You can help raise a seeing eye dog puppy

Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs is set to expand its puppy caring program to the Gosford area – the first time the scheme has been run in NSW.

The national program sees volunteers take Seeing Eye Dogs puppies into their hearts and homes for their first year. Puppies are matched with a volunteer carer from the age of eight weeks, with Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs covering the costs of food, equipment and vet care.

A puppy development trainer is also assigned to help carers teach the basics of training such as socialising, waiting, walking on-lead and toileting.

“No experience is needed,” Gosford-based puppy development trainer Jess McKenzie said.

“Just a love of dogs and a little patience and a willingness to learn.

“These incredible pups will one day go on to change the life of someone who is blind or has low vision, with the help of our puppy carers.”

Puppies can go to most places in the community, such as shopping centres, cafes, cinemas and transport hubs.

This helps to ready them for real-life experiences when they become Seeing Eye Dogs and are matched to a person who is blind or has low vision.

“Raising a pup is also a great way to meet like-minded people, learn new skills, and give back to the community,” McKenzie said.

Applications are now for caring volunteers on the Central Coast who want to help guide Seeing Eye Dogs puppies along the path to becoming highly trained working dogs.

From application to approval, are attacked by a dog or see a roaming or unleashed dog, you can report on 4306 7900 or call 000 if emergency services are required.

The Entrance Visitor Information Centre will be closed Good Friday and Anzac Day but open from 9.30am to 4.30pm on Easter Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

For full information on Anzac Day events and road closures across the region, visit Council’s website – centralcoast.nsw. gov.au/AnzacDay.

Source: Central Coast Council the Seeing Eye Dogs team will support new carers throughout the process, which includes police checks, working with children checks, and household assessment.

Whether you are working, studying or retired, single or with family, already caring for a pet, apartment-living, on an acreage, or somewhere in between: everyone is invited to apply.

To apply go to sed. visionaustralia.org/puppycaring/apply-now

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