By David Russell
We all love our dogs, but to the vision impaired and those with an autism spectrum disorder their service dog is critical to their quality of life.
What many people don’t realise is that guide dogs aren’t an entitlement; they are in short supply and it costs in excess of $30,000 to breed, develop and train just one dog. Individual and Community Fundraising Team Leader, Jena Clark, is responsible for raising the funds to provide more dogs to people who are blind and vision impaired.
“There are eight fully sponsored dogs who are going through their training…supported by generous corporates and individuals,” Jena told Inside South Australia.
“This means they have donated the full cost of the dog’s training and placement with a client.
“We also have the Puppy Sponsorship program where individuals and corporates donate on a monthly basis to support a litter through their training. Currently the S Litter and D Litter are being sponsored by multiple individuals and corporates.”
Summer and Ambassadog Tango visit Beach Energy in October 2015.
One of Guide Dogs’ corporate sponsors is Beach Energy, who sponsored their first dog Tarni in 2008 after winning the opportunity to name a Guide Dog at a fundraising dinner. In 2012 Beach Energy become a Gold Paw Partner when they sponsored the entire training of Buddy.
Buddy became a proud father when he sired the S Litter and Beach decided to cover the training of Buddy’s female pup, Summer. Summer is in her final assessment placement and progressing very well.
Guide Dog in training Summer.
According to Jena, Gold Paw sponsorship supports the Guide Dog and Autism Assistance Dog Programs and ensures that more dogs can be bred, trained and matched with a client to reduce wait times.
“The waiting time for an individual or family to receive a guide dog or autism assistance dog is too long. Having corporate support for a dog through their entire program creates sustainability and enables our organisation to increase the number of dogs, provide additional resources and ultimately reduce waiting times.”
The Guide dogs are currently doing a push to drive sponsorship in anticipation of two litters due in November. That’s eight to 16 new puppies that need to begin their journey as a Guide Dog or Autism Assistance Dog.
To learn more about how you can help train this next litter of pups visit www.guidedogs.org.au
Guide dogs and Beach Energy are members of Brand South Australia. To find a corporate or charity to partner with visit the Brand South Australia charity pages.