The annual Petbarn Foundation Seeing Eye Dogs appeal has raised a record $1.359 million to fund 27 Seeing Eye Dogs.
Throughout July, Australians were encouraged to ‘Train-up a Pup’ by donating at Petbarn stores or online to support the training and expertise needed to turn puppies in to highly skilled Seeing Eye Dogs.
Janelle Bloxsom, Petbarn Foundation Manager, said they are overwhelmed by the support of generous Aussies who donated to the Appeal in a show of support for people in the community who rely on a Seeing Eye Dog.
“We are extremely proud of our partnership with Vision Australia which is now in its 11th year. It truly is a partnership that has such a profound impact on Australians who are blind or have low vision. We’re so grateful to every person who contributed to this year’s Appeal.”
It costs over $50,000 and takes up to two years to train one Seeing Eye Dog. Training begins from eight weeks of age, where puppies begin to learn basic socialisation skills from volunteer carers supported by puppy development trainers.
At approximately 12 months of age, they progress for up to five months of expert one-on-one training with a specialised instructor, where they hone the skills needed for their important job.
Justine Heath, Acting Chief Executive at Vision Australia, said the need for Seeing Eye Dogs grows in importance year on year.
“We’re aiming to have 400 Seeing Eye Dogs in Australia by 2034 and this can only be made possible by our partnership with The Petbarn Foundation and the incredible generosity of the people who donate. Thank you – you are making such a big difference.”
Since 2014, the Petbarn Foundation partnership with Vision Australia’s Seeing Eye Dogs has funded the training of 179 Seeing Eye Dog pups, changing the lives of 179 Australians in building confidence, safety, independence and improving quality of life.
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