Pound Paws Pet Fashion Week at Ovolo Hotel 

In an exciting collaboration between Pound Paws charity and Ovolo Hotel Woolloomooloo (Sydney), Australia's most stylish rescue canines are set to strut their stuff on the runway, embodying the essence of canine couture at its finest. 

This exclusive event celebrates the partnership between high-end fashion and pet adoption, highlighting the unique bond between pets and their owners, throughout Australia’s busiest week of the year, Fashion Week.

Inspired by the words of fashion icon Coco Chanel, who famously stated that fashion is not limited to dresses but encompasses ideas and lifestyle, these rescue dogs epitomise the spirit of fashion and companionship. With each step they take, they exude style and grace, in hope to captivate their fur-ever owner.

Luxury dog brand, Mon Petit Amour Manolo, will be launching at this event, with a mission to revolutionize the pet fashion industry. Founded by renowned designer Crysta Lynn, who drew inspiration from her globe-trotting adventures with her beloved pooch Manolo, the brand offers luxurious dog accessories that reflect the impeccable taste of both pets and their owners. 

By promoting responsible pet ownership and advocating for pet adoption, Mon Petit Amour Manolo is more than just a fashion label; it's a commitment to cherish and adore our furry friends as integral members of our families.

The launch event, set to take place at the Ovolo Hotel, Woolloomooloo, on Saturday 11th May, during Fashion Week, provides a perfect platform to bring together dogs and fashion. 

Partnering with Pound Paws charity, the event aims to raise awareness about pet adoption and encourage the Australian community to open their hearts and homes to rescue animals. Rescue dogs will take centre stage on the runway, showcasing their unique personalities, whilst being carried or walked with professional ballerinas from Village Nation Dance Academy. The runway show will prove that fashion knows no bounds, even in the world of pets.

Complementing the fashion spectacle, attendees can engage in various pop-up activities, including a Pledge station where pet owners pledge lifelong commitment to their furry companions, receiving a special golden pendant and certificate as tokens of their dedication. 

Additionally, live illustrations by acclaimed artist Grace Choi (as seen at Fendi, Prada and YSL events), an animal communicator profiling your dogs purpose in life, delectable doggie canapés by Sassy Treats, and a pup-arazzi photo wall promise to enhance the experience.

Pound Paws is recognised for its Dog Day events around Australia, which aim to raise awareness about pet adoption. 

Hosting engaging events, whilst tapping into local communities and educating them about responsible pet ownership, this event is just one of the many community events in their calendar. Pound Paws Founder Brittany Bloomer shares: "In our efforts to reduce euthanasia rates and promote responsible pet ownership, we have noticed a notable increase in the public's interest in considering pet adoption when it comes to getting a pet.".

Ovolo Woolloomoloo sets the bar high as a dog-friendly hotel, surpassing expectations by offering exceptional care for pets of all sizes and ages. 

From the moment dog guests arrive, they're greeted with VI-Pooch goodie bags and accommodations designed with their comfort in mind. 

Ovolo Woolloomoloo guarantees a luxurious sanctuary for both humans and their cherished pets. It's an ideal backdrop to immerse oneself in the fashion event while crafting enduring memories with your loyal four-legged companion.

MEDIA RELEASE, 24th April 2024

ANZAC Day holds profound significance in the hearts of Australians, marking a solemn occasion to pay tribute to the sacrifices of those who served. As we reflect on this day, Pet Insurance Australia pauses to remember the human heroes and the four-legged companions who have played an integral role in military operations.

Nadia Crighton of Pet Insurance Australia underscores the remarkable contributions of dogs throughout the history of warfare. "The invaluable role that dogs have played in times of conflict is truly remarkable," she reflects. "From specialised training to offering comfort and unwavering loyalty to soldiers in the most challenging environments, their impact cannot be overstated."

Though it gained prominence during World War II, the legacy of canine service dates back to World War I, notably with heroes like Sergeant Stubby of the 102nd Infantry, Yankee Division. 

Stubby's feats in detecting injured soldiers, detecting gas, and alerting troops to nearby threats set the stage for recognising future canine soldiers.

Credit: British Library (Unsplash)

"Amid the chaos of war, the presence of a dog provided a beacon of solace for many soldiers," Crighton observes. 

"It's the simple yet profound bond of unconditional love that our remarkable canines offer, providing strength and resilience to soldiers in their darkest moments."

Historical records indicate that by 1918, Germany had deployed approximately 30,000 dogs on the battlefield, while Britain had utilised up to 20,000. 

Various breeds were employed for tasks ranging from sentry duty to messenger services, with Dobermanns, German Shepherds, Airedale Terriers, and Bloodhounds among the most commonly utilised breeds.

"Many of these courageous dogs saved countless lives and comforted soldiers in their final moments," Crighton acknowledges. "As we honour the fallen this ANZAC Day, let us also remember the indelible contributions of our loyal canine companions and the extraordinary tasks they continue to undertake in service to the military."

Dogs in WWI & WWII: Unsung Heroes 

• Sentry Dogs - Trained to alert their handlers to suspicious activity with a low growl, sentry dogs like Dobermanns provided essential protection on the front lines.

• Messenger Dogs - Tasked with delivering critical messages across perilous battlefields when communication lines were severed, messenger dogs played a crucial role in wartime communication efforts.

• Casualty Dogs - These dogs bravely carried medical supplies to wounded soldiers on the battlefield and offered companionship to those in their final moments. Bloodhounds and Airedale Terriers trained by the Red Cross were instrumental in locating the injured.

The establishment of the British War Dog School in 1917 paved the way for formalised training programs for military dogs, setting standards that continue to shape canine service today.

"In modern times, dogs serve in diverse roles, from bomb detection to tracking," Crighton notes. "Australian Military working dogs are indispensable assets, providing specialised detection, early warning, and protection in operations worldwide."

As we commemorate ANZAC Day, let us pay tribute to the unwavering loyalty, courage, and service of these remarkable canine companions, whose contributions to military efforts past and present will forever be remembered.

Related Stories:

Digger, the WWI Hero Dog awarded Australia's first Blue Cross Award

Rags, the Paris Terrier and WWI Mascot

Sergeant Stubby: a World War I Hero

Smoky, the Yorkshire Terrier awarded RSPCA Australia's Purple Cross

PetWell, The Saltiest Dog, and Dog Yog are thrilled to announce the inaugural Rolling Bones Tour, a series of events dedicated to promoting awareness among pet parents about the importance of selecting healthy food and treats for their pooches.

Their next event is on Saturday 4th May (2 pm) at Brighton Dog Beach, followed by a second event on Sunday 19th May (10am) at 18 Pence Lane, Docklands.

The excitement doesn't stop there as the tour culminates in their ultimate After Pawty on Friday 31st May (4pm) at Welcome to Brunswick.

Each event will feature goodie bags, as well as an incredible giveaway with thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes up for grabs. The highlight of the tour will be the announcement of the giveaway's lucky winner at the After Pawty in Brunswick.

These gatherings are not only about having fun but also about spreading awareness on the importance of providing our pets with nutritious and wholesome food and treat options.

Pet parents and dog lovers alike are encouraged to mark their calendars for the Rolling Bones Tour and join in the festivities.

Rolling Bones Tour May 2024 Dates: 

• 4 May 2024 - Rolling Bones Tour Event, Brighton Dog Beach, VIC

• 19 May 2024 - Rolling Bones Tour Event, Docklands, Melbourne, VIC

• 31 May 2024 - Rolling Bones Tour After Pawty @ Welcome to Brunswick, VIC

Ayda Hornak, Kate Opitz
& Olivia Hassan (L to R)
with @skippinggirl_shihtzus dogs

About the organisers

Ayda Hornak and Tracey Needham, the visionary owners of PetWell, focus on providing all-natural supplements and functional treats that cater to pets' unique health requirements. 

Their range of products is designed to complement pets' diets and enhance their overall well-being, ensuring they lead happy and healthy lives. 

Kate Opitz, is a highly experienced Vet Nurse and the owner of The Saltiest Dog, which provides ready-made raw meals for dogs, offering a convenient and nutritious option for pet parents seeking a wholesome diet for their canine companions.

Melbourne-based Dog Yog, founded by Olivia Hassan, is on a mission to revolutionise dog treats. Inspired by her own dog's struggles, she's created a premium dog ice cream, made with gut-friendly kefir, goat's milk, and other tummy-loving goodness that is packed with probiotics. 

MEDIA RELEASE, 23rd April 2024

Discrimination on the Rise: Half of Low Vision and Blind Community Report Taxi and Rideshare Refusals

This International Guide Dog Day (Wednesday 24 April), Guide Dogs Australia is launching its ‘Wherever you can go, Guide Dogs can go too’ campaign encouraging the community to better understand the legal access rights for Guide Dogs and celebrate their right to travel the world freely.

Taxi and rideshare refusals continues to be an unfortunate regular occurrence for those living with low vision and blindness as 46% experienced a refusal with a taxi or rideshare company in the past 24 months. Over one third (34%) stated that their taxi or rideshare was cancelled, while others were ridiculed or discriminated against (15%).

This is according to a recent Ernst & Young Sweeney report commissioned by Guide Dogs Australia which surveyed people with low vision or blindness to explore access issues including refusals.

The report found that Guide Dog Handlers are more likely to face access refusals or barriers in public – most commonly when booking rideshare or taxis – highlighting the discrimination against Guide Dogs.

This year the International Guide Dog Federation is also highlighting that access challenges for Guide Dog Handlers such as taxi and rideshare refusals are a global issue.

Sydney based student Zara Perry is aged 18 and was paired with her first Guide Dog Quinlan in mid-January has experienced multiple taxi refusals says, “as a Guide Dog and companion Quinlan has been incredible, the independence and confidence he has already provided me has been life changing. 

He has really enabled me to partake in day-to-day life and activities that everyone else can. That being said, since we got matched, I have faced countless access refusals with Quinlan despite his legal right to travel freely through the world.

I recently ordered an Uber and the driver who pulled up was really negative as soon as he saw Quinlan. I was instantly faced with a barrage of questions including 'you don’t look blind are you sure he is a real Guide Dog', when we were finally granted a lift the driver asked if I had a rug or blanket to put down for Quinlan. All of this to get a 15-minute lift to my parents’ house. 

This isn’t even the worst case most just drive past us and cancel. These constant incidents just make me feel very isolated and excluded.

When I am out in public with Quinlan I need to be constantly switched on and ready to explain his legal rights. I never know when we will get stopped, refused access or told I can’t do something. But the problem isn't Quinlan, he is doing a brilliant job and already breaks down so many barriers for me - the issue is the lack of awareness of his rights to travel everywhere I can go.”

In an effort to raise awareness about the access rights of Guide Dogs and to celebrate the indispensable role they play in guiding Handlers on their journeys, this International Guide Dog Day, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT will be hosting a Puppy Café.

Sydneysiders are to join them for puppy cuddles, pupper-cinos to celebrate all the amazing places Guide Dogs and their Handlers can go and to learn more about their vital legal access rights across Australia.

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT CEO Dale Cleaver says, “Guide Dogs play an invaluable role in breaking barriers for people living with low vision or blindness, enabling them to navigate and explore the world freely and safely. However, this is being constantly obstructed by the increase in access refusals, largely experienced in rideshare. Our community is facing these challenges on a daily basis.

Through our ‘Wherever you can go, Guide Dogs can go too’ campaign, we want to highlight the laws in place to ensure fairness, safety, empowerment and agency for our community. 

We really encourage everyone to learn more about these rights and advocate for a more welcoming world for those living with low vision or blindness, not only today in celebration of International Guide Dog Day, but every day.

Reference:

The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 is the law to provide fair access for those with a disability across Australia: https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2004A04426/2018-04-12/text

Guide Dogs Australia statement:

Guide Dogs working with their Handlers have a right to legal access to any event, business, or public premises, and in Public Transport or rideshare vehicles at all times.

A person with low vision or blindness who is accompanied by a Guide Dog is permitted to:

✔️ Travel on any form of public transport, including taxis, buses, planes, rideshare vehicles, trams and trains

✔️ Enter any public place

✔️ Enter healthcare or medical suites

✔️ Visit any theatre

✔️ Eat in any restaurant

✔️ Shop in any store (including supermarkets and food stores)

Related Stories:

International Guide Dog Day 2024 Puppy Meet & Greet - Melbourne

Drive with Heart campaigns educates drivers about the rights of passengers with assistance animals

MacKillop Paw Pals program gives young people a learning lifeline 

Help raise $360K for the Paw Pals Appeal's annual matched giving day on April 30 with all donations tripled by generous matching partners!

An innovative, community-funded program run by MacKillop Family Services is helping children in Victoria re-engage with education in a remarkable way.

Students with learning differences or special needs often struggle to engage with peers, concentrate on studies and learn effectively due to a host of classroom challenges. Social and emotional difficulties that kids face outside the school gates also hamper their progress at school.

“With the number of Victorian students with learning difficulties steadily rising over the past decade¹, it is more important than ever to give kids a learning lifeline,” said Brona Walshe, MacKillop’s Education and Engagement Programs Director.

MacKillop Family Services’ Paw Pals program uses Animal Assisted Education to connect with young people who find it difficult to attend school due to issues such as anxiety or learning difficulties, which make it really challenging for them to be in a classroom.

Struggling with school refusal, 12yo Harrison finds solace and a reason to learn 
from Paw Pals’ therapy dog, Indie

“Paw Pals facilitators work with therapy dogs to help vulnerable children who are disengaged from education to manage their emotions and behaviour, improve their confidence and reconnect with learning,” said Walshe.

“They provide a level of support that simply isn’t available in schools, helping children who struggle to control their emotions by teaching them how to respond to and command the dog. Once calm, the children engage in learning activities with the dog.”

Since its launch in 2018 with one dog and a facilitator, Paw Pals has supported more than 800 kids to get back to education! Today the program has 14 facilitators and more than 20 rotating dogs working across Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat.

Besides school settings, Paw Pals therapy dogs also support vulnerable young individuals residing in MacKillop’s residential care homes, where they receive support to heal from past trauma and prepare for transition into adulthood.

Transforming lives with helping paws

In fact, the program’s inception unfolded in one of the homes with the introduction of Millie the Labrador and a 15-year-old girl named Claire*. Claire had autism and suffered from a deep childhood trauma that put herself at significant risk in the community. She spent most of her time closed in her room and was disconnected from staff and anyone around her.

After months of struggling to engage with the young girl, Walshe and program co-founder Sarah Castle decided to try a new approach – what would happen if they brought in a dog? The results surpassed their wildest expectations!

“The bond between Claire and Millie was instantaneous and profound,” said Walshe. “Interacting with Millie helped Claire discover more about herself and how people learn and communicate. She became engaged with learning as she used positive reinforcement methods to teach Millie the skills she needed to become a certified therapy dog.”

One day during a stroll with Millie, Claire said to Castle that nobody noticed her when she walked down the street, but everything changed when she walked alongside Millie. Suddenly, people were making eye contact, acknowledging her presence. Perplexed, Claire asked why that was. Castle responded, ‘Because you’re the one meeting their gaze’.

“With Millie’s help, Claire went from feeling invisible to being visible!” said Walshe. “Millie has since passed away, but her spirit lives on in the Paw Pals program.”

Future of Paw Pals is in community hands

The demand for Paw Pals has grown particularly after the prolonged COVID lockdowns which heavily impacted young people’s mental health².

“Today, the cohort has grown significantly from kids removed from their families and not attending school to those who come from stable family relationships, suffer from generalised anxiety and do not have learning support services available to them, especially in regional areas,” said Walshe.

“The Paw Pals program has shown to make a significant difference in the lives of children who require additional social, emotional and learning support. We are looking forward to launching the program in NSW later this year!”

MacKillop’s Paw Pals program is funded by the community, driven by an annual matched giving day appeal on Tuesday, 30 April.

This year, the Paw Pals Appeal aims to raise $360,000 and all donations made on or before 30 April will be tripled by generous matching partners: CCI Giving, Catholic Development Fund, iCare Staffing, Queensland Gives, the Paw Prints Matching Circle and Major Partner Petstock Foundation.

“Community support and donations help us to empower one more child with education and ignite a lifetime of opportunity,” said Walshe.

"Dogs possess a remarkable ability to help young people to navigate their emotions and challenges. Their genuine affection and ability to intuitively understand human emotions make it effortless for dogs to connect with people and inspire greater resilience and positivity.” says Lara Shannon, Paw Pals Ambassador.

Find out more on how to donate at pawpalsappeal.org.au

* Claire’s name has been changed due to privacy. 

References:

· The number of Victorian students with a disability has been steadily rising over the past decade. Source: Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority.

Ø In Victoria, more than a quarter of students (26.3%) received an educational adjustment in 2023. It compares with 24.7% in 2022 and 17.1% in 2015. Of the students who received an adjustment in 2023, 12.7% was for cognitive disability and 9.3% for social emotional.

Ø There are 272,463 students with disability in Victoria in 2023. Note: students with quality differentiated teaching practices (QDTP) do not receive a (financial) education adjustment, which is 8.7% of students in Victoria.

· 20,000 additional young Victorians were registered with learning difficulties, including ADHD or depression, during the six COVID lockdowns of 2020 and 2021. The 23% jump was the biggest spike in the nation. Source: VIC Nationals' press release.

About MacKillop Family Services

MacKillop Family Services operates in VIC, NSW, WA, ACT and the NT and has been committed to working with families and communities so children can thrive since 1997. 

Find out more about MacKillop Family Services at www.mackillop.org.au

Clear communication for unprecedented training results!

Many of you have heard of clicker training. You may have even purchased one, but you don't know how to use it effectively or at all. 

In this article by Jari Castle (a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner) you will learn:

✔️ How to use the clicker

✔️ Why it is the go-to method for training animals of any species and

✔️ The common mistakes people make that undermines their success

The clicker is used to train new behaviour, so there needs to be a shift in thinking about what is motivating your dog’s behaviour. 

If we think that our dogs are behaving badly on purpose, we are predisposed to think they need to be corrected. Conversely, if we think our dogs are struggling in a situation and don’t have the experience or appropriate skills to behave how we want, we are more inclined to help and support them. 

For example, if a dog jumps all over you when you get home, even though you’d told them off every day for six months, it is easy to think that they know they should not be jumping. 

But, did you ever teach them explicitly how they *should* greet you? Or was it assumed that they would intrinsically know? 

Your dog wants to be in your good books and finds it at least a little stressful each time you scold them. 

Here’s a secret though: you can’t teach a dog not to do something. 

The dog is always doing a behaviour, and we decide if that behaviour is acceptable or not. If the behaviour is not okay, think “what do I want the dog to do instead?” And then train them to do that. Enter: Clicker training!

How clicker training works

A clicker is a small device that makes a unique mechanical click sound when the button is pressed. The device is not the crucial tool though. 

The science and magic of clicker training is the sound, and what it means to the dog. The click sound “marks” the behaviour you want to reinforce, so clicker training is also known as marker training.

Let’s get technical for a second: if a dog does a behaviour and gets something they want, the behaviour has been reinforced. This means that the behaviour is more likely to occur again as it benefited the dog last time. 

Reinforcers (things the dog wants) can be categorised into primary and secondary reinforcers. 

• Primary reinforcers are biologically what the dog innately likes: food, water, shelter and safety are classic examples of this. We do not need to teach the dog to like these things. Specific breeds will have other primary reinforcers - chasing is innately enjoyable for a Whippet and herding is how a Kelpie would choose to spend their day. 

• Secondary reinforcers are things the dog likes, but because we have introduced them to the dog in a way that is enjoyable for them. 

Getting the leash out means nothing to a puppy, but through repetition your pup learns that the leash means it is time to explore outside, and so we see the excited response when the leash come out. 

Exploring outside is the primary reinforcer, and the leash has been associated with that so is a secondary reinforcer.

In clicker training the click sound is always followed by a small piece of delicious food. 

Initially the sound means nothing to the dog, but through repetition the dog learns that when they hear the click, a piece of food is coming. [1]

The brain releases dopamine, among other hormones, when dogs eat. If the clicker is consistently followed by food, the dog will get this dopamine release when they hear the click, thereby reinforcing whatever behaviour “caused” the click. 

Behaviour that gets reinforced gets repeated!

Pros & Cons of Using a Clicker and Alternative Markers

The clicker is an ideal tool because the sound it makes is unique, always sounds the same and can be used by multiple people. Some dogs can be scared of the sound though, in which case a quieter clicker may be needed, or holding the clicker in your pocket to muffle the sound. 

You can decide to not use the clicker at all and instead use a verbal marker, which is handy for those times you do not have your clicker with you. 

The word “Yes” is the best option. 

Other words and praise such as “good/good dog” are said too frequently and not consistently paired with the food reward. “Yes” is a word that will be said deliberately and used conscientiously. Most trainers will teach a dog to respond to a clicker and a verbal marker so that both options are available.

Getting started

To get started clicker training, all you need is the clicker, your dog, and a handful of small treats (about the size of your little fingernail is ideal). When your dog is looking at you, click and then give them one treat. [2]

You can feed it to their mouth or drop it on the floor for them to quickly find. As soon as the treat is eaten, repeat with four more treats in quick succession.

Next, ask your dog to sit. As soon as their butt touches the ground, click and treat. You can toss the treat so they get up, ready to sit again on cue. After doing sit three times, move to another behaviour they know well such as lay down or shake.

Pro-tip: keep the treats in a treat bag or on the bench near you rather than in your hand. This will reduce the time your dog spends obsessing over the treats and your hands. 

It is very important to click and then reach for the treat.

What can you teach with a clicker?

Clicker training can be used to train your dog any new skill. 

Jari-Ann Castle with her Whippet
Credit: Pawesome Photography

This can range from tricks to safety skills, cooperative care for smoother vet and grooming visits, or addressing behaviour issues such as reactivity and aggression. 

Remember how we need to fundamentally change how we think about behaviour problems? The key to training your dog is to stop thinking about stopping their bad behaviour and start considering what behaviour would be the best alternative. 

We can then train that new skill!

 There are two ways to do this: capturing and shaping. 

✔️ Capturing is when we mark the dog for doing the behaviour we want, even if it is only for a second. 

✔️ Shaping is when we mark the dog for doing something that can be built upon to the better behaviour we want. 

For example, if we are teaching a dog to go to their bed, we could capture the behaviour by clicking when the dog walking onto their bed of their own accord. We could shape the behaviour by clicking when the dog took a step towards the bed, then another, until the dog is on the bed. 

Shaping also works well when dogs are highly aroused, for example when visitors arrive. Maybe they are too excited to sit when you tell them to, but you can click when they have four paws on the ground, and then cue the sit when they are able to stand calmly.

For a dog who is aggressive to other dogs on walks, the perfect time to click is when your dog perceives the other dog, as in that moment they are standing still and looking - a perfectly acceptable behaviour that you can reinforce so the behaviour is more likely to happen again. This is another example of capturing. 

The other great benefit of clicker training is that the dog is forming positive associations with the sights and sounds in the area at the same time as well as learning better behaviour.

Improving your skills

Any training strategy is only effective and efficient if it is done well. Clicker training is a new skill for you as well, so practice before you subject your dog to it! 

To practice your clicker mechanics, put on a soccer video and click whenever a player kicks the ball. There are specific videos for practicing your clicker mechanics as well, such as this one. 

It’s also fun to connect with other owners and trainers who also want to improve their skills as you can practice with each other. 

Games such as flipping cards and clicking for your designated suit or colour, or clicking for odd and even dice rolls are quick and simple games to improve your observation skills and quick clicker timing.

For the clicker nerds out there, you can also attend workshops such as the Clicker Games Tournament being held at the Pet Professional Guild Australia Conference (14-16 June 2024). 

You will compete and have fun with other clicker trainers to win prizes and hone your clicker skills. It’s a great chance to practice in a fun environment and meet other animal trainers. I hope to see you there!

Written by Jari Castle, Jari Castle Dog Training, March 2024 for Australian Dog Lover (all rights reserved).

Additional Resources

[1]

Classical (Pavlovian) Conditioning - Credit Lili Chin https://www.doggiedrawings.net/ 

[2]

What is Click Training? Credit Karen Pryor Academy

About our writer

Jari Castle is a Certified Training Partner with the Karen Pryor Academy and has a special interest in helping aggressive and reactive dogs using fear-free strategies such as clicker training. She lives in Melbourne with her young sons, husband and Whippet. 

When not helping her own clients, Jari works at RSPCA Victoria training staff, volunteers and the public about animal behaviour handling and training. 

She will be running the Clicker Games Tournament at the PPGA 2024 Conference as well as presenting on RSPCA’s popular Reactive to Responsive seminars.

For more information, visit www.jaricastle.com.au    

You can follow @jaricastledogtraining on Instagram or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/JariCastleDogTraining

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Paws what you’re doing: Seeing Eye Dogs hosts puppy meet and greet event for International Guide Dogs Day

This International Guide Dogs Day, Wednesday 24th April, Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs will host a meet and greet event in collaboration with Metro Trains at Melbourne’s Flinders Street Station to spread joy and puppy cuddles to commuters.

Each year, Seeing Eye Dogs breeds more than 200 puppies that enter the Seeing Eye Dogs program, providing life-changing support to Australians who are blind or have low vision.

According to Seeing Eye Dogs’ manager of puppy development Jane Bradley, Seeing Eye Dogs is looking to place over 20 puppies in loving homes by the end of next month.

“We are on the hunt for compassionate Aussies who can care for the puppies for up to 12 months. Puppy carers play an integral role in the journey of a Seeing Eye Dog, providing important socialisation skills and basic training,” said Jane.

“The earlier we can place a puppy with a carer, the earlier they can start learning the skills and behaviours they need to be a Seeing Eye Dog, helping people who are blind or have low vision to lead an active and independent life.

“Not only do our carers get to welcome an adorable puppy into their home, but they also get to feel good knowing they’ve helped to potentially change the life of someone who is blind or has low vision.”

Commuters and passersby will have the chance to chat with Seeing Eye Dogs puppy development trainers and other puppy carers about what is involved in becoming a puppy carer and how to apply.

“We are delighted to celebrate the invaluable service that our Seeing Eye Dogs provide, this International Guide Dogs Day, with the help of our fellow Aussies.”

What: Seeing Eye Dogs - Puppy Meet & Greet Event

When: Wednesday 24th April, 10:30 am to 12:30pm

Where: Flinders Street Train Station (outside platforms 6 and 7).

Meet and greet adorable Seeing Eye Dogs pups like Pharaoh & Poppet

About Seeing Eye Dogs

Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs is the only national provider, trainer, and breeder of Seeing Eye Dogs in Australia.

Our Seeing Eye Dogs support people across the country who are blind or have low vision to live safe, active and independent lives.

Visit our website at www.sed.visionaustralia.org

Related Stories:

Become a Seeing Eye Dogs Puppy Carer

New Drive with Heart campaign to help passengers with assistance animals