Six tiny puppies are about to start a journey that could one day change someone’s life, and See Differently with the Royal Society for the Blind is calling on South Australians to help make it happen.
This National Volunteer Week, the South Australian Guide and Assistance Dog school is urgently searching for Puppy Educators to open their homes to its newest litter of future Guide and Assistance Dogs.
The six puppies, welcomed just before Mother’s Day, are at the beginning of a life-changing path. With the right support in their first year, they could go on to help a person who is legally blind move through the world with greater confidence, or support a veteran living with PTSD through the organisation’s OPK9 Program.
For volunteers, the role comes with plenty of puppy cuddles, but also a much bigger purpose. Puppy Educators help introduce young dogs to everyday life, giving them the early experiences, care and confidence they need before they move into more advanced training.
“There is no better time to put your hand up,” says Executive Director Damian Papps. “These puppies are at the start of an extraordinary journey, and those who open their homes will become the first chapter in a story that will one day change someone’s life.”
No prior experience is needed to become a Puppy Educator. See Differently says volunteers come from all walks of life, including families, university students and retirees, with full training, food, vet care and ongoing support provided from day one.
The newest litter is currently being cared for by Whelper Fiona, who has been supporting mum Trinity and her puppies through their crucial first eight weeks.
“Every day is a new stage. You watch them change almost hour by hour, and it never gets old,” says Fiona.
See Differently has been part of the South Australian community for more than 140 years, with its Guide and Assistance Dog program playing a major role in restoring independence, confidence and connection for people across the state.
Its OPK9 Program, delivered in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, provides highly trained Assistance Dogs to veterans living with PTSD. The latest call for puppy raisers follows the graduation of 11 veterans and their OPK9 Assistance Dogs in March, with a Guide Dog graduation also coming up in August.
Now, the organisation says the need for Puppy Educators has never been greater.
For anyone who has ever wondered what it would be like to help raise a future hero, this is the week to take the leap. Six puppies are ready to begin their journey, and See Differently is hoping six South Australian homes will help give them the start they need.
Volunteering Details
Join a purpose-driven community of everyday heroes for the leading and largest Guide
& Assistance Dog program in South Australia.
Website >> https://bit.ly/SeeDifferentlyVolunteer
YouTube >> https://bit.ly/SeeDifferentlyVolunteerWithUs
