A BIG THANKS TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS MAKING THEIR FACILITIES ASSISTANCE DOG FRIENDLY! (part 2)

Another valued partner in our quest to make facilities assistance dog friendly is Gautrain Management Agency for Gautrain and Mega Express for the bus service. Recent sensitisation and awareness session with staff from both entities started with a social media campaign earlier this year, followed by training sessions at GDA.

26 July was a highlight in the GDA/Gautrain partnership when our residential guide dog class who graduated on 29 July had a Gautrain experience which was enjoyed by one and all.

Recent Guide Dog class learning to use the Gautrain

It started off with a Mega Express bus ride from Montecasino bus stop to the Sandton station. All seven of them together with their four-footed companions disembarked the bus at Sandton, and had to enter the station through the electronic sliding gates and made their way onto the platform where they had to board a Gautrain coach to Rosebank station.

Recent Guide Dog class learning to use the Gautrain

At Rosebank station they had to get off the train, had to make their way through the station, through the underground walkway to The Zone at Rosebank for an adventure for dog and owner. This was a challenge for both dog and owners, but enjoyed by one and all. Once they completed their visit to The Zone at Rosebank, they boarded the train again and made their way back all the way to the Montecasino bus stop.

Guide dog owner, Nickus de Vos with guide dog Comet, who was one of the students on class had the following to say about the experience: “Overall, I found the entire Gautrain experience great. As a first-time guide dog owner and still getting to know my dog, navigating around the train stations for the first time was a bit daunting, but the friendly Gautrain staff and our GDA instructors were always there to offer assistance.”

A huge thank you to the Mega Express and Gautrain staff who made this unforgettable experience possible and gave our students the opportunity to strengthen the bond with their dogs.

Should your company or facility wish to become a partner in our quest to make public and private facilities assistance dog friendly, please contact Pieter van Niekerk at PieterV@guidedog.org.za or 011 705 3512 for more information.