2:20p.m. 5th March 2008

| By Kerryn Manifold

Eight mth old 'Aslan' who is in training with Seeing Eye Dogs Australia, went to work at the Maroochy Council Chambers with his carer Ngaire McLaren ( Joe Natoli's PA) for the first 12mths of his life. Aslan and trainer Phil Brocklehurst take a blindfolded Mayor Joe Natoli on a walk. Kari Bourne/KB173177c

Mayoral candidate Joe Natoli is not walking in to a local government election blind folded.

Mr Natoli was actually one the first to test out the navigational skills of Aslan, a recently trained seeing eye dog, in a stroll around Maroochy Council courtyard in Nambour yesterday.

Aslan spent about a year with Mr Natoli’s personal assistant, Ngaire McLaren, so the 18-mont-old black labrador could get used to the hustle and bustle of workplace life.

Seeing Eye Dogs Queensland senior instructor Phil Brocklehurst said dogs needed to become familiar with different environments and situations before they could be matched with an owner.

“If they get socialised and used to that at a young age, then they cope much better in adulthood when they’re a working dog,” Mr Brocklehurst said.

“Part of that is people taking dogs to work because being able to go in to a work environment is great socialisation for our puppies.

“My job would be almost impossible if we didn’t have puppy carers.”

Mr Natoli said he felt a little nervous while he walked around the court yard blindfolded and he realised how important the dogs were to people who had a vision impairment.

He said bosses should let employees take part in such schemes.

“For someone without site to have a dog to guide them around is an incredible gift,” Mr Natoli said.

“Aslan was great to have around the office.

“He made a couple of messes when he chewed a soft toy but I live in a house with three children so I’m quite comfortable with that.”

He also said he hoped voters would not wear blindfolds on March 15

People who would like to become puppy carers, or think they may benefit from a seeing eye dog, should call 3255 2877.