Seeing Eye Dog puppies come together to celebrate Christmas

There were adorable faces aplenty at a Kooyong reserve when Vision Australia held a Christmas party for its Seeing Eye Dog puppies and carers. Have a look at some of the ‘good doggos’ attending.

Vision Australia held a Paw Pals Christmas Party in Kooyong at the weekend to thank the volunteers, trainers and clients who all in the breeding and raising of its most valuable asset — the Seeing Eye Dog pups. Pictured is Emma and Seeing Eye Dog Draco.

Dog-lovers passing by a Kooyong reserve on Sunday could have been forgiven for thinking they had received an early Christmas present.

A puppy convention of sorts was taking place, with more than 70 Seeing Eye Dog pups — as well as volunteers, trainers and clients — coming together for the Vision Australia hosted Paw Pals Christmas party.

The pups, aged eight weeks to 15 months, live with their carers and learn fundamentals such as walking nicely, toileting and basic obedience skills before returning to the centre for formal training.

Seeing Eye Dog puppy Dasha at the party.

Lola with Seeing Eye Dog Ember.

Michelle dressed up for the Christmas party with Seeing Eye Dog puppy Twiggy.

Vision Australia’s Matt Collins said while the barbecue was “a thank you” for the volunteers, it also served “as a great way for our carers to keep in touch and reconnect”.

“Not only for the people, but also for the pups,” he said.

“Dogs have an amazing way of recognising their siblings.”

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As part of the day, the trainers ran learning games to show the work the carers had done training their pups.

“These show that the dogs are learning desirable traits such as waiting on command and being calm when appropriate,” he said.