Maroochydore hosting puppy caring info session: meet some local carers

09 July 2018

With the number of puppies being born at Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs (SED) continually on the rise, more and more carers from all over the country are being sought out to help raise the future generations of Seeing Eye Dogs.

A recent push has been made to get more carers based in Queensland. Two of them were more than happy to tell of their experience in the program so far. Astrid, who is caring for four and a half month old Dee, and Craig, who is caring for 16-month old Russell.

But what exactly does puppy caring involve? At SED, all we ask from our carers is that they’re committed to providing a loving home for our puppies, with all food, vet bills and other costs covered.

“You don’t just go for a couple of hours and volunteer” says Astrid. “You need to be prepared for early mornings and late nights, at least initially. Luckily I have my son and daughter there to help pick up the slack every now and then.”

 

As a family, they help each other to make sure that Dee is getting the care and training that she needs to hopefully become a fully-fledged Seeing Eye Dog. Craig and his wife, both retirees, don’t think they could have handled being puppy carers while they were both working.

“It is a commitment, I don’t know how single people do it, especially since you can’t leave them in their crate for more than three hours” says Craig. “At the same time, you can take these dogs into places other dogs aren’t allowed; cafes, hotels, anywhere really.”

While both Astrid and Craig point out there can be some juggling to do around caring for a puppy, they both found the rewards far outweigh anything else.

“If you love dogs you’ll get so much out of it,” enthused Craig. “For the first week or two you may wonder what you’ve signed up for, but as they settle into routine it becomes much easier and more fun.”

Craig and Russell

At the very least it could serve as a good indication of whether you or your family are ready for the responsibilities associated with pet ownership, and can even serve as an alternate if taking on a permanent pet out of your reach for now.

“We can’t commit to a lifelong pet ourselves so this is a good way to experience life with a pet,” says Astrid. “You just need to be aware of the commitment with the dog. I think if you can sort that out the rewards speak for themselves.”

On July 17, Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs will be holding a free information evening in Maroochydore between 6 and 7pm. If you would like to attend, please submit an expression of interest at http://bit.ly/sedpuppycarers