The Petbarn Foundation and Seeing Eye Dogs have teamed up to encourage Brisbane locals to help raise much needed funds to assist people who are blind or have low vision. The Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal, which launches across Petbarn stores nationally on 1 May until 11 June aims to raise $800,000 to help cover the costs of breeding, caring for puppies, training and matching Seeing Eye Dogs.
“We are very excited to be supporting Seeing Eye Dogs again this year and are strongly encouraging the Brisbane community to dig deep and help us reach our target,” said Local Petbarn Woolloongabba Store Manager, Heather Levanti-Niblock. “Seeing Eye Dogs do more than just allow Australians who are blind or have low vision to retain their independence and mobility; they alleviate the effects of social isolation and contribute to an all-round better quality of life,” she said.
Last year, the Brisbane community and Australians across the country donated a massive $679,240 to Seeing Eye Dogs, which enabled 13 Seeing Eye Dogs to be raised and trained. It costs at least $50,000 and takes up to two years to train one Seeing Eye Dog. Training involves teaching them socialisation skills, obedience and up to six months of intensive advanced training with a specialised instructor.
“It takes a lot of expertise, time, love, patience, and funding to raise these special dogs that will one day become the gift of independence for people who are blind or have low vision,” said General Manager of Seeing Eye Dogs, David Speyer. “A Seeing Eye Dog allows people who are blind or have low vision to move more confidently and navigate obstacles with reliability and safety.” To help kick start the 2018 Appeal, super premium pet food brand Royal Canin® is donating $50,000 to the Petbarn Foundation.
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