Johannes Heyns was recently paired with Doug — his first Guide Dog. He’s been blind for 32 years, after he was diagnosed with a cancer called Retinoblastoma when he was only three years old.
Working as a switchboard operator at the Wynberg Magistrates Court in Cape Town, Johannes first experienced what a difference a guide dog could make — while living with a housemate who is also a Guide Dog owner.
After careful consideration, he decided to apply for his own with SA Guide Dogs Association — whose mission is to enhance the lives of visually and physically impaired people and children by providing guide dogs, service dogs, autism support dogs, and orientation and mobility.