John Finch and his guide dog of five years, Winston.By Melissa Donchi
JOHN Finch is instantly recognisable in Healesville. He and his large black labrador Winston are often seen down the main street running errands together.
“People always stop and say hello, to Winston first and then me,” Mr Finch said of his beloved guide dog.
But a vicious incident last week is keeping Mr Finch behind locked doors and Winston more protective than ever.
Yarra Glen police are looking for the thugs who punched Mr Finch, 68, from behind and kicked him to the ground while Winston was also brutally assaulted.
“I was just on my way home from the RSL where I had seen some friends and I had stopped off at the service station to get some groceries,” Mr Finch said.
“Suddenly I felt a smack in the back of my head and they kicked me to the ground and that’s where I lost Winston.”
Mr Finch heard Winston yelping as a group of male youths kicked him and yelled, “Are you blind”, and, “You blind bastard”.
Luckily the attack took place near Mr Finch’s home where he was able to collect himself and call the police and the vet.
While Mr Finch was relatively unscathed, Winston received significant bruising and will experience discomfort for a few weeks.
Senior Constable Marion Purdy from Yarra Glen Police described the attack as “despicable”.
“Obviously Mr Finch and his dog are very shaken and upset,” Sen Const Purdie said.
“We are appealing for any witnesses to come forward so we can deal with them appropriately.”
This is not the first time Mr Finch has been attacked in Healesville, with an incident a few months ago leaving him anxious.
“I was outside Coles at the bus stop when a group of boys were calling out names,” Mr Finch said.
“They didn’t touch me but I felt Winston struggling so I felt beneath his lead and they had placed lit cigarette butts under his collar.”
Winston was nervous for some time after that but it was the most recent attack that has really affected the loyal dog.
“He won’t leave me alone,” Mr Finch said. “I’ve never seen him this protective.
“He won’t go to sleep unless I’m asleep, I can’t close a door or walk anywhere without him following me.”
Winston has been with Mr Finch for more than five years since he was a puppy. He is now seven years old and Mr Finch says they will be friends for life.
“The official retiring age for a guide dog is 10 years old and then you are supposed to exchange them for a new one,” Mr Finch said. But as Winston drapes himself possessively over Mr Finch’s shoes, it’s clear these two are friends for life.
Anyone with information about the attack should contact the police in Yarra Glen on 9730 1296.
