Keith Parry’s life took an unexpected turn at 21 when a devastating car accident left him life-altering injuries, just as he was starting his career as an electrician.
It took a team of surgeons three years of craniofacial surgery to rebuild Keith’s face, which had borne the brunt of the accident and resulted in the devastating loss of his eyesight.
During Keith's hospital stay in Melbourne, the Guide Dog Association introduced him to the white cane, offering a glimmer of independence. Mastering the cane was the first step in developing the skills necessary for independent mobility, a requirement to qualify for a guide dog.
Keith's journey to self-sufficiency began with a month-long stay at Alistair Cook House in the Guide Dog Centre in Kew. There, he mastered essential life skills like doing laundry and cooking meals. He then later returned for several weeks to meet Nugget, his first loyal Labrador guide dog.
Was it love at first meeting? Well, for ‘Nugget,’ it appeared Keith was just another handler he had to work with.
“It wasn’t easy, but after a couple of days, the dog knew the area, and I began to gain confidence and put my trust in an animal I couldn’t see,” Keith said.
“Nugget was very interested in all the different smells; he seemed to learn a lot fairly quickly.
“Real bonding and teamwork take a long time, often up to a year! They are beautiful, quiet animals, and part of the bonding is brushing them daily, which they love.”
Guide dogs need to learn the area where they live, which can take three months before they are completely familiar with their surroundings.
The Guide Dog Association visits each home at three, six and twelve months to check on how the handler and Guide dog are managing.
Today, Keith’s best mate is Tobey, a large seven-year-old Labrador who has earned his stripes and is totally devoted to his boss.
The duo walk around the Oasis Village twice a day. The activity is good for them both and definitely plays a part in the bonding between dog and handler.
Keith, as handler, sets the location, and Tobey guides him around obstacles, indicating where there are steps and curbing. Guide dogs like Tobey are essential to the handler’s mobility and a companion who shows unlimited love and loyalty.
Over a period of almost 40 years of working with Guide dogs, Tobey is number six. Going before him were Nugget, London, Cooper, Patch and Malabo.
“They were all mostly 18 months to 2 years old when I got them, and they had been with puppy handlers for the first 12 months before going into training,” Keith said.
Guide dogs are generally retired at the age of 10 years and get to enjoy their lives as other dogs do.
“Tobey is a ‘big boy,’ the largest I have had, and an absolute gentle giant,” he said.
“He loves his squeaky toys but never chews them up. He has a whole basket filled with different ones.
“While he is usually resting on his bed when we are home, he notices any activity and if I am getting ready to go out, I put on his toilet harness so he knows it's time to go to the toilet and change to a work collar and harness, and then he knows he has work to do.”
When in harness, people are requested not to pat Tobey as it takes his attention away from looking after his boss.
Tobey volunteers at Irvin House alongside Keith and his wife, Olga, where Keith plays the piano.
The couple are also active members of the Cobram Lions Club and the RSL, and they help deliver Meals on Wheels.
“I love volunteering; it gives me a purpose,” Keith said.
Keith and Olga had known one another in Adelaide for many years, but it wasn’t until 1996 that they realised they had something special. They married in 2002 and made a move to Cobram, where they quickly became part of the community
Keith, Olga and Tobey will drive to Adelaide on October 25, Keith’s 60th birthday, for a special event.
Keith is excitedly looking forward to celebrating with special mates who have remained close ever since the day of his accident nearly 31 years ago.
JIM’S 70-YEAR-OLD TRACTOR BEST IN THE SHOW!
A 1953 Massey Harris 744 tractor, purchased by William Walter Sutton of Yarroweyah and restored by his grandson Jim Sutton, was awarded Best Presented Vehicle at the Coffee and Cars event held in Nathalia on Father’s Day, September 1.
When the tractor was originally purchased, it marked the beginning of a new era for farming, as it was the first diesel tractor in the district. It was used for a range of tasks, including powering a hammer mill with a flat belly pulley to produce chaff for horses.
Jim also built a trailing post hole digger from scrap metal to complete the farm’s fencing, and the family soon became fencing contractors throughout the district.
The tractor was in use for more than 20 years until one day the engine blew up, after which it sat idle for nearly 40 years in Katamatite.
Approximately 10 years ago, Jim had a dream to restore it. He undertook the tedious task of bringing the tractor home in numerous tandem truckloads, where it sat for another seven years while missing parts were sourced. Jim began to work on his dream at the age of 85.
Over the following three years, the Massey began to take shape. However, as Jim approached 88 and his health began to decline, his son Peter, along with grandsons Brayden and Kyran, completed the final touches. The result was a sparkling 70-year-old red tractor that looked as good as new.
Jim Sutton was undeniably proud to be presented with a Shannons Trophy for Vehicle of the Morning at Nathalia’s Coffee and Cars event.
Restoring the Massey Harris 744 gave him a great sense of purpose and proved that no matter your age, you can still achieve your goals.
Jim and his wife raised seven children, a foster daughter, 19 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren—with one more on the way.
It has undoubtedly been a life well lived for Jim Sutton.