Blind man Michael Cooper starts training with new seeing eye dog after NDIA funding cut backflip

A legally blind man said he has rediscovered his independence after spending the past two weeks training with a new seeing-eye dog that the NDIA had refused to fund.

Taking a quick trip to the shops or walking to and from work are simple pleasures that most people take for granted but not Michael Cooper.

Until recently the legally-blind Toowoomba man had enjoyed a high degree of independence and would take his former seeing-eye dog on camping trips and kayak expeditions.

But all of that came to an end last year when his canine companion Cody was forced into early retirement due to ill health.

He had applied to the National Disability Insurance Agency for funding to replace Cody but was rejected on the grounds that he was deemed too blind for support animals.

The justification was that Mr Cooper would need human assistance for most tasks, rendering a dog obsolete.

Michael Cooper with his new seeing eye dog Thea. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The decision angered Mr Cooper who took to the Toowoomba Chronicle to plead for common sense to prevail and within two days the NDIA back flipped.

Two weeks ago Mr Cooper received his new dog Thea and has spent that time working with Matt Wood, a specialist trainer from Seeing Eye Dogs Australia.

Mr Wood said it was a joy to see the bond form between Mr Cooper and Thea.

“To be able to put an animal with a human and to match their needs is the best outcome,” he said.

“Usually it takes about a month, but because Michael is experienced with a seeing-eye dog we have been able to do it in two weeks.”

“He has safe mobility and he is independent.”

SEDA maintains its own supply of Labrador and Golden Retriever breeding stock with puppies tested when they are 12-months old to determine if they will make a good companion.

If they pass the test then they enter a five-month training program learning to respond to commands and navigating obstacles.

“That includes taking them through shopping centres, all forms of public transport,” Mr Wood said.

The dogs are paired with a client based on their care needs, personality and mobility and Mr Wood said the goal is to have the dog act as an extension of the clients’ senses and scan for obstacles.

“We use Labrador and Golden Retrievers because of their adaptability and love of food rewards.

“They do a lot of treat and reward training in training but when they move out of the centre the rewards become affection.”

“They get praise and pats, but not so many treats.”

Michael Cooper and Thea have been working together for about two weeks. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The cost to the NDIA is about $50,000 for the initial training plus another $20,000 to pair a dog with a client.

The dogs typically work for about nine to ten years before retirement.

This can vary from dog to dog but generally, their handler can tell when their dog is starting to slow down.

Often dogs will stay with their owners after retirement but Mr Cooper said he fostered out Cody to a friend because he did not want him to complete – or feel jealous – of his new dog Cody.

“Thea is sassy, she wants a challenge and she wants to do something new,” he said.

“Thea actually has the same personality as me.

“She likes to walk and she has worked out our routines really well.”

While Mr Cooper said he could have relied on his partner and paid careers for assistance, they were no comparison to the independence offered by a dog.

“I am going places without people and that is what it is all about,” he said.

“Most people get to go to the corner store or anywhere they like and without Thea I would not have the confidence to do that.”