Guide Dogs Victoria is calling on Victorians, including those in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, to give the ultimate Christmas gift to those living with low vision and blindness by signing up to become a volunteer puppy raiser.
Guide Dogs is looking for up to 20 volunteers to help care for the labra-dorable pups, nurturing their development ahead of their formal guide dog training.
Over 12 months, volunteer puppy raisers not only get to experience the joy of watching the pups grow and thrive through their training (all with full support from Guide Dogs Victoria) but know they’re playing a critical role in transforming the young pups into trainee guide dogs—who will one day provide essential independence and freedom to people who are blind or have low vision.
Guide Dogs Victoria puppy development team leader Naomi Wallace said the assistance of volunteers was crucial to the whole program.
“By volunteering as a puppy raiser, members of the community can help us to train and raise our beautiful dogs who go on to ensure Australians who are blind or have low vision lead a life without limits,” she said.
“Puppy Raisers need to have a fully fenced yard, be away from home no more than four hours at a time and have access to a car.
“Raisers must also be able to attend training days in their local area so the puppy can learn basic skills such as sitting nicely when being groomed, walking calmly on a lead and developing good house manners – all of which sets them up to develop the skills they’ll need to change a life.
“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.”
While puppy raisers are responsible for everyday activities such as grooming, house training and exercising their pups, Guide Dogs Victoria provides a strong support network.
“We provide the food, veterinary care, flea and tick prevention and you will have a dedicated Puppy Development Adviser on hand to answer any questions and provide guidance to our Puppy Raisers” said Ms Wallace.
“We want our volunteers to know that we’re here to support them on what is truly such a rewarding journey. We want our pups to have the absolute best start in life so they can go on to provide life changing assistance and independence to those living with low vision or blindness.”
It takes more than two years and costs $50,000 to raise breed, raise and train each guide dog.
Like all the organisation’s services, Guide Dogs are provided at no cost to those who need them.
Details: vic.guidedogs.com.au/get-involved/volunteering/become-puppy-raiser
