Guide Dogs WA to be out and about for International Guide Dog Day

A KELPIE border collie cross named Beau was the first ever Australian guide dog to be trained.

In 1952, he travelled all over the country with his blind owner Elsie Mead to promote guide dog mobility.

Now more than 60 years later, Guide Dogs are a well-established entity making a big difference in many peoples’ lives.

To celebrate their work, the Perth CBD will come alive with the furry representatives from Guide Dogs next Tuesday for 2016 International Guide Dog Day.

Guide Dogs WA, based in Victoria Park, will host its annual street appeal from 7am-2pm in the city.

Guide Dog users, puppy raisers and hundreds of volunteers and staff will swarm Perth CBD in a sea of orange, with lots of dogs around in all stages of training.

A range of employees from the organisation, from volunteers to the chief executive, will be shaking tins to collect donations.

A spokeswoman for Guide Dogs WA said they were urging individuals to bring cash or coins with them.

“Many people only carry cards and then regret not having a dollar or two to drop in,” she said.