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Blind Voice Star Mourns Heartbreaking Loss of Beloved Guide Dog Ella

BBG News

Rachael Leahcar has shared the tragic news of the death of her guide dog, Ella. 

In a heartfelt social media message, a 30-year-old woman, who lives with retinitis pigmentosa and is visually impaired by law, shared the sad news of losing her cherished 11-year-old dog.

With great sadness, I announce the death of my cherished Ella, as she was fondly known. [The former star of The Voice Australia] shared this news.

‘On Monday last week, Ella collapsed at home and couldn’t get back up.

Given the mobile vet’s assessment that she probably wouldn’t walk again, considering my pet’s graceful and self-respecting nature, I couldn’t bear for her to experience pain.

She departed serenely, enveloped by affection, as I held her paw tenderly, gently caressing her face while humming her beloved melody, “My Girl.

‘Rest in peace, my goldie girl. Ella bella, you were truly one of a kind.’

Previously, Rachael found herself in the spotlight following an incident where she was denied an Uber ride due to her service dog, Ella, who had left her in tears.

Before finding herself stranded, she had been journeying along King William Street, Adelaide, accompanied by her seven-year-old golden retriever.

Although it’s against the regulations of South Australia, Rachel shared with The Advertiser that the Uber driver refused to let her into the car due to his worries over the potential clean-up costs involved.

As I was about to open the car door and remove Ella’s harness, a phrase that filled me with dismay echoed through the air: “I’m sorry, but I can’t take your dog,” the singer said to the press.

I informed the driver, “‘She is my guide dog, I’m visually impaired and require her service. It’s illegal not to allow me.’ However, he persisted with a refusal, stating, ‘I’m afraid it would cost too much to clean my vehicle.'”

I explained to the driver, “This dog is my guide, I’m blind and she helps me navigate. It’s against the law for you not to let me travel with her.’ But he disagreed, saying ‘The cleaning of my car would be too costly.’

I suddenly started crying because I was overwhelmed. I needed a break, so we called another taxi and I ended up being quite late for my Fringe performance.

According to the law, it’s permissible for guide dogs to travel on all types of public transportation, such as ride-sharing vehicles, buses, and trains.

A representative from Uber has stated that they oppose any form of discrimination and are currently investigating the incident involving the driver.

Rachael was one of the standout contestants on The Voice Australia’s inaugural season in 2012.

At age 18, she graced the stage during her blind audition with a stunning rendition of the timeless classic “La Vie En Rose” by Edith Piaf, leaving both judges and audience awestruck with her exceptional performance.

Championed by her coach Delta Goodrem, Rachael went on to place third in the competition.

In 2014, Rachael admitted she hadn’t spoken to her former mentor Delta in more than a year.

Reflecting on those poignant moments, I shared with OK! Magazine that it was deeply unfortunate, as she had always been more like a big sister to me. I acknowledged her hectic lifestyle, knowing full well the demands it placed upon her.

Under Delta’s guidance, she often referred to Rachael as her “young talent,” eventually taking the stage together on tour. Afterward, they each pursued independent paths.

In 2023, the singer announced she was pregnant with her first child with husband Chris Johinke.

Eight years ago, I crossed paths with my beloved at a concert by an esteemed musician, and ever since then, we’ve been eagerly anticipating the next phase of our shared journey together.

She expressed that both she and Chris are overflowing with love for their upcoming baby. They are incredibly thrilled, and watching the baby bump expand and feeling the kicks has been an incredible, awe-inspiring experience for them.

‘I know it takes a lot to take care of a human. I’ve always had a very maternal instinct.’

The visually impaired artist expressed that having multiple guide dogs during her lifetime gave her a sense of what parenthood might be like for her.

Regarding her eye condition, Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), Rachel mentioned that medical professionals have suggested only a 1% likelihood of her child inheriting it.

Rachael expressed that despite any inherited condition, she believes we are the most suitable parents to nurture a child with visual impairment.

Chris and Rachael have begun a fresh stage in life by settling into their newly acquired residence in Glenelg East, after their romantic trip to Europe as newlyweds.

They welcomed son Eli the following year.  

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2025-02-04 15:07

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