Loss of faithful servant dreaded

Palmerston North employment mediator Paul Hutcheson is facing the prospect of life without his beloved guide dog Jessie.

The german shepherd who has travelled extensively around New Zealand with him is 11 years old, one of the oldest working dogs in the country, and the time is approaching for her retirement.

"Rationally I know it's the right decision. But try telling that to my heart. I don't want to imagine how hard it is going to be to say goodbye and be on my own."

The separation means Mr Hutcheson will join 19 other blind, deaf- blind and visually impaired New Zealanders who have known the independence a guide dog has offered, with no immediate prospect of getting a replacement. MORE>>