Guide Dogs to star at the Dog Lovers Show

Fans of man’s best friend will have the chance to meet the next generation of life-changing Guide Dogs and learn about the various ways you ...

Fans of man’s best friend will have the chance to meet the next generation of life-changing Guide Dogs and learn about the various ways you can support the puppy to Guide Dog journey at the 2019 Sydney Dog Lovers Show. 

Held on Saturday 3 - Sunday 4 August, dog enthusiasts will have the opportunity to cuddle up to the latest litter of Labrador puppies and snap a selfie with Gulliver, the world’s largest Guide Dog. 

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT hopes to raise awareness of, and much-needed funds for, the important role Guide Dogs play in helping people who have sight loss to get around safely and independently, so they can live the life they choose. 

“We are looking forward to giving guests an understanding of how much research, hard work and training goes into transforming playful puppies into life-changing Guide Dogs,” Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Guide Dog Training Manager Eddie Sullivan said. 

“It costs $50,000 to breed, raise and train each Guide Dog; which includes completing five months of intensive training at the Guide Dog Centre in Western Sydney. As we receive only five per cent of funding from the Government, we rely on the support of the community so that we can continue to provide freedom and independence to people with sight loss,” said Mr Sullivan. 

Representatives from Guide Dogs NSW/ACT will be available at the Guide Dogs stand to talk to guests about the Guide Dog program and ways in which they can help, such as becoming a Puppy Sponsor. The latest litter of Guide Dog puppies will be on hand for Pat-a-Pooch sessions and will also be looking for their new volunteer Puppy Raiser homes. 

“Being a Puppy Raiser is an incredibly rewarding experience, as you play an integral part in transforming a playful pup into a responsible Guide Dog. Once our puppies reach eight weeks of age they are placed with volunteer Puppy Raisers, who care for the pup for a year prior to beginning Guide Dog training,” Puppy Development Manager Karen Hayter said.

 “Not only do Puppy Raisers provide crucial care and affection for the puppies, they also work closely with our Puppy Development team on basic training. During regular group training days Puppy Raisers help teach the dogs to sit and stay, avoid distractions and adapt to different surroundings.” 

Each dog spends its first year living with a volunteer Puppy Raiser and attending regular training sessions before reporting for duty at the Guide Dogs Centre to begin formal training.

The world’s largest Guide Dog, Gulliver, will also be in attendance at the Dog Lovers Show. 

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT’s 4.3 metre tall, 690 kilogram fibreglass blond Lab will join in the festivities and help showcase the special role that a dog can play in someone’s life, as well as make a great selfie opportunity!

The Sydney Dog Lovers Show will be held Saturday 3 - Sunday 4 August 2019 at the Sydney Showground in Sydney Olympic Park. A complete program of events is available at www.dogloversshow.com.au

ABOUT GUIDE DOGS NSW/ACT

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is the leading provider of services that enable people with sight loss to lead safe and independent lives, and stay connected to their communities. Services include Orientation and Mobility services and aids like long canes, Guide Dogs and electronic travel devices using as GPS technology. Guide Dogs NSW/ACT’s other services also include community orthoptists, Low Vision Clinics, assistive technology, peer support, and more. 

Visit www.guidedogs.com.au, call 1800 804 805, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn

MEDIA RELEASE, 15th July 2019