Jessica Micallef
Petbarn Sunbury is lending a helping paw to the Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal.
The Sunbury store is accepting donations for The Petbarn Foundation’s appeal until August 2, in a nationwide campaign to raise more than $500,000 to cover the costs of breeding, training and caring for 10 seeing eye dogs.
Store manager Rikki-Lee Douglas encouraged Sunbury pet owners and locals to get behind the cause.
“Seeing eye dogs do more than just allow Australians with vision loss to retain their independence and mobility – they provide companionship, alleviate the effects of social isolation and contribute to all-round better quality of life,” she said.
“We encourage everyone to visit our Petbarn store or donate online to help continue to provide these special assistance dogs to people in the community.”
Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs general manager Graeme Craig said it cost more than $50,000 and can take up to two years to train a seeing eye dog.
Training begins in the puppy stage and involves teaching basic socialisation skills and obedience.
Once matured, each dog receives up to six months of expert training from a specialised instructor.
“Our partnership with The Petbarn Foundation is integral to helping our seeing eye dogs pups complete the extensive training they require,” Mr Craig said.
“It takes a lot of expertise, time, love, patience and funding to raise these special dogs that will one day become the gift of independence for people who are blind or have low vision.”
The Petbarn Foundation’s Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal has raised more than $3.2 million over the past six years, enabling 70 seeing eye dogs to be bred and trained.
