The Petbarn foundation and Seeing Eye Dogs have teamed up to raise funds to assist people who are blind or have low vision.
The Seeing Eye Dogs appeal, which runs at Petbarn stores nationally from May 7 to June 11 aims to raise $800,000 to help cover the costs of breeding, caring for puppies, training and matching seeing eye dogs with their owners.
Local Petbarn stores are taking donations towards the appeal.
Petbarn Cleveland manager Rebecca Gardiner said she encouraged the Redland community to help reach this target.
“Seeing eye dogs do more than just allow Australians who are blind or have low vision to retain their independence and mobility. They alleviate the effects of social isolation and contribute to an all-round better quality of life,” Ms Gardiner said.
Last year, the foundation donated $679,240 which enabled 13 dogs to be raised and trained.
It costs at least $50,000 and takes up to two years to train one dog. Training begins when the dog is a puppy and involves teaching them basic socialisation skills and obedience. On maturity, the dogs receives up to six months of intensive advanced training with a specialised instructor.
General Manager of Seeing Eye dogs David Speyer said it took a lot of expertise, time, love, patience, and funding to raise these dogs that would one day become the gift of independence for people who were blind or had low vision.
Pet food brand Royal Canin® is donating $50,000 to the Petbarn Foundation. Royal Canin has supported the organisation for more than 10 years by providing precise and individualised nutrition to seeing eye dogs and puppies-in-training.
Local Petbarns are at 227-229 Old Cleveland Road, Capalaba (phone 3245 4789), units 3-4 Shore Street Central, 42 Shore Street West, Cleveland (3821 2167) and town centre Colburn Avenue, Victoria Point (3181 3290) or visit petbarn.com.au or www.seeingeyedogs.org.au
