2026 Guide Dog Graduation | Better Together, One Partnership At A Time

[Image Description: A graduation cap displayed alongside personalised gifts and plush dog.]

Recently, clients, families, volunteers, donors and supporters gathered at the Adelaide Festival Centre to celebrate nine new See Differently Guide Dog partnerships at our annual Guide Dog Graduation.

This year’s graduation carried extra meaning, falling during International Assistance Dog Week and reflecting the week’s global theme, #BetterTogether, recognising that life-changing Guide & Assistance Dog partnerships are only possible when communities come together to support them.

As an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International, one of only 13 organisations in Australia to hold this accreditation, See Differently is part of a worldwide network representing more than 28,000 accredited assistance dog partnerships, all working towards a more accessible and inclusive world.

For each of the nine graduates, the ceremony marked the beginning of a new chapter. For some, it was their very first See Differently Guide Dog partnership. For others, it represented the continuation of a journey that has spanned decades, highlighting the lifelong support See Differently provides long after graduation day.

The day also honoured eleven See Differently Guide Dog partnerships retiring after years of loyal service, recognising the deep bond between handler and dog that only grows stronger over a working life together.

[Image Description: A guide dog graduate and her guide dog pictured on stage with two presenters during the graduation ceremony.]

Independence Changes Everything

Among the graduates was Tony, who celebrated his third See Differently Guide Dog partnership with Dusty following the well-earned retirement of his previous See Differently Guide Dog – Oats, the two dogs have since become firm friends. See Differently Guide Dog – Dusty carries a special meaning for the wider See Differently community, named in honour of Paul “Dusty” Miller, who had a long-standing relationship with See Differently and raising funds for our OPK9 Assistance Dog program through Operation Unity.

For Eva, graduation marked the beginning of her very first See Differently Guide Dog partnership with Henley. An active member of the blind cricket and blind tennis community, Eva has already experienced the confidence and freedom that comes with having a See Differently Guide Dog by her side.

Every graduating team has a unique story, yet they share a common outcome – the opportunity to participate more fully in education, employment, recreation and community life.

[Image Description: A group of people gathered together with a guide dog seated at the front.]

It Takes a Village to Raise a Life-Changer

Behind every See Differently Guide & Assistance Dog partnership is an extraordinary network of people who help make these outcomes possible. From whelpers and puppy educators to trainers, donors and corporate partners, every partnership represents thousands of hours of dedication, care and commitment.

At the graduation ceremony, the 2026 Lifetime Giving Award was presented to Charlotte Germaine, a fitting example of the power of partnerships that International Assistance Dog Week set out to celebrate.

Charlotte’s own Guide Dog journey began 12 years ago with her first See Differently Guide Dog – Henry, and continues today alongside her current See Differently Guide Dog – Zeke. Since then, her much-loved annual Paws for Celebration fundraising dinners have raised more than $100,000 for See Differently’s Guide & Assistance Dog Program.

Guide Dog Graduation is only possible because of partnerships like Charlotte’s, and It’s a fitting reminder that, just as this year’s International Assistance Dog Week theme tells us, we truly are #BetterTogether.

[Image Description: Female sitting on a couch with guide dog seated to her left.]

These pups can’t do it alone, and we can’t do it without you!

Discover how you can work together to raise the next generation of Guide & Assistance Dogs for South Australians >>

https://bit.ly/SeeDifferentlyVolunteer