By Dean Egan.
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind are currently recruiting for Puppy Raising Volunteers.
Puppy Raisers foster one of their puppies from age 8 weeks until approximately 12-14 months.
At eight weeks old, the puppies begin their journey to becoming a Guide Dog for a person who is vision impaired or an Assistance Dog for a family of a child with autism.
This journey starts in the homes of the Puppy Raising Volunteers.
The puppy will live with your family in your home.
Under the direction of our Puppy Raising Supervisors, puppies learn basic rules and obedience.
At approximately 14 months they move into the Training Centre with highly skilled trainers and the hard work towards graduating as a Guide or Assistance Dog begins.
Criteria to become a Puppy Raiser:
- No more than two other dogs in the home. They must be sociable, well behaved and neutered/spayed
- The puppy must not be left alone for prolonged periods of time (max 4 hours but this is age dependent)
- You must have access to a secured outdoor area
- Children in the home must be over five years of age
- You must be 18 years or older, but the whole family can get involved
- Must have internet access and be able to use Zoom platform
To apply or to find out more please visit www.guidedogs.ie or email Erin at [email protected]
