Call out for puppy carers

PUPPY lovers are encouraged to come forward, with Seeing Eye Dogs Australia on the lookout for responsible carers in the Geelong area.

Seeing Eye Dogs Australia not-for-profit organisation which has provided mobility and rehabilitation services for those within the blind and low vision community for over 60 years, with the dogs providing people in the community with another set of eyes.

The organisation is encouraging anyone in the Geelong region who is a dog lover and has spare time on their hands to apply to be a part of their six and 12-month programs.

“We can’t recommend it strongly enough,” said Tony Judd, a Barwon Heads-based puppy carer.

“We’ve had two amazing puppies, Remmi and Hickory, that we have raised that have gone on to help the organisation in various ways.

“Our puppies have gone on to assist people in the low vision and blind community as well as help with breeding.”

As a part of the Seeing Eye Dogs program, you’ll be given support and guidance from the team during the full tenure.

The organisation also covers all equipment as well as food and health costs and the main duties of dog carers will be to socialise with their puppy, as well as teach them basic skills such as toilet training, to sit and to walk on a lead without pulling.

Carers will also be required to introduce the puppy to various sights, sounds and smells, so that it is ready to then start actively working as a seeing eye dog for members of the blind and low vision community.

“The organisation were amazing at assisting and providing all the necessary training for the puppies to thrive,” Mr Judd said.

“Our Seeing Eye Dogs helper gave us tips on a range of things like teaching the puppy to sit, go to the toilet and giving advice on how to teach the dogs not to chew on things.

SEDA has said that a fenced in backyard is mandatory for the job, and that carers will need to be available for regular visits.

To find out more visit sed.visionaustralia.org/seda/puppy-caring.

– BY NATHAN RIVALLAND