ABC South East SA: Sandra Morello
)A South Australian artist has captured on canvas a heartfelt and beautiful insight into how guide dogs are changing lives and helping visually impaired people.
Mount Gambier school teacher Yunita Manfrin has created a unique collection of stunning artworks to celebrate International Guide Dog Day in April.
The whimsical and colourful mixed media exhibition is dedicated to guide dog Bree, who joined her family in 2018.
Bree — affectionally nicknamed Donkey — has become her husband Paul's loyal campaign after he was diagnosed with just 5 per cent vision.
"Having a guide dog has not only changed Paul's life but has also provided our family with something we didn't know was missing," Ms Manfrin said.
The Mount Gambier exhibition — called The Art of Assistance — was a way to thank the family's black labrador and the Royal Society for the Blind.
Supplied: Yunita Manfrin
)"This is my way of saying thank you to her but also to the organisations that have helped my husband, my family, and I navigate life with assistance," she said.
She said the arrival of Bree had been life-changing.
"I never wanted to have a dog inside and my son is allergic so we have to have mobile roaming vacuums on all the time and when they bump into Bree, she doesn't move; she just doesn't care!" Ms Manfrin said.
"She is Paul's eyes so he can be independent, but she is also an integral part of our family.
"Bree is a pet when she is at home and has an endless supply of love that she bestows on us all. She is just part of our family now."
Bree is a typical dog despite the fact she is trained with a serious purpose.
"There are all those little things in her and are quirks that I've tried to put into the artwork."
Paul Manfrin's best friend
While Bree was loyal and attentive, Paul Manfrin said she did become distracted at times that was troublesome particularly when crossing pedestrian lights.
"When she does the right thing, she does it very, very well. When she is with other people and kids, she can get distracted," he said.
ABC South East SA: Sandra Morello
)Mr Manfrin said he had developed a deep bond with Bree.
"I do feel safe with Bree around town — most of the time she is pretty good."
Mr Manfrin was diagnosed as being visually impaired at 18 years old.
"I now only have 5 per cent eyesight. I can see shapes and I can only just see faces," he said.
The exhibition opens this Sunday at the Mount Gambier Riddoch and Arts Cultural Centre.
