Your chance to host the pawfect house guest

LOCALS are being given the opportunity to learn what it takes to be part of one of the most rewarding volunteering experiences around – acting as a Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs puppy carer.

Following the birth of a large number of puppies at Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs’ Melbourne headquarters, puppy carers are needed across Victoria.

Puppy carers provide a loving home to Seeing Eye Dogs pups from when they are about eight weeks old until 12 to 15 months, helping them to socialise, explore the world and learn the skills they’ll need when they’re paired with a person who is blind or has low vision.

Vision Australia Geelong staff member Laura Allison has opened her home to Vienna, a 10-week-old black labrador-golden retriever cross.

“Vienna is settling in well. She comes with me to different Vision Australia offices, goes everywhere I go, connects with people; it’s a very social thing,” Laura said.

She said Seeing Eye Dogs provided her with high quality Royal Canine puppy food, a puppy pack that includes a collar, lead, bed and bowl, free veterinary care at approved clinics, a puppy training manual and regular visits from a Seeing Eye Dogs supervisor for additional training and development.

“Our supervisor is on call any time if we ever need support.

One day, Vienna will have to leave for her formal training, but Laura said she’s ready for that.

“I have met people with Seeing Eye Dogs and I know how liberating a Seeing Eye Dog is for them. It’s just so rewarding. I’ll be sad for a few days, but I can also get a new puppy.”

Vision Australia is hosting a Seeing Eye Dogs information night on Tuesday, February 27 from 6pm to 7pm at the Geelong office, located at 79 High Street, Belmont.