Celebrating Our Latest Graduates and the Communities Behind Them

Guide Dogs WA celebrated another class of program graduates last night — along with the many people who helped make their journeys possible.

Held at a new venue, Beaumonde on the Point in East Perth, the event introduced a refreshed format that highlighted the work involved in raising, training and placing these incredible dogs. The night was made even more special by two graduates — Arnold and Perron — who were born into the WA Breeding Program’s first litter, proudly supported by the WA Government.

From volunteer Puppy Raisers and Boarders to trainers and instructors, breeders, sponsors and supporters, it takes a small community to raise a Guide, Assistance, Facility or Companion Dog. On the night, each dog’s community was acknowledged, with team members invited on stage for a photo.

That collective impact was brought to life through stories shared by new handlers and their families, who spoke about the difference their dogs are already making.

“Ultra is certainly more than an Assistance Dog to us — he is a bridge,” said Vicki Rosewall, speaking about her son Logan’s Autism Assistance Dog.

“I’ll never forget one of our training classes. When things became too much for Logan, we were asked to sit him on the ground and Ultra did exactly what he’s trained to do — he lay across Logan’s legs and performed a technique called ‘cuddle’.”

“In that moment, I’ll never forget the sound of the tension easing. He stood up for the very first time, held hands, and we moved forward as a family.”

Vicki also shared how Ultra creates a space where her non-verbal son can communicate — and builds his confidence to use his Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device.

“Thank you for raising my best friend — he helps me feel understood,” Logan said (via his AAC).

Congratulations to the Class of May 2026:

• Perron – Facility Dog (Children’s Court of WA)
• Arnold – Autism Assistance Dog
• Ultra – Autism Assistance Dog
• Louie – Guide Dog
• Wayne – Guide Dog
• Thelma – Guide Dog (Tasmania)
• Rose – Brood Dog
• Nathan – Companion Dog
• Reilly – Companion Dog
• Thia – Companion Dog
• Ojo – Companion Dog
• Jasper – Companion Dog
• Goldy – Home Duties
• Isla – Home Duties
• Mika – Home Duties
• Dexter – Home Duties

We also acknowledged the following retirements and shared an in-memoriam tribute:

Retired:

• Guide Dogs Bentley & Nina
• Autism Assistance Dog Cooper
• Brood Dogs Teagan & Anika
• Facility Dogs Charles & Poppy
• Ambassador Dog Cody
• Dog Assisted Therapy Dog Melba

In-Memoriam:

• Retired Guide Dog Tinker
• Retired Guide Dog Olga

A big ‘thank you’ to everyone who played a part in our graduates’ journeys.