Blog Archives - Guide Dogs Singapore Ltd (GDS) Guide Dogs Singapore Ltd (GDS) is a registered charity and a leading social service agency that serves the blind and visually impaired community in Singapore Thu, 31 Jul 2025 08:25:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://guidedogs.org.sg/website/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/cropped-guide-dogs-singapore-website-icon-yellow-32x32.png Blog Archives - Guide Dogs Singapore Ltd (GDS) 32 32 Marche’s Journey https://guidedogs.org.sg/marches-journey/ Thu, 31 Jul 2025 08:25:30 +0000 https://guidedogs.org.sg/?p=11183 Born in the Spring of 2023, Marche began his exciting life with seven other puppy siblings in Osaka, Japan. About a year into his basic obedience training, he was selected as one of the puppies fit to become a guide dog and made his way to Singapore.  Although Marche is an obedient and ...

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Marche, a black labrador puppy in a green vest, sitting in front of a grassy field with pink flowers.

Born in the Spring of 2023, Marche began his exciting life with seven other puppy siblings in Osaka, Japan. About a year into his basic obedience training, he was selected as one of the puppies fit to become a guide dog and made his way to Singapore. 

Although Marche is an obedient and intelligent boy, he had one challenge when it came to guide dog training: he simply had too much energy. 

Not every guide dog trainee becomes a working guide — and that’s perfectly fine. Some dogs just have personalities that don’t align with the demands of guiding, and we celebrate every path they take. 

Some of you might remember Marche as a curious black Labrador who underwent training to be a guide dog. After careful assessment by our Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI), Christina, it was determined that family life would suit him best. Today, Marche is thriving with his adoptive family, enjoying all the cuddles, playtime, and adventures a loving pet can offer. 

Settling Into His New Chapter

Guide Dog User-Hong Sen And his Guide Dog entering MRT gantry.

We are so blessed to have adopted Marche from Guide Dogs Singapore. We like to say he chose the pet life — and lucky for us, he chose us. 
 
This sweet, gentle, and wonderfully trained boy has become the heart of our home. He quickly ditched the fancy dog bed we got him in favour of ours which he has claimed as his own (and doesn’t hesitate to steal our spots the moment we get up). These days, our dining choices revolve around whether places are dog-friendly — and wherever we go, he comes along too. Even the kopi uncles and aunties have fallen for him, and his chill, obedient vibes. 
 
Marche is the perfect fit for our family. He’s a true foodie — give him dry-aged beef, aged Gouda, or even better, durian, and he’ll love you for life! 

He’s also incredibly sweet and smart. When his older sister fell sick, he stayed by her side for several nights, refusing to leave even for his comfy bed. Since joining our family, he’s picked up more than 20 party tricks (yes, he can open doors, tidy up, and even get the lift!). He also “sings” along to his sister’s piano playing, with his favourite piece being Clementi’s Sonatina in C Major.

Marche’s Adventure-Filled Life

Marche laying down on a blue checkered picnic mat on the beach with his adopter, Adele.

We had high hopes he’d love to swim as he is a Lab after all—but alas, not quite. He’ll oblige us with a short swim (if treats are involved), but he’s happiest just standing peacefully in the sea like a true beach bum.

His happy place is the dog run. He comes alive there, prancing joyfully and trying to get every dog in sight to play with him. It warms our hearts to watch him live his best life.

Marche is such a huge part of our family now that even coming home from a holiday is something to look forward to. We can’t imagine life without him! We are very grateful to GDS for the wonderful opportunity to welcome him into our lives, and for the chance to give back to such a meaningful cause. Huge thanks to Christina from GDS for training him so well, his incredible puppy raiser Yoh-San and family for loving him so deeply, giving him such a happy and exciting puppyhood in Osaka, and even sending him presents today (he still remembers his Japanese roots and responds to Japanese words), and lastly, to James, his boarder during training, for taking such great care of him.

Here’s to a lifetime of adventures with our best boy! 

 

Support Our Guide Dog Programme

Marche laying down on a blue checkered picnic mat on the beach with his adopter, Adele.

Guide dogs are specially trained to assist people who are blind or have low vision in navigating the world safely. That’s why their temperament and energy levels play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of their handlers. 

To date, Guide Dogs Singapore has successfully trained and paired 14 guide dog teams, with 9 currently active. We are also seeing a steady increase in individuals joining our guide dog waiting list. 

Support our mission by donating today — every contribution helps us train more guide dogs and transform more lives.

 

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]]> Born Blind and Becoming Blind: What is the difference? https://guidedogs.org.sg/born-blind-and-becoming-blind/ Tue, 10 Dec 2024 01:20:44 +0000 https://guidedogs.org.sg/?p=10452 Being born blind and becoming blind later in life can result in different ways of understanding and navigating the world, as both experiences involve distinct challenges and adaptations.

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A group photo of GDS clients and student volunteers from NTU, all smiling.

Being born blind and becoming blind later in life can result in different ways of understanding and navigating the world, as both experiences involve distinct challenges and adaptations.

Sensory Development

A GDS client touching plants with a student volunteer standing beside him.

Born Blind: People who are blind from birth typically rely on their other senses (hearing, touch, smell, and sometimes taste) to learn about and interact with their surroundings. Since they have never experienced vision, their understanding of concepts like colors, shapes, or visual depth comes through descriptions and analogies. They develop strong spatial awareness and memory through auditory and tactile inputs, often excelling in using echolocation or textured surfaces to navigate their environment.

Becoming Blind: Those who lose their vision later in life already have visual memories and concepts stored from their sighted experiences. After losing vision, they must learn to adapt by shifting their reliance to other senses. This transition can be emotionally challenging, and navigation may feel disorienting at first. However, their prior visual knowledge can help with mental mapping and understanding spatial relationships based on past visual cues.

Learning and Conceptualisation

A GDS client operating a braille machine.

Born Blind: Individuals may have a different process for learning and conceptualizing the world, as they rely on touch and sound from the start. For example, they might understand what a tree feels like through texture and shape but won’t associate it with an image. They also develop alternative strategies to learn things like reading through Braille or auditory means.

Becoming Blind: These individuals may still think in visual terms, recalling what objects or environments look like from memory. They might use their past visual experiences to help reorient themselves, such as imagining familiar landmarks or visualizing objects based on touch or sound. They may struggle initially with accepting the loss of sight and shifting to new ways of interpreting the world.

Navigational Techniques

Close-up photo of a GDS client using a white cane to navigate tactile markers on an MRT platform.

Born Blind: Over time, people who are born blind become adept at using tools like white canes, guide dogs, or technology that enhances auditory or tactile feedback to navigate the world. Their brains are often highly tuned to sound patterns and environmental changes, allowing them to create detailed mental maps without sight. They may use echolocation, which involves detecting echoes from sounds like footsteps or clicking, to judge distances.

Becoming Blind: People who lose their sight later may have a harder time adapting to the use of canes or guide dogs at first, as they are accustomed to relying on sight for navigation. However, once they learn new techniques and become familiar with assistive devices, they may leverage their previous visual experiences to aid in building spatial awareness.

Emotional and Psychological Differences

GDS clients and student volunteers posing for a photo with a peace sign.

Born Blind: These individuals may approach blindness as their norm, as they have never known the world through sight. They develop confidence in their abilities early on and are likely to accept their blindness without the emotional distress that often accompanies vision loss.

Becoming Blind: Vision loss can come with feelings of grief, frustration, or a loss of independence. The transition involves both physical and emotional adaptation, as they may mourn the loss of visual input and deal with the difficulty of relearning skills they once took for granted.

In both cases, individuals find ways to adapt and thrive, often developing specialised techniques and cognitive strategies to interact with their surroundings effectively.

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]]> My Life as a Guide Dog https://guidedogs.org.sg/my-life-as-a-guide-dog/ Tue, 10 Dec 2024 01:17:04 +0000 https://guidedogs.org.sg/?p=10450 Woof! Hi there, I’m Clare, a proud guide dog and this is my story. For the past seven years, I’ve been working with my blind human, Hong Sen, helping him navigate life safely and confidently. Let me take you on a little journey through my paws, uh, I mean shoes (do dogs wear shoes? Let’s pretend they do).

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Guide dog user Hong Sen posing for a photo with his guide dog Clare.

Woof! Hi there, I’m Clare, a proud guide dog and this is my story. For the past seven years, I’ve been working with my blind human, Hong Sen, helping him navigate life safely and confidently. Let me take you on a little journey through my paws, uh, I mean shoes (do dogs wear shoes? Let’s pretend they do).

From Melbourne to Singapore

Guide dog Clare as a puppy, peacefully sleeping curled up on the floor.
Guide dog Clare as a puppy, basking in the sun alongside her dog friend.
Guide dog Clare wearing her training vest.

I was born in Melbourne, where I trained to be a guide dog. Training was intense! I learnt commands like “forward,” “stop,” and how to guide my user around obstacles. By the time I turned two, I was basically a guide dog prodigy and was ready to meet my forever partner. That’s when I met this strange man named Hong Sen.

Our First Meeting

Guide Dog User-Hong Sen And his Guide Dog entering MRT gantry.

Our first meeting? Let’s just say it was… awkward. I thought, who is this guy and does he think he’s in charge? During training, I had my own ideas about which routes to take because, let’s face it, I knew best. But then this guy had the nerve to try steering me in directions that made no sense. I was like, Um, excuse me, sir, do you even know what you’re doing? It wasn’t exactly love at first sight, but over time, we figured each other out. Turns out, Hong Sen wasn’t so bad after all. He learnt to trust me (because I’m awesome), and I learnt to go with his flow (begrudgingly, at first). Now, we are the dream team, and honestly, I can’t imagine life without him… though I do reserve the right to roll my eyes when he gets in my way.

Daily Adventures

Clare lying on a cat soft toy and appears to be sleeping.
Clare appears to be sleeping. She is wearing a ladybug inspired outfit.
A yellow labrador guide dog, Clare, is lying on her back. She is biting her rope toy while her user watched her.

Every weekday morning, I guide Hong Sen to his office. It’s my job to keep him safe, and I take it very seriously. Guiding is like solving a puzzle. I need to make sure we avoid obstacles, cross streets safely, and get to where we need to go.

When we arrive at the office, my work slows down a bit. While Hong Sen is busy typing away at his desk, I enjoy a well-deserved snooze. Sometimes, his coworkers come by to play with me. They’re all so nice, always bringing me new toys. But they also have this funny habit of dressing me up. One time, they put a ladybug outfit on me. I mean, I didn’t sign up to be a fashion icon, but hey, if it makes them happy…

Trained to Toilet on Command

A close-up of guide dog Clare wearing her toileting harness.

Here’s something cool about me: I’m trained to toilet on command. Yes, you read that right. My human takes me out at specific times, and I do my business when he says the word. I know, it’s amazing. Most dogs would call it a superpower. It’s all part of being a professional guide dog, and I’m pretty proud of it.

Weekends Are for Fun

Guide dog Clare in a taxi ride.
A close-up of three yellow Labradors smiling at the camera; they appear to be covered in mud.
A guide dog seated beneath a table in a coffee shop.

Weekends are the absolute best because that’s when things get a little more exciting! Hong Sen often meets up with his friends, and of course, I guide him to cafes, parks, or restaurants. It’s usually a lot of fun, but sometimes there’s a hiccup. Some restaurants don’t let me in, even though I’m legally allowed to be there. I can see how exhausting and frustrating it is for Hong Sen to deal with these situations. He handles it with so much grace (better than I would, honestly), but I wish more people understood and respected the law.

On the brighter side, weekends also come with special perks. Occasionally, guide dog users arrange meet-ups, which means play dates with my colleagues! It’s like the ultimate doggie reunion. We run, play, and share all the juicy gossip about our humans. It’s a good time. After all, even hardworking guide dogs need some fun and socialising too.

We also meet lovely people on the street. Some smile, ask about me, or compliment how beautiful I am. But here’s a little PSA: when you see me wearing my harness, I’m working. I know it’s hard to resist petting me because, well, I’m adorable, but please don’t distract me. My job is to keep my human safe, and I take that responsibility very seriously.

So yeah, weekends are a mix of adventures, challenges, and a whole lot of tail-wagging fun. Just don’t forget to respect the working dog rules when you see me on duty, okay? Thanks! Woof.

The Joy of Being a Guide Dog

A collage of two photos the right photo shows a blind user sitting with guide dog Clare resting calmly beneath his leg, while the left photo is a close-up of Clare smiling brightly in her working harness.

Life as a guide dog is full of love, challenges, and little victories. I get to spend every day helping my best friend navigate the world, and in return, I’m showered with love, belly rubs, and the occasional treat. Sure, I have to deal with the occasional ladybug outfit in my fur, but honestly, I wouldn’t trade this life for anything.

So, that’s my story so far. If you ever see me on the street, give me a smile and a friendly hello, but remember, no petting while I’m working! Thanks for taking the time to read about my life. I’m Clare, the guide dog, and I love what I do. Woof woof! 🐾

So yeah, weekends are a mix of adventures, challenges, and a whole lot of tail-wagging fun. Just don’t forget to respect the working dog rules when you see me on duty, okay? Thanks! Woof.

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]]> Spring Cleaning Made Accessible: A Step-by-Step Guide https://guidedogs.org.sg/accessible_spring_cleaning_guide/ Tue, 10 Dec 2024 00:44:55 +0000 https://guidedogs.org.sg/?p=10440 Spring cleaning can be a refreshing way to reset your space and mindset! Here's a step-by-step guide to make your spring cleaning accessible and enjoyable.

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A woman holding a laundry basket filled with clothes.

Spring cleaning can be a refreshing way to reset your space and mindset! Here’s a step-by-step guide to make your spring cleaning accessible and enjoyable:

  1. Start With a Plan: Before diving in, take a moment to organise your thoughts and tasks.
    • Make a List: Jot down the areas you want to focus on, like the kitchen, bedroom or bathroom. You can use a tactile notepad, a smartphone app or even record voice notes.
    • Set Priorities: Decide which areas need the most attention and tackle them first.
  2. Gather Cleaning Supplies: Having the right tools make cleaning easier and more efficient.
    • Label Cleaning Products: Use tactile stickers, Braille labels or a smartphone app (e.g. Be My Eyes) to identify products. Safety first, always double-check labels before use!
    • Opt for Ergonomic Tools: Items like microfiber cloths, extendable dusters and easy-grip mops can make cleaning more comfortable.
    • Choose Safe Cleaning Products: Non-toxic and eco-friendly options are ideal for everyone, especially if you will be handling them directly.
  3. Declutter First: Before cleaning, take a moment to clear out unnecessary items.
    • Sort by Touch: Use bins or boxes to separate items into categories like “keep”, “donate” and “discard.”
    • Stay Organised: Focus on one drawer, shelf or corner at a time to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
    • Get Help if Needed: Apps like Be My Eyes can assist with identifying items or checking expiration dates.
  4. Clean One Room at a Time: Breaking your tasks into smaller, manageable chunks makes the process easier.
    • Living Room
      • Dust shelves, tables, and electronics with a microfiber cloth. You can feel for dust or use textured cloths for more thorough cleaning.
      • Vacuum or wipe down furniture, focusing on areas like cushions and armrests.
    •  Kitchen
      • Organise your pantry using tactile markers or distinct container shapes. Apps can also help you identify and sort items.
      • Deep clean appliances by touch. Warm, soapy water works wonders for ovens, microwaves, and refrigerators.
    • Bathroom
      • Scrub sinks, tubs, and tiles using textured cleaning pads. Feeling for smooth surfaces helps ensure they’re clean.
      • Organise toiletries in consistent, accessible locations.
    • Bedroom
      • Refresh your linens and bedding, adding a touch of comfort with scented sprays.
      • Declutter your wardrobe by touch, separating clothes by season or frequency of use.
  5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a solo activity.
    • Use Technology: Apps like Seeing AI can provide visual guidance for tricky tasks.
    • Involve Friends or Family: Share the workload with loved ones.

Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up. It’s about creating an environment that feels welcoming and supports your well-being. With these accessible tips, anyone in the blind or visually impaired community can enjoy a successful and empowering spring-cleaning experience.

Ready to get started? Share this guide with friends and family, and let’s welcome the new season together!

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