TASMANIAN GUIDE DOG TRAINEE CAPTURED IN RARE PHOTO TO MARK INTERNATIONAL GUIDE DOG DAY

A powerful image of Cydee, a young guide dog in training, surrounded by Tasmania’s golden Photo:. Puppy Tales Photography

A powerful image of Cydee, a young guide dog in training, surrounded by Tasmania’s golden Fagus leaves in Mount Field National Park, has been released to mark International Guide Dog Day.

Photographed by Kerry Martin of Puppy Tales, the image highlights the fleeting beauty of the fagus—the state’s only winter deciduous tree—and the life-changing role of Guide Dogs Tasmania.

The photo is part of the global Tails of the World project, a fundraising initiative celebrating dogs through professional photography.

“This beautiful photo is a powerful reminder of what Guide Dogs make possible. They open up a world that otherwise feels closed,” said Martin.

“Guide Dogs can go anywhere their handler goes, and it felt fitting to capture that idea among the Fagus—a beautiful moment and a symbol of the freedom, opportunity and independence these incredible dogs provide to Tasmanians living with disability.”

Normally off-limits to dogs, Tasmania’s national parks allow access to trained assistance animals, making this photo a rare and symbolic representation of the unique access and freedom guide dogs provide.

Martin, the only Australian winner in the 2024 International Pet Photography Awards, invites dog owners across Tasmania to participate in Tails of the World Pawtraits sessions this May.

Participation fees and a percentage of artwork sales will be donated directly to Guide Dogs Tasmania, the state’s only organisation raising and training guide and autism assistance dogs.

“For the fourth year running, it’s an honour and a thrill to be a part of the Tails of the World collective and selected as a contributing photographer to this amazing international book project,” Martin said.

The Tails of the World project has already raised more than US$250,000 globally and showcased over 2,000 dogs through a series of coffee table books. Martin’s sessions will be photographed across Tasmania’s most picturesque landscapes, with limited spots available starting at $100.

“I’m super excited to photograph Tassie dogs for this global project,” she said.

“It’s a joy to use my photography to support people in need, while showcasing the natural beauty of this fantastic island through the dogs who call it home."

“I chose to support Guide Dogs Tasmania because they truly change the world for Tasmanians living with disability. It means a lot to support local for a project that will be created right here in the local community.”

To find out more or book a session, visit: https://puppytales.com.au/tailsoftheworld