Paws what you’re doing – Guide Dogs are taking over The Jetty for this weekend’s pat and chat session

Posted on 7 November, 2025

Get ready to paws what you’re doing, as Guide Dogs NSW/ACT brings a tail-wagging Pat and Chat experience to The Jetty on Saturday 8 November.

Sundae, Dory and Vespa are about to become Canberra’s most popular residents. These lab-radorable pups – along with their Guide Dogs NSW/ACT crew – are bringing tail wags, wet noses and whole lot of heart to The Jetty this Saturday.

The morning kicks off at 9 am with free entry, unlimited cuddles, and zero judgement about how many photos you take. This is your chance to get genuinely paws-on with some of the most remarkable dogs in the country – every Guide Dog represents months of expert training, dedication and life-changing partnership.

For people who are blind or have low vision, Guide Dogs aren’t just companions – they’re independence, confidence and freedom. At Pat and Chat, guests can discover exactly what transforms a playful pup into a working dog who changes someone’s world completely.

“This event is a wonderful chance for people to get up close with our Dogs, see the incredible work that goes into their training, and understand the vital impact they have on the lives of those living with low vision and blindness,” says Daniel Searle, Community Mobiliser for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.

“Hosting this experience in Canberra, with MPs and community leaders involved, puts inclusion right where it belongs: on the national agenda.”

Between the pats and the photos (there’s a doggie-themed photo wall, because of course there is), guests can ask experts how Guide Dogs are trained and matched with their Handlers, plus chat with people from the blind and low vision community.

Keen to fetch some exclusive merchandise while supporting the cause? Sorted. Want to become an Inclusion Ally and be part of building a more accessible world? The team can show you how. Mostly just want to hug a Labrador named Sundae? That’s valid too, and honestly, it might be the best decision you make all week.

So paws what you’re doing this Saturday morning. The Jetty is about to be overrun with tail-wagging therapy, important conversations, and the kind of wholesome community connection Canberra does best. It’s the paw-fect way to start your weekend – and you might just learn something that changes how you see the world.