A few lucky Victorians could help give people with low vision and blindness a life-changing Christmas gift by becoming volunteer puppy raisers.

Guide Dogs Victoria is on the hunt for up to 20 people across the state – including in Melbourne, Bendigo, Ballarat, and Geelong – to sign up to care for the young dogs ahead of the new year.

Volunteers get to watch their pups grow over 12 months as they start going through training with full support from Guide Dogs Victoria.

Puppy raisers need to have a fully fenced yard and access to a car, and be able to go to training days in their local area.

They must be away from home for no more than four hours at a time, puppy development team leader Naomi Wallace said.

“We are looking for people that are home most of the time, who are interested in putting effort into training and socialising the dog,” she said.

“What you will get in return is a fantastic experience.”

Volunteers will have a dedicated puppy development adviser on-hand and Guide Dogs Victoria will also supply food, veterinary care, and flea and tick prevention for the dogs.

Guide Dogs provides people with low vision and blindness the service animals at no cost.

It takes more than two years and $50,000 to breed, raise, and train each dog.

 

Cassandra Morgan
(Australian Associated Press)