Coffs Puppies Off to the Big Smoke to Become Guide Dogs
06 December, 2011
Caption: Karen Hayter, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Puppy Raising Manager picking up three Labrador puppies from Coffs Harbour breeder Julie York. Photo courtesy Coffs Coast Advocate.
Three yellow Labrador puppies born and bred in Coffs Harbour have begun their journey to become guide dogs after travelling to Sydney recently where Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is headquartered.
The puppies' breeder Julie York, who has been supplying pups to Guide Dogs NSW/ACT for the past 10 years, said she it was a privilege to be involved with the organisation.
"I feel proud knowing that my pups are deemed good enough to become guide dogs," said Julie.
"And I'm privileged to be able to give something back to the community in this way, especially knowing that Guide Dogs NSW/ACT provides its services free of charge to help people with impaired vision get around safely and independently."
The eight-week-old puppies travelled from Coffs to Sydney with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Puppy Raising Manager Karen Hayter, who will then find loving homes for them across the city until they're ready for guide dog training in about a year's time.
"Without the support of the community, including Labrador breeders like Julie, we wouldn't be able to do our important work," said Ms Hayter.
"After being raised by volunteers in Sydney, the puppies will be assessed and if they are healthy and have the right temperament will undertake five months of guide dog training. They will then be matched with someone who is vision impaired and begin their careers as guide dogs."
There are currently over 30 guide dogs working across the Mid North Coast, with the local Guide Dogs NSW/ACT office in Coffs Harbour also providing training in how to use long canes and electronic travel devices in how to get around safely.
"It's great see that there are local people like Julie York making such valuable contributions to the work we do," said Jeremy Hill, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT's Regional Manager for Northern NSW.
Over the past year the Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Coffs Harbour office responded to more than 430 requests for assistance from residents across the Mid North Coast who have impaired vision.
For more information about the services Guide Dogs NSW/ACT provides across the region, please contact the Coffs Harbour office on 6652 7424.
ENDS
Media: Contact Sally Edgar on 0413 753 241 or media@guidedogs.com.au.