Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is expecting a puppy boom this spring and is urgently seeking volunteer Puppy Raisers to meet the demand.
Around 60 Guide Dogs puppies will be born between now and Christmas and these young pups will require a warm, loving home for their first year. Puppy Raising volunteers care for a Guide Dog puppy from the age of eight weeks until it is 14 months old, playing an invaluable role in preparing it for its potential career as a Guide Dog.
“As well as providing lots of love and cuddles, Puppy Raisers help introduce puppies to the sights, sounds and smells they are likely to encounter as a Guide Dog,”explained Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Puppy Development Manager, Karen Hayter.
Puppy Raisers need to have a fully-fenced yard, be away from home no more than four hours at a time, have access to a car and be able to attend training days in the local area. Puppy Raisers must also be available to visit the Guide Dogs Centre at Glossodia in the Hawkesbury for vet checks and Puppy Pre-School when required.
“We are looking for people that are home most of the time, who are interested in putting effort into training and socialising the dog. What you will get in return is a fantastic experience,” Ms Hayter said.
While Puppy Raisers are responsible for everyday activities such as grooming, house training and exercising their pups, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT provides a strong support network.
“We provide the food, veterinary care, flea and tick prevention and we’re always on hand to answer any questions and provide guidance to our Puppy Raisers,” Ms Hayter said.
Every day in Australia, 28 people are diagnosed with vision loss that cannot be corrected, including nine who will become blind. “With the demand for Guide Dogs’ services increasing, we’re incredibly grateful for the support we receive from the community,” Ms Hayter said.
“Our volunteer Puppy Raisers make a wonderful contribution in helping to transform a playful puppy into a responsible Guide Dog that will one day change the life of someone who is blind or vision impaired.”
It takes over two years and costs more than $35,000 to raise breed, raise and train each Guide Dog. Like all of the organisation’s services, Guide Dogs are provided at no cost to those who need them.
If you would like to become a Puppy Raiser, please visit www.guidedogs.com.au/guide-dogs/puppy-raising
About Guide Dogs NSW/ACT
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is the leading provider of Guide Dogs and orientation and mobility services to enable people with impaired vision to get around their communities independently. Services include providing training and aids including long canes, Guide Dogs and electronic travel devices such as talking GPS technology.
Visit www.guidedogs.com.au, call 1800 804 805, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.
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