Guide dog puppy raising is 'giving back to community'
Booker Bay resident Mr Graeme Hutchison says Guide Dog puppy raising was a way he could give back to the community with his time rather than money.
In a talk to the Rotary Club of Woy Woy, he said that he had had his 11 month old guide dog puppy Bowie since he was eight weeks old.
Bowie will be going back to the Guide Dog Centre at Glossodia near Windsor for his assessment in September, Mr Hutchison said.
He said he was able to continue, even though Covid meant he now had a restricted income, because most of the costs were covered by NSW Guide Dogs.
This included dog food; preventative medications for fleas, worms and heartworm; veterinary costs; collars; leash; grooming equipment; and food bowl.
Mr Hutchison said he loved the sound of four paws around the house and the pup gave a lot of joy to the family.
He also said that it was a great way for his children to learn about community service.
Graeme filled us in on the requirements necessary to be a puppy raiser.
He said puppy raisers were families or individuals who ensured that new puppy recruits got the best possible care, in a loving home environment while receiving necessary training.
He said a good puppy raiser was someone who was caring, patient and responsible and able to give a 12-month commitment.
The puppies became a part of their household, interacting with household members.
They attended weekly training sessions.
Puppy raisers taught some basic skills, including sitting nicely when being groomed, walking nicely on a lead, good house manners and providing regular socialisation experiences, establishing good toileting, feeding sleeping and walking routines
They were expected to be home for most of the day.
The puppy must not be left alone for more than four hours at a time without supervision and human company.
It must be walked each day and be allowed to sleep and spend time indoors.
SOURCE:
Newsletter, 10 Jul 2021
Julie Jones, Rotary Woy Woy