This little guide dog in training needs your help. Guide dogs change lives, giving people who are blind or have low vision the freedom and confidence to live independently, and carry out day-to-day tasks like going to work and catching the bus.
“We don’t charge our members to receive a guide dog – all the costs for breeding and training are met by public donations,” says Alison Wheatley, director of supporter marketing and fundraising for the Blind Foundation. “Your support could help make a world of difference to someone who is blind or has low vision.”
There are around 230 working guide dogs in New Zealand, and the waiting list for a blind person to get a guide dog is about 12 months. This wait could be even longer for people with particular needs, but the wait time can be reduced hugely if more guide dogs are bred and trained.
Look out for collectors on March 27-28 during the Red Puppy Appeal. You can also donate online at red puppy.org.nz or text “PUPPIES” to 2447 to make a $3 donation.