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Meet Jasmine – Queensland’s very first Client Support Dog!

July 22, 2022
Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Sau Kuan Cheong (Janet) is sitting on the grass in front of a white fence. Jasmine, a yellow Labrador, lies by Janet's side.

A helping guide and a paw to hold.

Meet Jasmine – Queensland’s very first Client Support Dog!

While Jasmine wasn’t suited to life as a working Guide Dog, she had still learnt important skills during her training and has a loving personality that was perfect for her new career. She is wonderful with people and has been able to provide additional emotional support to clients in her new role as Client Support Dog.

A change in vision is so much more than losing the ability to see. The impact of vision loss impacts all aspects of life. For this reason, having psychology services available for our clients is very important.

“Experiencing vision loss can be emotionally and mentally challenging,” explained Guide Dogs Queensland Psychologist, Dr Janet Cheong.

“Just having Jasmine there at arm’s reach, helps calm people down and puts them at ease.”

For many of our clients, experiencing a change in vision can impact other aspects of their lives including mental health and wellbeing as they adjust to a new way of understanding the world.

Guide Dogs Psychology Services support Clients through every step of their journey to help people understand and accept their situation and address any barriers or concerns. Jasmine’s role is to provide additional support for Clients during these sessions. Her calm temperament and training make her the perfect candidate for the job!

Guide Dogs is here to support you through every step of your journey.
We offer counselling services for people with low vision and blindness, and their support network.

Contact us to learn more: Counselling and Psychology Services.

If you missed Jasmine and other special Therapy and Companion Dogs, check out the latest episode of Born to Lead here.

Queensland’s very own Psychologist Janet, features in this episode and we’re so proud!

Here is an additional, exclusive behind the scenes chat where we dig a little deeper in understanding this very special service Guide Dogs Queensland offers.



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