Raising a guide dog can be a truly rewarding experience. Sure, the aim is to teach the dog how to behave and appropriately act in an array of situations. However, in most, the trainer learns a lot too.
Plus, children can benefit from raising a guide dog also. The positives include developing empathy, learning a greater sense of responsibility and feelings of personal worth.
However, raising this special type of dog is not for everyone. It takes a huge commitment and, in the end, you have to say goodbye. Yes, it’s for a really good cause, but it can still be hard to bid farewell to your fur baby.
So, if you recognise the amazing job that guide dogs do and would love to assist in some way, keep on reading because we have got some great news for you.
Money for change
PETStock Assist has partnered with Guide Dogs Australia with the aim of raising a noteworthy $100,000 to support the annual ‘Raise A Guide Dog: Change A Life’ campaign.
During the month-long campaign, PETStock Assist will be collecting donations in various ways. The hope is that PETStock Assist will help raise and train two guide dogs.
These two new guiding companions will be matched with two excited people in need of a furry friend to act as their eyes or assist them in a special way.
PETstock Assist Charity and Events Lead Jessica Curtis says it is important for everyone to have the ability to move independently and safely through their day-to-day life, no matter their age or level of vision.
She says, “Not only do we hope to raise vital funds that will go towards training puppies into life-changing guide dogs, but also raise awareness of the work of guide dogs and educate the public on how they can contribute and show their support.”
How you can help
Throughout the month of June, you can get behind the campaign and do your bit to raise money for these two new guide dogs. Here’s how:
- Take up the offer of rounding up your purchases online or in store (Every cent helps!)
- Make a donation to PETStock Assist online or via the donation boxes in store
- Purchase specially-marked products during the month
PETstock’s retail partners, which includes Boehringer Ingelheim, Mars, Blackmores, Rogz and Kong, have all made a commitment to help raise funds and awareness of the ‘Raise A Guide Dog’ campaign.
“Thanks to our generous network of retail partners, we’re able to support programs that are making a positive difference to the lives of children or adults with low vision or blindness across the country,” says Ms Curtis.
“We’re asking not only our community of pet parents but anyone that wants to help people with blindness or low vision lead safe and independent lives, to join in our mission in raising $100,000 for Guide Dogs this month.”
4 blind dogs facts
- Did you know it takes almost two years and more than $50,000 to breed, raise, train and place one guide dog? That’s a big investment and a very good reason to give generously to the campaign.
- There are over 450,000 people with low vision or blindness in Australia, and this number is set to rise due to our aging population and the rise of diabetes.
- Whether it’s going to the shops, going to school or work, or even just finding ways to be active and a part of the local community, guide dogs help make this a reality for many Australians with blindness or low vision.
- Legally, a guide dog can go anywhere to support their human companion with low vision.
If you’d like to learn more about raising funds, sponsoring a guide dog, or volunteering, visit Guide Dogs Australia.
Information sources:
- Media release: Jump on board the ‘Raise a Guide Dog’ Campaign in June. Communicado.
- Guide Dogs Victoria. Fact Sheet. Accessed online via: https://vic.guidedogs.com.au/about-gdv/fact-sheet/
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