Walker and guide dog's participation rewarded

(Southland Times)

Thanks to a roofing accident in 1989, former builder Peter Neville has a great pair of sparkling eyes.

Made of glass in all the hues of a paua shell, they gleam as he cools down after finishing the 11th – and his fifth – Papatowai Challenge on Saturday.

Gently panting at his feet is 11-year-old black labrador Huia, content after being reunited with her master.

She started boldly but, hot and footsore, hitched a lift in a ute, leaving Neville and his sight-guide Dave Jackson to finish the 15.5km bush and beach course in a balmy 25degC.

The Dunedin man was by no means the last runner home, in 2hr 55min.

(...)

The human was thrilled but the canine was not too fussed – much more interesting was some stray tomato sauce on the stage.

Mr Neville, who worked at the Blind Foundation for 16 years before he retired, has had his beloved guide dog for nine years.

"She takes me everywhere in St Kilda and always brings me safely home," he said, as Huia gazed at him.