Hickory is a guide dog and a real superstar Labrador who loves his work.

Melanie Pay from Guide Dogs Victoria (Australia) has nominated Hickory for 'Lab of the week'. "I thought it would be a nice way to honour the amazing job he does in providing freedom and independence (not to mention lots of smiles) for his owner" says Melinda.

I'm sure we all agree that Hickory is indeed a SUPERSTAR!!!

Names:
Hickory

How old are you?
4 years old

Where do you live?
Melbourne, Australia

Favorite food:
Chicken as a special treat.

Favorite toy/toys:
I love any toy I can get my mouth on, but my favourites are my big chew bone and the purple gorilla (even though he has a hole in his head now!)

Hobbies:
Meeting new friends, snuggling, chewing and working as a Guide for my best friend - I love going wherever he goes, places where other dogs aren't allowed!

Who is your best animal friend?
I meet lots of animal friends in my travels but my best friend at the moment is a big gold Labrador puppy named Akira - who will also be a Guide Dog just like me when he grows up.

Who is your best human friend?
My dad is my best friend, we do everything together. I give him freedom and independence and he gives me all the love a dog could ask for.

Please describe your perfect day:
My perfect day would be going to work with Dad and sitting under his desk with my chew bone and saying hello to our co-workers. In the afternoon I would get some time off my harness and run around to tell everyone its playtime. Then getting a ride home in the taxi where I get to sit up the front with my Dad. At home Mum and Dad would take me out to the park for a run and a sniff and then I would come home for dinner (maybe some special treats too for being so good!) and have a big snooze on my comfy bed.

Do you like cats?
I don't mind cats. I let them walk on by and I don't like to chase or bark at them, because I am busy working.

Any bad habits:
No bad habits for me, I had 5 months of intensive training to make sure I am the best I can be! Guide Dogs have an important job to do so I am not allowed to be distracted by food or dogs when I am working in my harness.

What is your favorite website?
www.guidedogsvictoria.com.au

Please feel free to tell us anything else about yourself
I was born and bred at Guide Dogs Victoria in Melbourne with my brothers and sisters of the "H" Litter - that is how I got my name Hickory. I spent some time with a foster family as a puppy until I was old enough to start my training as a Guide Dog. I now live with my Dad who was diagnosed with a genetic eye disease, Retinitis Pigmentosa. That means he has lost a lot of his vision and can't see obstacles or dangers in his way. I help him out by guiding him carefully along a clear path, making sure he doesn't bump into anything and is safe when crossing roads.