Community

My name is Abi and I’m a Puppy Development Trainer at Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs in Kensington.

Seeing Eye Dogs (SED) is a division of Vision Australia, a not-for profit agency supporting Australians who are blind or have low vision to live the life they choose. Here at Seeing Eye Dogs, we are on the lookout for local community minded people to join us as puppy carers for 6-12 months to provide love and guidance to a puppy who may go on to change the life of someone who is blind or has low vision. We’ve had many teaching staff and parents who have been involved in our programs, and would love to personally extend this wonderful opportunity to the Parkdale Secondary College community through a piece in the community page of your newsletter. 

From single person households to families with children of all ages, full time workers to retirees,  stay at home parents or those who work with local groups, our volunteering community is as broad and diverse as a library catalogue! They spread across metropolitan Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong and Surf Coast, Ballarat and up through to Bendigo in the north, and in all different housing types from homes to townhouses and apartments. We also have a range of additional support tools available for those working in offices, schools, libraries or more corporate workplaces to accommodate a Seeing Eye Dog puppy being present. 

Our volunteer carers are responsible for teaching basic obedience cues, socialising the pup in public places, having nice home manners, supported by our dedicated team of Puppy Development Trainers throughout the pups stay. All equipment, food and medical care is covered, so there is no cost to the puppy carer besides time and dedication. We offer regular information sessions both online and at SEDHQ in Kensington so those interested can find out more about what’s involved with our caring programs and helping the blind and low vision community.  

If you’d like to have a bit more of a chat or find out more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. 

Look forward to hearing from you.

Kind Regards, Abi Howes