In 2004 Ian Clements sustained a gunshot to his head rendering him blind.
At just 20 years of age his life as he knew it was turned completely upside down.
But eight years later it changed again when he took ownership of a guide dog.
Jesse joined the Dungog family last week and Ian will have two instructors with him for the next three weeks to help bond their new life together.
“After the incident Vision Australia jumped in really quickly,” Ian said.
“First was a computer course, then Braille and I have had a cane for the past six and a half years.
“But I wanted to have a guide dog as it will give me more independence.”
Ian attended Maitland TAFE last year, completing Year 10 and 11 secondary studies last year.
“I am doing Year 12 this year and hope to study youth counselling at TAFE then onto university,” he said.
“I was getting a lift down [to the TAFE] and then catching the train home for the four days a week I went.
“But once Jesse and I are working well together I will be able to go both ways on the train if the timetable {and class times} allows.”
Guide Dogs orientation and mobility instructor Monique Withers said it has been a gradual process of working together as a team.
“We are working on building up Ian’s travel routes from his home down the street, to the shops and to the railway station,” Ms Withers said.
“Once we get this established we will work on the train route to the TAFE.
“We build up an association with words – find home, find front door – so Jesse knows what to do.
“A cane is an obstacle finder and a dog is an obstacle avoider.”
Jesse is unique in Dungog and is believed to be the first guide dog in town.
Ms Withers said it was important for residents not to touch, talk, pat or feed Jesse when he is wearing the brown leather harness.
“When he has this on he know he is working,” she said.
“When they are crossing the road, motorists are asked to continue to do what they would normally do.
“Don’t make the dog the centre of attention and address Ian rather than the dog.
“Feel free to offer assistance if that is what you would normally do, but if Ian doesn’t need it, he will say so.
“And perhaps people can be a conscious of cars parked on grass verges where pedestrians would normally go.
“Ian is quite tall, so it would help if overhanging trees are cut back to the fence line.
“And tradesmen, be aware if ladders are hanging over the ends of the vehicle.
“Also be aware of keeping your dogs on leads or inside the fence, away from Jesse.”
Ian married his fiancé of four years, Kara, last year and together they have a son Jayse.
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is reminding hospitality venues and other public outlets that it is illegal for them to refuse entry to a person with a guide dog.
This follows Sue-Ellen Lovett and her guide dog Prada recently being refused entry to three hospitality venues in southern NSW.
Guide Dogs provides free information and staff training about the legal access rights of people who use guide dogs to hospitality businesses and other industry groups across NSW and the ACT.
Refusing a guide dog user entry to a restaurant, cafe or other public venue is illegal under the Federal Disability Discrimination Act.
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