In the past two years, Kathryn Archibald has welcomed 15 puppies into her home.
The Craigieburn resident is a volunteer puppy carer for Seeing Eye Dogs Australia, who helps train the puppies in their role of assisting people who are blind.
Puppy carers such Ms Archibald look after the dogs until they are ready to start formal training with Seeing Eye Dogs Australia. The pups are looked after by volunteers from about eight weeks old until they are 12 to 15 months old.
Carers are asked to teach the puppies basic obedience.
Ms Archibald says carers socialise the puppies, helping them to experience the world and get used to noises and different smells, as well as teaching them good manners and toilet training. “It’s about caring and loving a dog like you would your own dog.”
Seeing Eye Dogs Australia is looking for more puppy carers in the northern suburbs.
All food and vet costs are covered and carers receive regular visits from puppy training specialists as well as opportunities for socialising their puppies with other seeing eye dogs.
Program co-ordinator Wendy Lake said more volunteers were needed so more dogs could be trained. To volunteer, visit seda.visionaustralia.org
