Barry and Lis Foat of Bald Hills have spent the past 25 years raising guide dogs for Guide Dogs Queensland, nurturing around 135 dogs into the early stages of a journey that has given independence, confidence and companionship to vision-impaired people across the state.
Organisers recently honoured the couple at a Volunteer Recognition Morning Tea alongside other long-serving volunteers who had reached milestones with the organisation. Their latest charge, Rufus, is puppy number 134 in a remarkable personal tally that speaks to a quarter century of quiet, consistent commitment to one of Australia’s most vital community volunteer programmes.
Their story began simply, with grief and love. After losing their own dog, Barry and Lis decided to channel their affection for animals into something that would matter beyond their own household. They signed up as puppy raisers with Guide Dogs Queensland and never looked back.
From One Dog at a Time to a Lifetime of Purpose
In the early years, Barry and Lis raised several guide dogs simultaneously. Puppy raisers play a foundational role in the guide dog journey, taking on pups from as young as eight to ten weeks old and accompanying them almost everywhere, helping them learn basic socialisation and obedience skills in a wide variety of everyday environments.
“In the beginning, we had several at a time, but in the last few years, we are only taking one at a time,” Lis said.
Now both in their mid-70s, the pair no longer take on puppies but continue to contribute through other programmes. They currently support dogs with behavioural issues and care for animals recovering from surgery. “I get a lot of dogs now that have had surgery, so we look after them in their recuperation,” Lis said. She also volunteers at the Guide Dogs Queensland centre, assists with fundraising appeals, sells merchandise at shopping centres and packs merchandise in the organisation’s warehouse.
The commitment to record-keeping has been just as meticulous. “I keep a chart on all of them and send reports to Guide Dogs Queensland,” Lis said.
What It Means to Watch Them Go
For Barry, the reward has always been in knowing what the dogs they raised would go on to do. “I just find that I’m amazed at what the dogs can do,” he said. “I think we have been an instrumental arm in getting that dog out into the workplace to help another vision-impaired person.”
Trainers carefully match each guide dog that completes training with a handler based on personality, lifestyle and travel needs, with the partnership providing both independence and companionship. For a couple who have raised around 135 of them, the cumulative impact on real people’s lives is extraordinary.
Recognition has come in the form of pins and badges from Guide Dogs Queensland over the years, though Barry is clear that was never the point. “It’s nice to be recognised, but you don’t do it for that,” he said. “I’m doing it because we enjoy doing it.”
Lis, for her part, has a simpler explanation for a 25-year commitment that shows no signs of stopping. “We just love dogs,” she said. “Dogs make you live longer, and I’m going to be living for a very long time.”
A Legacy That Keeps Growing
Guide Dogs Queensland CEO Jock Beveridge said reaching 25 years of puppy raising was an extraordinary milestone. “Through their commitment to puppy raising, Barry and Lis have helped shape the journey of many guide dogs in training,” he said. “Their patience, care and passion have made a lasting impact not only on the dogs they’ve raised, but on the people who will one day rely on those dogs for independence.”
For anyone inspired by the Foats’ story, Guide Dogs Queensland is actively seeking puppy raisers across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. Raising a guide dog puppy is a 12 to 15-month commitment, with all veterinary costs covered, equipment provided and ongoing support from the organisation’s puppy development team. Enquiries can be made at qld.guidedogs.com.au or by calling 1800 810 122.
Published 10-April-2026
Featured Image Credit: Cr Sandy Landers/Facebook
