South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind

04/11/2024

We are thrilled to have 69 cyclists who have chosen to ride for the South African Guide-Dogs Association at this year's Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg Race.

We need YOU to keep Team Guide Dogs moving toward the finish line!

Here's how you can support Team Guide Dogs:

1. Donate to Team Guide Dogs, helping fund essential training and care for guide, service, and autism support dogs.
Donate here: https://guidedog.org.za/donations/support-our-pawsome-cyclists/

2. Fundraise on their behalf through the GivenGain platform—spread the word and rally your community to support our life-changing work.
Fundraise here: https://www.givengain.com/campaign/sa-guide-dogs-947-ride-joburg-2024

Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to changing even more liv. Let’s cheer on Team Guide Dogs as they pedal for a purpose!

04/11/2024

🎓🐾Introducing Our Newest Graduates!

We’re happy to introduce our latest group of Service, Guide, and Autism support graduates.

These graduates have successfully completed their training and have begun their new journey alongside their forever person.

To our amazing puppy raisers: your love, patience, and dedication have helped shape and ready these dogs for their roles as Assistant Dogs.

And to our trainers: thank you for your tireless work, not only in training the dogs but also in preparing their handlers for success. Your commitment ensures each team is ready to bring confidence, independence, and joy to one another.

As we proudly send off these new teams, we wish them a lifetime of companionship and shared happiness.

🐶💙

02/11/2024

02/11/2024

It’s Graduation Day 🧑‍🎓 🐕‍🦺🦮

01/11/2024

🐾 Dog Shoe Introduction!

Our November guide dog class just had their final training session, and it was all about getting their guide dogs comfortable with their new shoes! 👟🐶

The clients helped each dog try on their shoes for the first time, then took them for a practice walk to assess their reactions and help them adapt.

These shoes will protect their paws on hot, cold, or rough surfaces when they are guiding.

01/11/2024

“On Monday we said goodbye to this amazing girl. It was heartbreaking but we know she is going to bring such joy to her new family where she will be an Autism Support Dog.

We had photos with her puppy raising family at the weekend and lots of hugs and treats.

A piece of my heart goes with her and although the tears are still flowing, I’m so happy to have been part of her journey. Go well my sweet Suki.”

~ Rhianna Pieterse
Proud Puppy Raiser

01/11/2024

October has been a busy month at GDA. Our Cape Town branch hosted its annual Gala Lunch, and we would like to thank everyone who joined us.

What a pleasure it was to see everyone who supports our organisation, gathered under the bright Cape Town sun, dressed in their Sunday best, alongside our dogs and trainers.

Thank you to each attendee who supported us through ticket purchases, and an extra round of gratitude to those who generously pledged dog sponsorships and donations. Your kindness enables us to continue providing Assistance Dogs and vital services to those who need them most.

A special thank you to Moreson Wines for sponsoring our wine and champagne, and to our talented puppy raiser volunteer, Tania Tania Robbertze Photography, for beautifully capturing these moments.

Your support means the world to us and to the lives you’re helping to change.

31/10/2024

Exciting News! The South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind has streamlined the application process on our website!

For everyone looking to join our mission — whether you’re applying for a Guide Dog, Service Dog, Autism Support Dog, or you’re interested in Puppy Raising, becoming a Weekend Homer, Broodstock Holder, or applying for Orientation & Mobility training — we've made it easier for you to apply!

Our newly added application forms are organised and clearly represented to ensure you can quickly navigate to the category that suits you best.

Whether you’re looking to apply for one of our programs or become a volunteer, we invite you to explore the options on our website.

To apply, visit: https://ow.ly/XE5050TX75F

30/10/2024

The South African Guide-Dog Association for the Blind was proud to collaborate with the Department of Public Law at the University of Pretoria (UP) for their Disability Rights Awareness Walk on the Hatfield Campus. This event, which complements UP’s pioneering modules on disability rights, provided students with valuable hands-on experience, allowing them to engage directly with the challenges faced by people with disabilities.

Led by Prof. Ilze Grobbelaar-du Plessis and Ms. Jolanda Pretorius, the walk gave students the unique opportunity to interact with guide dogs. The South African Guide-Dog Association was instrumental in helping facilitate the event, providing trained instructors who guided students through exercises that simulated the experiences of those with visual impairments/ physical disabilities and use guide dogs or service dogs.

In the lead-up to the event, Ms. Jolanda Pretorius coordinated a countdown featuring videos that shared key information about Assistance Dogs and critical disability statistics. These videos helped students understand the value and impact of guide dogs and the broader challenges within disability rights, priming them for the immersive experience during the walk.

The collaboration with UP was especially impactful as it aligned with our mission to raise awareness about disability and inclusivity across diverse audiences. By working together, we not only enriched the curriculum but also fostered a more compassionate campus culture. The students’ enthusiastic response was heartening; many expressed gratitude for the eye-opening experience and gained a new appreciation for the work of guide dog and service dogs, and the dedication required to support individuals with disabilities.

The event also included a lecture for the DRL803 module, which delved into white cane usage and independent living skills—further underscoring the importance of inclusive practices and self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities. This partnership allowed us to demonstrate firsthand the transformative role of guide dogs and service dogs reinforcing our commitment to social justice and community education.

Overall, our collaboration with UP represents a meaningful step forward in promoting empathy and understanding around disability rights. By bringing practical experiences and critical awareness to future leaders, we are proud to contribute to a more inclusive and supportive society.

27/10/2024

A heartfelt thank you to the Wonderers Golf Club for inviting the South African Guide-Dogs Association to be a part your 85th birthday celebration!

Our team, Suzuki SA, along with our pups, had a fantastic time connecting with your members.

[ID: Puppies-in-training (l-r) Grace, Emmy, and Eclipse are photographed by the GDA stand at the golf club. Behind them is a Suzuki Jimny 5-door]

26/10/2024

On behalf of the South African Guide Dogs Association for the Blind, we want to say a big thank you to Spur Steak Ranches Fourways for, once again, treating our November class and their guide dogs to a delicious lunch!

After a full day of training, being welcomed to relax and enjoy a meal at your restaurant made a huge difference to everyone.

As usual, your hospitality brought smiles all around, giving the class a chance to connect, recharge, and feel truly special.

[ID: In these images, three clients from our November class, each accompanied by their guide dog, share moments with their two trainers and Spur staff, posing for heartfelt photos together. Inside the restaurant, we see the group enjoying a warm, inviting meal together.]

21/10/2024

How awesome is this photo♥️ LUCCA in support of Shades Day for the visually impaired!! South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind

18/10/2024

18/10/2024

Happy Shades Day from our Puppy Centre Team and the adorable J-litter!

For health and safety reasons, no sunglasses are allowed in the Puppy Centre, but our puppies are sharing their shine in their own cute way!

[Image description: In this photo, the Puppy Centre team, dressed in vibrant scrubs and wearing their Shades Day stickers, each hold a yellow Labrador puppy, spreading smiles all around.]

18/10/2024

Happy Shades Day from our Training and Puppy Raising Departments and their doggies!
😎😎

We would love to see you and your pets rocking your shades, so make sure to tag us in our Shades Day snaps.

18/10/2024

Happy Shades Day from all of us at the South African Guide Dogs Association!

We are truly humbled to see so many of you (and your pets) proudly wearing your shades today, standing with us to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our eyes.

Your support means the world to us and to those who rely on guide dogs and white canes for freedom and independent mobility.

With every R20 sticker you’ve bought, you are helping us continue our mission of empowering visually impaired individuals to live fuller, more independent lives.

Thank you for making a real difference and for being part of a community that believes in vision, freedom, and dignity for all.

Together, we’re not just raising awareness—we’re changing lives.

[ID: In these images, the entire South African Guide Dogs Association team, along with their dogs, are joyfully celebrating Shades Day—each proudly sporting sunglasses in honour of Shades Day]

18/10/2024

Our Cape Town doggies are rocking their shades for .

18/10/2024

18/10/2024

Everyone looks super! 😎😎

18/10/2024

18/10/2024

Happy Shades Day, South Africa!

Today, we come together to ✨share our shine ✨ and show our support for those with visual impairments, while raising awareness about the importance of protecting one of our most precious senses—our eyes!

Don’t forget to proudly wear your Shades Day sticker and your favourite sunglasses.

Get your school, colleagues, and even your pets to join in on the fun!

There are amazing prizes up for grabs for the most creative individual, group, and pet photos, so be sure to snap a pic, tag us, and use the hashtags and .

Stickers are still available at participating retailers: Pick n Pay Big Blue Falco Milano BUCO and Pet World.

Digital stickers available: https://guidedog.org.za/product/wear-your-shades-day-sticker/

[Video Description: In this video, a cheerful staff member from the South African Guide Dogs Association is dancing with excitement to celebrate Shades Day. She is wearing a black shirt featuring the association’s logo, with a bright and colourful Shades Day sticker on her chest. She has short brown hair and is also wearing sunglasses.]