Irish Guide Dogs are looking for volunteer Puppy Raisers to foster guide dog puppies from age 7-8 weeks until approximately 12-15 months.
As a puppy raiser you will foster and socialize the puppy. They will sleep in your home and all training equipment and food will be provided by Irish Guide Dogs.
Regular training classes and support will be provided by your puppy raising supervisor.
The work will provide the puppy with a vital foundation for its future role as a Guide Dog for a visual impaired person or as an Assistance Dog for a family with a child with autism.
They are looking for people living near towns, such as Abbeyleix and Durrow, as this is important for the dog’s socialization.
You must have an enclosed garden, no children under the age of 5, and have an adult at home all day as the puppies cannot be left alone for more than 3 hours per day.
It is a 14 month commitment alongside the essential Irish Guide Dog’s monthly training sessions.
Puppy raising is a crucial part of the Irish Guide Dogs work. Although this puppy raising will be done on a voluntary basis, it will take time, commitment and love from both you and your family.
Irish Guide Dogs help people live their lives as fully as possible with independence, confidence and mobility. They provide their services free of charge to ensure nobody is excluded due to lack of income.
To find out more or to apply online, go to www.guidedogs.ie or contact our Dog Volunteer Coordinator Eimear Kenneally at 087 9945115 or email eimearkenneally@guidedogs.ie.
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