South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind

24/07/2026

Happy Friday from these three (3) very determined newly qualified guide dogs.

Front to back Lainey, Lilo and Leila.

22/07/2026

Do Guide Dogs know where to go?

This is one of the most common questions we are asked.

A common misconception is that Guide Dogs know exactly where to go. They are often thought to read traffic lights, recognise street signs or automatically know the route to a destination.

In reality, every Guide Dog works in partnership with its owner.

Before leaving home, the owner already knows where they are going. They may be travelling a familiar route, using orientation and mobility skills, following GPS directions or navigating with the help of landmarks.

The owner provides the direction. The Guide Dog helps them travel safely.

As they move through their environment, the Guide Dog guides around obstacles, stops at kerbs and steps, judges available space and helps its owner navigate busy public areas. Each partner brings a different set of skills, working together throughout every journey.

Guide Dogs do not read traffic lights or decide when it is safe to cross the road. That decision rests with the owner, who listens to the movement of traffic and uses orientation and mobility skills to determine when it is safe to proceed. Once they have made that decision, they give the Guide Dog the command to move forward.

A Guide Dog partnership is built on trust, communication and teamwork. It combines the owner’s knowledge and decision-making with the Guide Dog’s training and judgement, enabling them to travel safely and confidently together.

[VD: VD: A trainer appears on screen with a yellow Labrador Guide Dog in training. She takes a seat, adjusts her microphone and gets comfortable as she joins the trend of “getting ready” to be filmed for a documentary.]

21/07/2026

Volunteer Puppy Raisers Needed!

Great partnerships can start with a single paw print.

🐾 We’re looking for Volunteer Puppy Raisers to help shape our pups from 8 weeks up to 16 months into life-changing Assistance Dogs.

You’re not alone - we support you every single step of the way:

✅ All food, vet care, and essentials covered
✅ Weekly classes, expert guidance and 24/7 support
✅ We work with your lifestyle
✅ No prior training experience needed

If you have the time, love, and a home to share, fill out our quick form to apply today!

👉https://guidedog.org.za/puppy-raising-application/

20/07/2026

Payday Extension! 🎉

Good news! We've extended our Paws of Fortune debit order sign-up deadline until Friday, 24 July.

There's still time to join for just R100 per month for 10 months and stand a chance to win monthly cash prizes of up to R10,000, all while helping us change lives.

Don't miss your chance. Sign up by midnight on 24 July!

Join today: https://ow.ly/jwtW50ZpYt3

19/07/2026

Thank you to St Dunstan’s College, the learners, and their families for your ongoing generosity and dedication.

Your support not only changes the lives of our dogs and the people they help but also inspires a spirit of kindness and giving in the next generation. 🐾💛

19/07/2026

17/07/2026

As our puppies grow, they rely on blankets that do more than keep them warm. The right thickness provides comfort, while the right texture helps tiny paws find their footing as they learn, play and develop.

That’s why we’re reaching out for your help.

We’re specifically looking for donations of these Aranda blankets, which have proven to be the best for our puppies’ different needs:

🧡 Basotho Renoka – Peacock Gold Yolk
🩷 Faux Mink Bella Plain – Coral Pink
🩶 Boxer – Grey & White

Link: https://tinyurl.com/7ewzf4ea

If you’re able to donate one, you’ll be giving our future Guide Dogs the comfort, warmth and support they need during the most important stage of their journey.

To donate, please purchase one of the blankets above or contact us for drop-off and collection details.

Thank you for helping us give every puppy the very best start. 🐶💛