Guide dog volunteer Braydan Orlovic encourages others to help out

BRAYDAN  Orlovic is prepared for the day she has to farewell her beloved puppy and future guide dog, Edlyn.

Braydan Orlovic is raising and training Edlin to become a guide dog.

BRAYDAN  Orlovic is prepared for the day she has to farewell her beloved puppy and future guide dog, Edlyn.

Ms Orlovic has cared for the six-month-old black labrador puppy since she was seven weeks old after signing up as a Guide Dogs volunteer.

“Within a month of applying, we had a puppy, so it was pretty quick,” she said.

“There’s such a high ­demand for people.”

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The 21-year-old Seven Hills resident admitted it made her sad to think of Edlyn leaving in six to 12 months but knew it was for a good cause.

“I think because she’s going to go and help someone that needs her a lot more than I do, it’s OK,” she said.

“I just hope someone loves her the way we love her.”

Ms Orlovic said she loved being a part of the program.

“I love dogs, ­especially labs, so this was perfect,” she said.

Five months on and the two were bonding spectacularly.

“Edlyn is pretty placid, very playful and likes to make noise but she’s quite harmless,” she said

Edlyn’s food, vet bills, vaccinations and other essentials were paid for by Guide Dogs, Ms Orlovic said.

“It really doesn’t cost you anything at all, it’s just your time,” she said. Ms Orlovic said the training involved daily walks and one-hour obedience classes by Guide Dogs every three weeks.

To volunteer visit guidedogs.com.au