Published for International Guide Dog Day 2025.
I was matched with my first Guide Dog, Rocket, just weeks after graduating Year 12 and days before my 18th birthday. It was a whirlwind year of finishing high school and going through the matching process with Guide Dogs SA/NT. Being born with Oculocutaneous Albinism and having just 2% vision, I knew that transitioning from high school to studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science at the University of Adelaide would be a huge change, especially for me.
But once I was matched with Rocket, I knew I was going to be just fine. Within minutes of meeting Rocket for the first time, he was sitting on my foot, asking for cuddles and attention (which I gladly gave him). I officially received Rocket just two weeks before starting my first week at university. That time was spent learning how to work together and get into a routine.
Our first official walk alone was to my very first university lecture. It was one of the most nerve-wracking experiences I’ve had, but I’ll never forget the overwhelming sense of achievement and trust I felt with Rocket beside me. It felt surreal to begin this new chapter with my now-best friend.
We learnt to trust, to listen, and to move through the world together which is something I will never take for granted. More than anything, it was empowering. For the first time, I felt like I could move forward without hesitation as he gave me more than mobility; he gave me confidence and freedom. He helped me find my own place in a world that doesn’t always make space for people with disability.
One of the most meaningful parts of our journey has been sharing it with others. Through Guide Dogs SA/NT and other opportunities, I’ve been able to speak publicly about disability and inclusion. Most notably, I’ve shared our day-to-day unique experiences through Rocket’s Instagram page, @Rockets_Launchpad where I share both sides of his life of working and fun.
Rocket helps me connect with people in a way I couldn’t before, whether it’s through social media or spontaneous conversations with strangers in public. He makes my disability visible, but not as something to pity. Instead, he helps people see the connection, not the difference.
Rocket is more than my guide dog. He’s my best friend and daily anchor. He knows me better than most people ever will and he shows up for me every single day without question (most often with a wagging tail). If there’s one thing I hope people take from our story, it’s that independence doesn’t mean doing everything alone. Sometimes, it looks like opening your life to someone (or in this case, a highly trained and deeply loved dog) who helps you become more of yourself than you ever imagined.