Pawfect Match!
There are a lot of ways that a Guide Dog could change your life… Just being able to do things on your own without having to ask for help…We definitely think you could go out more because you’d have the confidence.
There are three really good reasons to help us help others. There are of course more than three, but we think three is a good number to start with.
Get Support
Retain your freedom & independence through a Guide or Assistance Dog. Learn more about eligibility, the assessment process, funding and how to apply.
Learn moreSupport Us
Find out ways to support the training programmes. From leaving a gift in your will to workplace giving, corporate partnerships to sponsorship, there’s something for everyone.
Learn moreGet Involved
Get more involved in supporting the training programmes – raise a puppy and change a life, find out what is involved in being a dog boarder, hold a fundraising event, donate your time – there’s so many ways to get involved.
Learn moreWho We Are
The Malta Guide Dogs Foundation is a Non-Governmental Organisation whose aim is to offer services for Visually Impaired Persons and to campaign for access to public spaces for all.
Through our work, we aim to increase awareness about the importance of Guide Dogs, and the valuable work the Foundation does in helping Visually Impaired Persons connect with the right companion to help them navigate life.
In addition, a new, fresher look has been added thanks to the research conducted and the use of a new font character aims to convey more clarity on how the NGO presents itself.
Our Figures
These are some important figures for us.
Acquiring a guide dog is very expensive and the Malta Guide Dogs Foundation relies on donations from the public to acquire these guide dogs and ultimately match them to their handler.
You have helped more than a hundred people. Every little bit makes a difference and everyone can contribute a little something to help us fulfil our mission to provide independence to people who are visually impaired.
Testimonials
It has been a long, two-and-a-half-year wait for Michael Xerri, of Xagħra, Gozo, but finally, in April 2025, he was successfully matched with his third guide dog, Bluey, at the Lions Club Guide Dog School in Milan, Italy.
This is Michael’s third guide dog since 2010, when he travelled to Zagreb, in Croatia, for his first guide dog, Pixie. He got his second guide dog, Justy, from the guide dog school in Sicily. His first two guide dogs were obtained through the Malta Guide Dogs Foundation.
Bluey was donated to the MGDF by the Sliema Lions Club, whose representative and 2026 President, Alex Arena, travelled to Milan both last April and in 2022 when, accompanied by Lion George O. Attard, they first visited the school for Michael’s initial assessment.
Each time Michael starts working with a guide dog, he has faced a challenging experience. His message to those aspiring to get a guide dog is that it is a process for which you have to be patient and persevere.
“Guide dogs are highly intelligent. Despite all their training, they have individual characters and, being young and energetic, will try to take over. You have to show the dog that you are the boss,” he advised.
“A guide dog is not a GPS that you switch on and switch off. You have to build a trustful relationship but, once you get used to each other, you have your independence and he is a great help.”
Michael observed that the urban area where he lives in Gozo is very different to Milan. Pavements are often inaccessible and he is accustomed to walking with his dog in the street.
Michael is grateful to the Sliema Lions Club for their persistence in sourcing Bluey and he is keen to show that they are a good working team.
Although now retired, Michael sits on the Board of the MGDF, representing one of its founding partners, the Gozo Aid for the Visually Impaired (GAVI), which he had joined in 2005. This is his second stint on the MGDF Board, having replaced the former GAVI representative, Dr Kevin Cutajar, when he was co-opted to Parliament in 2017-2022.
Michael is married to Angela and they have two children, Oleg, 30, and Samantha, 18. Both his previous guide dogs were kept on as family pets after they ‘retired’. Pixie passed away in 20xx and Justy is now 11½.
“Allie gives me the much-needed confidence that I need, and helps me avoid obstacles and also cross the streets in a safe manner.”
“From the moment Juno and I became a team, my life became more vivid… he is the best friend of all time.”
“Thanks to the MGDF, Adel made a whole difference in my life. Apart from being a constant, loyal companion, when I travel outside my house, she helps me avoid obstacles, cross the streets and guides me safely to various destinations.”