While Ila went on to mostly recover, information released in a survey by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT has revealed one in two guide dog handlers undergo similar incidents.

More than 78% of attacks on guide dogs, the research revealed, are caused by off-lead dogs who are “not under control by handlers”, and Ms Mills has pleaded with dog owners to “respect the laws, for dogs and handlers’ safety alike”.

“Some people haven’t got a clue, both people with unleashed dogs and people who ‘just want to play’ with these working dogs,” Ms Mills said.

“Crossing the road or going down a flight of steps and having your guide dog distracted by dangers or even people beckoning can cause dangerous situations. It’s unnerving and I’ve crashed into things because I rely on this. Be careful and respectful around us.”

Statistics also show one-third of all guide dogs who are attacked while working are injured, and although Ms Mills’ dog Isa recovered from the assault in 2016, many others retire as a result of the trauma.

Due to the research, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT has released a new In Your Hands campaign that aims to “make the community aware that safety of guide dogs are in the hands of pet owners”.

Ms Mills also pleaded with the local Morisset community to “think about those with guide dogs in the area”.

There are currently at least three registered guide dog handlers in the Morisset area, and all three have to visit high-frequency areas like the Coles, Woolworths or the public transport areas like trains and buses.

“There’s a lot of ignorance around the role of guide dogs, and I think some people don’t think about what they do, and how they act,” Ms Mills said. 

“There are a lot of people in the community that are sensible and help, but not enough.”

As well as thoughts in the community, Ms Mills asked people to “take notice of the laws in place” in regards to leashed dogs, especially considering the attack in 2016 that nearly retired Isa and “rattled and frightened” the Morisset local.

“It was frightening, and I was very shaken up by it. Other people [around] had to rip the staffy off Isa, because I had no control,” she revealed.

“When you can’t see anything it’s unnerving. It was such a severe attack.”

“If people can follow the laws about yarding, leashing and if they can be aware then it’s a start. It’s all about making sure there’s a respect, and we can begin to reduce dangers for us and our working dogs in the future.”