CLEVELAND'S Lisa Cocksedge has never owned a dog but has fallen in love with her guide dog puppy Merlo after volunteering as a guide dog carer.
Now she is encouraging other Redland families to follow in her footsteps after the arrival of 40 spring puppies at Guide Dogs Queensland.
"I've always considered becoming a guide dog carer because I had a friend who lost their vision when he was 21," she said.
"He had a cane for about six but eventually needed a guide dog. When he got one, his life completely changed and he became a much more independent, happier person."
Lisa said she was not suitable to become a carer until recently because of her work and family commitments.
"You can do it if you do work, but you can't leave a puppy alone for more than two hours," she said.
Lisa said there were some requirements to become a carer; one was to have a safe and suitable home and another was to have children of school age.
"When I was ready I contacted Guide Dog's Queensland who then came out to do an inspection," she said.
"We received Merlo when she was about eight weeks old. Now she is five months old."
Merlo, a female black labrador, would have to return back to Guide Dog's Queensland when she was 12 months old.
"That's something we're not really looking forward too, but you know from the start that she must go back," she said.
"I'm pretty sure we'll be volunteering again to get a new puppy when Merlo goes."
Cleveland puppy supervisor Denise Taylor said carers received full support and weekly training sessions.
Carers were required to show the pups around town and introduce them to sights, sounds and surroundings.
"They also need to teach them basic obedience and manners. They must also live inside your home," she said.
Denise said it cost $30,000 for Guide Dogs Queensland to breed, train and place a dog.
"It is expensive for us, but puppy carers are supplied with equipment, food, vet care and training," she said.
"Also if raising a puppy isn't for you, there is an option to adopt a retired guide dog. Often guide dogs retire at about 10 years old."
To find out more about becoming a puppy carers or rehoming a retired guide dog, phone 3261 7555 or visit www.guidedogsqld.com.au.
