Black dog relaxed on woman's legs with his front paws hanging down and face resting on her leg.
Flash

Flat out Flash from Guide Dog Flash

March 14, 2025

Since I came to live with Lindy in mid January, I am either Flat out working or Flat out sleeping! I fitted right into the household.

Both Lindy and her housemate Polly have been also flat out working or training since I joined the household.

Black dog swimming in a lake with a lead held by lady wearing sporting uniform.
Photo: Aunty Polly supervising Flash swimming in the lake after her aquathlon race.

I had three weeks chilled as a ‘Dog’ from 13th January to 2nd February. We only did little things such as visiting friends and family, shopping, meetings, doggie walks and even a swim after Aunty Polly finished her Aquathon race, so nothing too exciting.

 

 

Lindy standing on the footpath with Flash beside her in harness and practising wearing booties on his paws.
Photo: Lindy and Flash working together with Flash practising wearing booties.

 

 

Then after Instructor Claire arrived on Monday 3rd February, Lindy and I began our three weeks “Flat Out” training with Instructor Claire.

I had actually already graduated with First Class honours from Guide Dog school. It is Lindy who had to learn how to handle me. We worked out how to get to the bus stops and the best way to walk around our home suburb, especially doing our longer exercise walks. The most important places are coffee shops and supermarkets. We certainly got these places down pad. We haven’t had to go without coffee nor yummy food.

From left Aunty Polly, Uncle Wes, Instructor Claire, Lindy and me in front of the Lunar New Year Concert banner
Photo: standing in front of the Lunar New Year Concert banner

To complement our training, we also did lots of cultural activities. After all, when Instructor Claire sat down with Lindy a few months ago, Lindy did mention that she would prefer a ‘cultured Dog’.

Two ladies dressed up standing with black dog Flash sitting in front of them with his harness on and showing off a white bowtie.
Photo: Instructor Claire and Lindy before the concert with Flash sitting in front with his harness on and showing off his white bowtie.

 

 

 

 

 

As I had self identified as a ‘cultured dog’, I happily accompanied Lindy to the following:

  • National Gallery of Australia for the Lindy Lee sculpture Ouroboros;
  • Canberra Theatre to listen to the Hong Kong String Orchestra to celebrate Chinese New Year;
  • Canberra Multicultural Festival where I walked proudly around with instructors Claire and Lori among the crowd;
  • and the National Museum of Australia for a descriptive tour of the Pompei Exhibition.

Check out my bow tie I’m wearing for the occasion.

Lindy standing with Flash beside her on the left in front of a very large artwork and on the right is friend Bob with his guide dog Zeke lying down in front of him in front of another panel of the artwork.
Photo: from left Lindy and Flash standing in front of a large artwork at the National Gallery with and Bob and Zeke on the right during a descriptive tour.

We also practiced getting on/off buses, light rail and even checked out the CountryLink station at Kingston.

I had my first Parkrun at Lake Ginninderra with Lindy. Lindy was guided by Instructor Claire while I chilled jogging next to Lindy.

I managed a couple of sleeps at the Dragon Boat club house while Lindy went out dragon boating. I then pretended that I was asleep when Frances of Getaboutable presented the Disability Awareness session to the club’s volunteers.

Lindy sitting on the lounge with Flash sitting in front of her with a toy guide dog with a mortarboard on his head.
Photo: Lindy and Flash graduate together after three weeks intensive training

I – actually Lindy – successfully completed the training with me a week ago and she is now qualified as my handler. I have got the medallion to prove it. I am still ‘Flat out’ recovering from all the training last week. Of course, our ‘Flat out’ life means that, since the training, I have done a radio interview and given a talk at the VIEW club to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Enjoy some of the photos from my ‘flat out’ life.  I am off to ‘flat out’ sleep.

Wishing you all a Happy International Women’s Day.

Woof Woof
Flash Hou

(until I get my own email address, you can contact me via Lindy’s email)
lindy@lindyhou.com
Tel:  0402 113 836  /  +61 402 113 836