PUPPIES WITH PURPOSE LOOKING FOR A HAND
THEY’RE cute, they’re tiny and they’re sure to melt even the most hardened Gold Coaster’s heart.
They’re the 20 puppies in every colour of the labrador rainbow looking for local puppy educators for 12-15 months.
“We also have another dog pregnant, so there will be even more puppies available for fostering,” said a delighted Melissa Bromley, a volunteer puppy educator with Assistance Dogs Australia (ADA).
The gorgeous yellow, black and chocolate labrador pups are two-, four- and seven-weeks-old.
“They can only leave their mothers when they’re eightweeks-old and we would love to get as many as we can for the Gold Coast,” she said.
“Theoretically, we could get them all if 20 people offer to help.”
Ms Bromley said the pups were in Melbourne and Sydney, and would be flown to volunteers.
The bad news for animal lovers is they will have to say goodbye to the pups after 12-15 months so they can fly off to a national training centre in Sydney.
Once trained, the labs will be matched with clients in cities around Australia, including the Gold Coast.
“We have a waiting list of local people who need them,” Ms Bromley said.
“ADA provides food, veterinary care and equipment, as well as support and advice from trainers, who arrange puppy classes, outings and home visits.
“Volunteer puppy sitters are also available to look after puppies during holidays.
“A puppy educator might want to buy a few toys for a pup but the ADA pays for everything else.”
ADA is a charity that trains dogs for people living with physical disabilities, autism, or post-traumatic stress disorder. It also places educational support dogs in schools to help children with special needs.
“Volunteering as a puppy educator is perfect for retirees, people who work from home or in shifts so that the puppy isn’t left home alone for more than four hours a day,” she said.
To help, visit assistance dogs.org.au/volunteer or call 1800 688 364.