi toys. We tend to keep away from balls at senior dogs, but anything that's kind of hard rubber or dense plastic that's specifically designed for the pet industry are really good.

S1

And what are kind of hard to toys like Nyla Bones really good for.

S3

They're really good for keeping your dog busy if you are planning on leaving them behind. We prefer not to give our dogs real bones because they will either cause them to have upset tummies and also if they chew them down, they can get cause blockages. So we tend to stay away from real bones. The Nyla bones are great for their dental health, as well as keeping them active and busy while you're away. 

We'll often put peanut butter or Vegemite over a Nyla bone and leave the the puppies with those when we go away. Also, we use Kongs a lot because you can stuff them with their dry food and or peanut butter, and it keeps them busy for a long time when you're leaving your puppy behind.

S1

And that is when you say stuffing the Kong with the dry food, that is the dry food, then soaked.

S3

Soaked, usually soaked for a couple of hours, and you can add rice or pasta and other additives, banana and sardines to that mixture. And then it becomes a bit like porridge. And then you can stuff your various sized Kongs depending on the age of your puppy and freeze those and then give them to your puppy when you are leaving them behind. It keeps them nice and busy and they won't worry that you're fine.

S1

The only word of warning there would be if your puppy's getting a bit on the chunky side, you might want to replace the meal with that. Or definitely. Or maybe reduce the amount that you're actually giving them.

S3

Yes, At mealtimes, you can definitely take it out of their meals if they're prone to weight gain.

S1

So how do you pick out an appropriate size toy for your dog?

S3

So generally, if you're buying them from a pet store, they're going to be labelled puppy or adult. But mainly just making sure they're not going to be a choking hazard. So you don't give in. You know, an adult's dog, a really small Kong that has the possibility of being able to be swallowed. So just being sensible in that in the size and shape of the toy for the breed and age of your dog.

S1

Lastly, why do senior dogs and puppies not use bowls or play fetch?

S3

So Labradors are prone to. I become quite overly excited and kind of addicted to fetch and chasing balls. And it's something that can become quite ingrained in their brain and it's very difficult to undo once they do become obsessed. Also can be quite dangerous if clients need to pass through playgrounds or if a client was to have a child that plays a ball sport. If their dog is reacting to the ball that's on the court or walking past a situation where there are balls around, it can just be quite dangerous for a client. So we just avoid it at all costs.

S1

Thank you so much for your time again.

S3

No worries.

25:23

S1

You've been listening to this show on Vision Australia Radio. Hope you enjoyed my interviews with Lynn Potter, a single handler from Western Australia, talking about her life with singer Dog Hector, and from our archives with Kimbra like talking about dog toys and selecting nice, safe toys for your dog. If you'd like to find out more about seeing our looks, the work we do or how you can help, head to our website at Vision Australia-dot-org. 

Another very big thank you for supporting the Pet Barn Foundation appeal throughout the month of July 2023. If you went into a pet barn or farm store, bought a hedgehog from Green Cross or just headed to the website to make a donation, we appreciate and every cent really does make a difference. So thank you for donating and your generous support of seeing dogs. 

If you'd like to find out about volunteering programs or getting assessed facing dog. If you're blind and have low vision and are interested in becoming a dog handler, head to our website at Vision Australia. Org. Don't forget to tune in Same time next week for another episode of the singer's radio show, or head to your preferred podcast provider for this and many other great Vision Australia Radio show podcasts. Thank you for listening and have a lovely week.