I read the article in The Times, Knights To The Rescue Of Guide Dog Service (November 17). I think it is wonderful that the Knights of the Sovereign Military and Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta are sponsoring a desperately needed project of providing financial assistance to secure and train guide dogs for use by disabled individuals.

Guide dogs are expensive to train but very much worth the vital aid they give to people who otherwise would be housebound due to various disabilities, such as glaucoma and other blinding diseases of the eye. Guide dogs are as valuable as nurses in helping people navigate uncertain terrain. I was pleased to see the notice printed on the dog’s harness for people to read: “Don’t pet me, I’m working”.

Utilising many unwanted dogs for this beneficial purpose gives unwanted dogs a new lease on life; plus it creates a bonding atmosphere between the human client and the service dog that is a type of devotion best described as mutual reliance. As a member of the Brotherhood of Blessed Gerard, the relief arm of the Order of Malta, I am very proud of the Knights coming forward as benefactors to integrate more service dogs in giving assistance to the blind. It helps validate the Order’s motto: Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum (defence of the faith and assistance to the poor).

Human beings are charged by Almighty God to be good stewards of the land and have dominion over animals. It is good that “man’s best friend” (the trusty and devoted dog) as one of God’s creatures proves that our animal friends can be depended upon to return the favour by helping people with security, safety and independence.

I offer my prayers and best wishes to all those who are coping with such disabilities and I wish the whole project all the best of good luck and hope that more people will take a continuous interest in it in the years to come.