CAPTION: Demand for guide dogs is on the rise and support is needed to train pups for the vision impaired.
PUBLIC support is needed to reduce the waiting list for guide dogs, says Hastings Valley resident Kathryn Stephens.
Ms Stephens, who lost her sight 21 years ago in a car accident, said that without her guide dog Perri she wouldn’t have the confidence to travel on her own.
“Going blind at the start of my career was devastating,” said Ms Stephens, who was 24 when she had a head-on collision with a semi-trailer that tore her car in half.
“But thanks to the support of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, I now have the confidence and independence to have a fair go in every aspect of life.”
With vision loss on the rise, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is working hard to train more guide dogs like Perri to meet growing demand, with around 40 people on the waiting list.
Through its own guide dog breeding program, the organisation is aiming to double the number of guide dogs graduating by 2015.
But it costs $30,000 to raise and train each dog and that is funded entirely by public donations.
Some of the ways you can help Guide Dogs NSW/ACT include:
– Become a Puppy Pal and for as little as $20 dollars a month support the raising and training or more puppies. In return, you’ll receive quarterly ‘Pupdates’ and an exclusive invitation to the Puppy Pals Open Day.
– Sponsor a guide dog for $30,000, which gives you the opportunity to name and meet your puppy on its journey to becoming a guide dog.
– Make a donation.
– Leave a bequest in your will.
To help Guide Dogs NSW/ACT raise and train more guide dogs, visit www.guidedogs.com.au or call 1800 804 805.
