Main image via Facebook + Free Malaysia Today
Times have a been a little tough lately and unfortunately, we’ve got some sad news to add on.
LaShawn, Malaysia’s first recognised guide dog has passed away at the age of eight.
Image via Facebook
The Labrador was listed as the first guide dog for the blind in the Malaysia Book of Records and his owner Stevens Chan Kim Fai, founder of Dialogue in the Dark Malaysia (DID) sadly confirmed that LaShawn had passed away recently.
Speaking to Free Malaysia Today, Stevens said, “Dear friends LaShawn has passed away this morning due to (a) bacterial infection. Thanks for the past years of support to our Guide Dog advocacy work.”
Image via Free Malaysia Today
Taking to Facebook, Stevens shared the sad news of the beloved Labrador’s passing on the “Dogs for Sight – help the blind to see” page saying:
“I am so heart broken to info that Lashawn our only guide dog had pass away this morning. We promise him to do better to fight for guide dogs in Malaysia.”
Lashawn was being treated for leptospirosis and admitted to an animal clinic in Cheras after showing symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea.
Unfortunately, his owner could not be by his side during his final moments, as Stevens could not travel freely due to the movement control order (MCO).
Both owner and the guide dog worked tirelessly “in the fight for their rights and the rights of others like them to be given a fair chance at living a more independent life in the country,” FMT reports.
“It was also hoped that their efforts would lead to necessary amendments to the Disability Act to allow Guide Dogs and their Blind Owners access to travel anywhere in Malaysia.”
Image via Facebook
RIP LaShawn. Thank you for your service.
Our thoughts are with his loved ones.
Info via Free Malaysia Today
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