News

Davey: a special pup with a special legacy

August 02, 2023

An image of black Labrador and Guide Dog pup, Davey. Davey is wearing an orange Guide Dog in training coat and is being held in the arms of Deception Bay Police Station community members.

Black Labrador and Guide Dog in training Davey is wearing a orange Guide Dogs branded coat and is sitting in front of a community of his supporters including members from the Deception Bay police station as well as his Puppy Raisers. You might remember the ‘D’ litter who was named by Queenslanders in 2022?

Usually sponsors and donors name new pups, but last year Guide Dogs Queensland gave the public the opportunity to name the newest litter. One pup was given a very special legacy, named ‘Davey’ in honour of late Queensland Police Senior Constable, Dave Masters, who was tragically killed on duty in 2021.
One year on, Guide Dog Davey is all grown up and has recently graduated alongside his brothers and sisters to the next stage of his journey to becoming a Guide Dog.

And keeping tabs on his progress has always been Dave’s wife Sharon Masters, along with Dave’s colleagues Senior Constable Jo-Anne Arthur and Senior Sergeant John Cush, who all came along to celebrate Guide Dog Davey’s recent milestone achievement.

For Sharon, seeing how far Guide Dog Davey has come in his training was very rewarding.

“This celebration and achievement is really special. After all the negatives associated with everything that’s happened, it’s so nice to have these positive things that have come out of a not-so-positive situation,” said Sharon.

For Dave’s colleagues, watching Guide Dog Davey, was an emotional experience.

“Dave’s always been about helping his mates and work and helping the community, so to see a dog named in his honor to go on and do such an important role with people who are vision impaired, it’s a great fit,” said Snr Sergeant John Cush.

“Dave was an animal lover himself and he would be absolutely stoked by this tribute to his legacy. He worked in the mounted unit for a few years and had an affinity for animals so he’d be over the moon to have such a special dog named after him,” John said.

“It’s great to see Davey’s progress and how he’s come along. He’s a handsome boy and it’s great to see he’s living up to his namesake,” said Senior Constable Jo-Anne Arthur.

“I update our local community on how Davey the Guide Dog is doing, and everyone is so happy to see him doing well. We are looking forward to the day he officially becomes a Guide Dog and we will always have a special spot for him in our police community,” Jo-Anne said.

Guide Dogs Community Engagement General Manager, Jock Beveridge said it was a privilege for Guide Dogs Queensland to play a small part in Dave Master’s legacy.

“Guide Dog pup Davey certainly has a very special name in honor of a person who clearly made a positive impact on the community. It’s so wonderful to see this legacy of community service go on,” Jock said.

Sharon Masters is standing next to black Labrador in training, Davey who is wearing an orange Guide Dog in training coat.