BACKGROUNDER
The world's biggest model dog
Overview
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT has built a giant model dog to replicate the iconic, fibreglass model guide dog collection boxes that Australians are accustomed to seeing in shopping centres since the 1970s.
The biggest of his kind in the world, the giant model dog was unveiled in Sydney in March 2010. Following a public competition he was named Gulliver in recognition that guide dogs are legally allowed to go in all public places and travel on all forms of public transport with their handlers.
What are Gulliver's vital statistics?
Made of foam and coated in fibreglass, and weighing 690 kilograms, Gulliver is 4.3 metres tall on his trailer, which is 2.3m wide, and 5m long.
How long did he take to build it?
Around 6 months
Who built Gulliver?
A Lithgow based company that also builds Guide Dogs' collection model dogs
How do you move him around?
A normal car can tow Gulliver
How far has Gulliver travelled since he was built?
Since 3 March 2010, Gulliver has travelled almost 10,000 kilometres across eastern Australia helping Guide Dogs NSW/ACT raise awareness of the free services it provides for people with impaired vision living in these areas.
Why did you build Gulliver?
Gulliver is a tool to help raise awareness of Guide Dogs' free services for people who are blind or have impaired vision and the rights of these people.
Services include training people in how to safely and confidently get from A to B either using a mobility aid, such as a guide cane, electronic travel aids or a Guide Dog, or their remaining vision.
Gulliver is also a useful fundraising tooI, as Guide Dogs doesn't receive any government funding to provide its free services. Plus, it costs a lot of money to raise and train each Guide Dog and the demand for our services is increasing.
What else will the giant dog be used for?
Gulliver will be used for regional and national tours where he will help to raise awareness of the access rights of Guide Dog users and the free services provided by Guide Dogs.
Where people can expect to see Gulliver during his tour of regional NSW?
Become a friend of Gulliver's on his Facebook page, www.facebook.com/guidedoggulliver, and see where he's travelling to next. People are also encouraged to post any photos or videos on Gulliver's Facebook page.
Gulliver's tour can also be followed on Twitter @guidedogsnswact.