Can you keep an eye on a pup?

VISION Australia is on the hunt to find puppy-loving volunteers to care for the next generation of seeing eye dogs.

Carers provide a home to the future working dog from the time they are eight weeks old until around 12 to 15 months.

During that time carers help the pups to socialise and learn skills they’ll need when they are paired with a person who is blind or has low vision.

They are provided with a collar, lead, bed, bowl, highquality food, free veterinary care at approved clinics, a puppy training manual and regular visits from a seeing eye dog supervisor for additional training and development.

Vision Australia Geelong staff member Laura Allison has opened her home to Vienna, a 10-week-old black labrador-golden retriever cross.

“Vienna is settling in well. She comes with me to different Vision Australia offices. She goes everywhere I go. She connects with people. It’s a very social thing,” she said.

Ms Allison said she is prepared to part with Vienna when it’s time for her to return to Melbourne for formal training.

“I have met people with seeing eye dogs and I know how liberating a seeing eye dog is for them. I will know where Vienna is going, and I’ll get updates on her progress. It’s just so rewarding. I’ll be sad for a few days, but I can also get a new puppy,” she said.

Vision Australia is hosting a seeing eye dogs information night next Tuesday from 6-7pm at its Geelong office, 79 High St, Belmont.

“I have met people with seeing eye dogs and I know how liberating a seeing eye dog is for them. LAURA ALLISON