Braelyn Gallas is helping to train Roma the puppy to become a seeing eye dog. 83336 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By XAVIER SMERDON
SHE may be cute, cuddly and playful now but one day Roma the puppy will become someone’s most loyal and trusted friend.
The Gallas family from Werribee are puppy carers with Seeing Eye Dogs Australia (SEDA), the only national training organisation and provider of guide dogs for the blind or vision impaired of Australia.
Karren Gallas said her family decided to become puppy carers after their family dog passed away.
“We lost our dog suddenly and didn’t want to go through the heartache again with another dog,” Ms Gallas told Star.
“We decided to become puppy carers more so to help somewhere that we could.”
The Gallas family are required to take Roma to as many places as possible and give her basic training so she can get used to being around crowds.
“We take her on the school run and the kindergarten drop off. It’s frustrating at times but then you see the results,” Ms Gallas said.
“It’s great knowing that we’ve been the start of a really long process and one day the dog will be paired with a full time companion.”
Mark Jackman, SEDA Puppy Development Supervisor, said the organisation currently had puppies waiting to go to good homes.
“At SEDA we provide training and a puppy pack which includes everything you need for when your puppy arrives home,”Mr Jackman said.
“We have many SEDA Puppy Carers that have looked after a number of puppies over the years and keep coming back as they enjoy the experience and realise the difference they are able to make to someone’s independence.”
For more information on becoming a puppy carer call SEDA on 1800 037 773.
