End of era as Nola loses her best mate

Nola Burgess and her seeing eye dog Noelle were well known throughout the city over the years. Noelle was euthanised last week at the age of 15 but her memory and ashes remain with Nola, who is hoping she is assessed as suitable for another canine companion. Gisborne Herald file picture by Paul Rickard

An identity of Gisborne’s sight-impaired community, Nola Burgess, has sadly had to farewell her beloved seeing eye dog after 15 years together.

Black labrador Noelle was euthanised last week.

She was Nola’s fourth guide dog and would have turned 16 on St Patrick’s Day (March 17).

Eighty-nine-year-old Nola, who is totally blind, has had a guide dog since 1982, but has been without one since Noelle “retired” three years ago.

The dog remained her constant companion in her home in Beetham Village.

“It was a sad day for me last week when I had to put Noelle to sleep,” Nola said. “It’s the end of an era for me.”

Noelle and Nola were well known around the city.

“At nearly 90, I’m probably too old now to have another new one because my hearing is not up to it now and you need to have good hearing to work with a guide dog.

“Also it’s quite stressful to train up a new dog and it takes several months to get used to each other.”

Nola said she lost her independence when Noelle retired.

“But fortunately I have some friends who kindly walk with me on regular outings.”

She still leads an active life of indoor bowls, playing the piano at Beetham Lifestyle Village and other places, and walks with friends.

Nola has inquired with guide dog authorities to see if there is an older dog that may be suitable for her.

“They are going to assess me to see if I’m still suitable to have another companion, so we shall see.”

Noelle was cremated and Nola, for now, is keeping her much-loved dog’s ashes in her home at Beetham.