Come-on Christchurch, give a dog a home! (25 May 2006)
The RNZFB's Guide Dog Services is looking for puppy walkers in Christchurch to raise and care for the 30 gorgeous guide dog puppies that are heading South over the next twelve months.
"Puppy walkers play an essential role in the development of a guide dog," says Robyn Pahl, Guide Dog Services Puppy Development Assistant, Christchurch.
"The puppy walker socialises the puppy, getting it used to all different situations, smells and noises that it may encounter as a working guide dog. This means when the puppy returns to Guide Dog Services at around 14 months old, the trainer can focus solely on teaching the dog the skills of guiding a blind, deafblind or vision-impaired person safely.
"Being a puppy walker is not a paid role and it is a big commitment but it's a crucial job that many people love doing."
Guide Dog Services are looking for people in Christchurch who don't work full time, have a fully fenced section and the time available to care for and socialise a guide dog puppy.
Vet care, food, equipment and registration for the guide dog puppies are covered by Guide Dog Services.
If you live in Christchurch and are interested in becoming a puppy walker, Robyn will meet with you, assess your home for safety (i.e. adequate fencing) and discuss what is involved.
For more information please contact Robyn Pahl at the RNZFB's Christchurch office on 03 375 4314 or the Guide Dog Centre on 09 269 0400 during business hours.
Guide dogs mean freedom, independence, confidence and companionship, but these important mobility aids come at a high cost.
It costs $22,500 to breed, raise, train and match a guide dog before it graduates as part of a working team.
Guide Dog Services receives no government funding, all costs are covered by public donations, legacies and corporate sponsorship.
Photo: "We're coming to Christchurch!" say the six new puppies heading to Christchurch in June.
ENDS
For more information or a photo please contact:
Jane Gower, RNZFB Communications Co-ordinator, Ph: 09 355 6884 or
021 357 412
Or
Jude Cooney, RNZFB Communications Manager, Ph: 09 355 6923 or 027 496
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