Guide Dogs Tasmania desperately seeking carers for four pups

Guide Dogs Tasmania has put a call out to dog lovers to help raise four Labrador puppies due to arrive in the state in August. HOW YOU CAN HELP >>

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Guide Dogs Tasmania are desperately seeking Tasmanian dog lovers to help raise Labrador puppies in preparation to be guide dogs and assistance dogs for Tasmanians in need.

Guide Dogs Tasmania’s Puppy Development Program involves caring for a potential guide dog or assistance dog from around eight weeks of age until around 18 months.

There is currently a shortage of volunteers in Tasmania, with four pups due to arrive in the state in August yet to have a home to go to.

Guide Dog instructor Kim Ryan with Quasi (12 weeks old) at the Guide Dog Memorial, Hobart. Picture Chris Kidd

Tracey Pannell is currently raising two puppies due to the shortage of volunteers, and said the experience was extremely worthwhile.

“To watch these pups go from 8 weeks old and not knowing anything to seeing them then being used as a guide or assistance dog is amazing and a really rewarding experience,” she said.

“While it can be tough to give them back once they are 18 months old, you know the pup is going to help someone who really needs them.

Guide Dog puppy Quasi (12 weeks old). Picture Chris Kidd

“They also keep you really well informed on the dogs and how they are going so we don’t lose contact with them and remain a part of their life.”

The aim for volunteers is to help the pups become comfortable in different social situations and environments to help prepare them for being a guide dog or assistance dog.

Once the puppies are trained and ready they are then given to Tasmanians with low vision and blindness, and also to children with autism to help give them confidence and help them feel safe.

To volunteer to raise a puppy visit guidedogstas.com.au