Meet Breck, a talented golden retriever recently retired from an eight-year career in partnership with a highly experienced owner, whose job has entailed travelling all over the UK.
Breck’s steadiness and adaptability proved to be essential qualities for success in guiding at this advanced level.
Kate Fairweather chats with Breck’s owner, John Welsman, who talks through what the guiding job entails, and how Breck distinguishes between being on and off duty.
John shares some fascinating insights into the responsibilities and challenges facing both parties, and explains the evolution of this richly complex partnership over time. Breck is John’s sixth guide dog.
John works for the UK’s Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, which makes him something of an expert on guide dogs. It also added an ambassadorial dimension to Breck’s working role.
John explains how the dynamics of the relationship between them have changed now that Breck has retired and become a family pet for him and his wife, Jan.
John is currently waiting for his new guide dog. When the new guide dog arrives, Breck will remain with the family as a much loved pet, while John’s new guide dog partner starts work.
Hi Kate,
Great interview. Learnt a lot from it both from the point of view of the blind person and the dog.
Recording was very clear and not too many background noises!
Very glad you enjoyed it, Richard. Try listening to Didi the Police dog, too! Thank you for taking time to listen and comment.