Each year, guide dog puppies begin their lives with big futures ahead of them, hoping to act as the eyes for those in our communities who are blind or have low vision.
To continue the life-changing support provided by guide dogs, the Blind Foundation needs a generous helping hand and is calling for volunteers for the 2017 Red Puppy Appeal on March 24 and 25 to raise funds for the breeding and training of guide dogs.
Puppies need two years of thorough training and support from specialist trainers, vets and volunteer puppy walkers to teach them the ways of the busy world we live in. Graduating guide dogs go on to eventually help Kiwis who are blind or have low vision carry out day-to-day tasks like going to and from work, the shops, using public transport and dining at their favourite restaurants.
Although there are many working guide dogs in New Zealand, the waiting list is around 12 months. The Blind Foundation’s Cherie McClintock says the wait time can be greatly reduced if more guide dogs are bred and trained, which is why the Red Puppy Appeal is so important – the more money raised, the more support these heroic animals can give.
Volunteer a couple of hours for Red Puppy Appeal on March 24-25. You can sign up today by visiting redpuppy.org.nz or phone 0800 PUPPIES.