Guiding legacy: 'Helping others once I'm gone gives me purpose'

This is sponsored content for Guide Dogs Tasmania.

Merran Thurley has made the ultimate gift that will one day give someone the joy of a Guide Dog.

The 68-year-old from Launceston knows only too well what these beautiful companions provide, having received her first Guide Dog when she was just 17.

And now, with her eighth Guide Dog, Jacob, Merran wants to ensure other Tasmanians living with vision loss have the same independence and freedom that she has enjoyed, by leaving a gift in her will to Guide Dogs Tasmania.

"If it wasn't for the generosity of others, I may not have been so lucky to have had eight wonderful dogs over the last five decades," said Merran.

"Guide Dogs have been such a big part of my life, and it gives me great purpose to know that I will be helping others when I'm gone."

Merran was born with congenital cataracts and by the age of 14 was totally blind. When she received her first Guide Dog just a few years later, it was like getting her driver's licence; exciting, but also a bit daunting.

At 17, Merran had no idea what her future would look like, but 51 years on, she can confidently say Guide Dogs have allowed her to work, travel, meet new people and most importantly, given her the choice to do what she wants in life.

"I often wonder, if I didn't have a Guide Dog would I be getting up this morning and getting on with the day?" she said.

Merran is now at the stage in her life when she wants to ensure she leaves behind a legacy she can be proud of.

"I've had so much independence and pleasure from Guide Dogs over my lifetime, and leaving a gift in my will allows me to carry this on to others," she said.

Guide Dogs Tasmania's Planned Giving Coordinator, Melanie Spunt, said Guide, Therapy and Autism Assistance Dogs do so much more than help Tasmanians with low vision, disability and illness to navigate the world around them, or settle and calm a child living with autism, or someone struggling with trauma or illness.

"These dogs give the gift of independence and confidence to their handlers, and it takes two years of intensive training to prepare them for their unique task. They bring joy and companionship, hope and opportunity not only to the people whose lives they are changing, but also to their families," Melanie said.

"By leaving a gift in your will to Guide Dogs Tasmania, you will not only support the training of these incredible dogs, your gift will help many more Tasmanians realise the power of the bond between human and dog in achieving greater freedom, independence and companionship."

If you would like to start a conversation about leaving a gift to Guide Dogs Tasmania, please contact our Planned Giving Coordinator on (03) 6232 1222 or email giftsinwills@guidedogstas.com.au

This is sponsored content for Guide Dogs Tasmania.