The mascot
Meet Thelma
Thelma is Karen’s guide dog — and the genuine heart of The Sightless Ceramicist. She’s the reason Karen can get out into the world: to the markets, on the walks where the tiny-house ideas come from, and around New Norfolk delivering finished pieces.
Loyal, patient and very good at her job, Thelma gives Karen the freedom and confidence to explore her creativity. Karen will tell you herself — Thelma is the real star of the show, and the rest of the menagerie (one rescue chook, a pet pademelon, two cats and some fish) keeps the studio lively.
Back to the shopOff the clock
Thelma’s free time
When the harness comes off, Thelma is just a beach-loving Tassie Lab. Here she is making the most of her downtime with Karen.
How it works
On duty, off duty
Harness on — working
When Thelma’s harness is on, she’s concentrating hard on keeping Karen safe. The golden rule: please don’t pat, call or feed a working guide dog — even a friendly hello can break her focus. A warm hello to Karen is always welcome, though!
Harness off — play
Harness off, and she’s a regular goofball — zoomies on the sand, a good wrestle with a toy, and a very serious commitment to napping in the sun.
Curious about guide dogs?
A few things people ask
How much does a guide dog cost to train?
Guide dog organisations say it costs more than $50,000 to breed, raise and train a single guide dog, over roughly two years. The dogs are given to their handlers free of charge — that work is funded almost entirely by community donations, not government.
So who looks after Thelma day to day?
Once a guide dog is placed, the everyday costs of keeping her happy and healthy — good-quality food, treats, toys, bedding and vet visits — sit with the handler. A big working Labrador gets through a fair bit of premium food!
Why shouldn’t I pat a guide dog?
When the harness is on, Thelma is working and needs to concentrate. Patting, calling or feeding her — however well meant — can distract her from keeping Karen safe. If she’s out of harness and off duty, always ask Karen first.
What breed is Thelma, and why?
She’s a Labrador — the most popular guide dog breed in the world. Labs are bright, calm and eager to please, which makes them quick to train and a joy to live with.
Can Thelma go everywhere with Karen?
Yes. In Australia, guide dogs are protected under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, so Thelma can go with Karen into shops, cafés, public transport and almost anywhere the public can go.
How can I help guide dogs in general?
To support the bigger picture, organisations like Guide Dogs Tasmania and Guide Dogs Australia welcome donations and puppy sponsorships. And if you’d simply like to spoil Thelma herself, see below. 🐾
Shout Thelma a treat
Thelma works hard for Karen — and like any good Tassie Lab, she’s very food-motivated. If she’s brightened your visit, you’re welcome to pop a little something in her treat jar when you check out. This isn’t a charity donation — it simply goes to Karen for Thelma’s food, biscuits and the occasional puppuccino.
Bikkies pop into your basket and ride along with your order — or send one on its own. Every cent goes to Thelma.