We only share good news here: happy, hopeful stories for pet lovers.
- Who: new guide and assistance dogs and their puppy raisers
- Where: Optus Stadium, Perth (WA) and The Tailrace Centre, Launceston (Tas)
- When: 2 September and 7 November 2025
- Happy ending: new partnerships that bring independence and companionship
Perth: guide dogs graduate at Optus Stadium
On 7 November 2025, Guide Dogs WA celebrated its newest graduates at Optus Stadium, with more than 180 supporters cheering from the stands. Seventeen dogs were graduating, and six of them took their bows in person.
The star turn was Lita, a three-year-old golden Labrador who has become an autism assistance dog for a seven-year-old girl. Bradley, Dottie, Walter and Andrew were also celebrated as guide dogs, each ready to help their person move around with confidence. Guide Dogs WA CEO Anna Presser thanked the community, because the program is funded entirely by donations.
Launceston: a first for Tasmania's own breeding program
Earlier, on 2 September 2025, fourteen dogs graduated at The Tailrace Centre in Launceston. Digby and Dora made the day extra special as the first graduates from the local breeding program. Each dog spent about 18 months with volunteer puppy raisers, learning good manners, loose-lead walking and plenty of confidence, before moving on to their formal training. Raisers like Kim Ryan give the dogs a loving start, and the proud (and slightly teary) handovers are a highlight of every ceremony.
Video: a puppy raiser interview from 2021, shared to show what raising a future guide dog is like.
Chill Wag tip of the fortnight
Spotted a guide dog in a harness? The golden rule is to let them work: skip the pat and the treat, and save your hello for the person holding the handle. Keep your own dog under control nearby, and offer help only if it is asked for. Your dog can have plenty of cuddles at home on a cooling mat afterwards.
More happy reading
Sources: Guide Dogs WA and Guide Dogs Tasmania graduation reports (September and November 2025), summarised in our own words.
This roundup is general information, not veterinary advice.