Feel like helping out?

Irish Guide Dogs for the blind are looking for puppy raisers in many areas around the country. They're looking for loving individuals and families who are willing to foster an Irish Guide Dogs puppy from age 7-8 weeks to 12-15 months. Basically, the puppy will live with your family and with some help from Early Training Team on a monthly basis, the puppy learn basic rules and obedience. At approximately 14 months they move to the Irish Guide Dogs Training Centre where they will train  graduating as a Guide Dog begins. The Puppy Raising Programme is currently available in the following counties: Cork, Dublin, Kerry, Kildare, Limerick, Waterford and Wicklow. It is also available in the parts of the following counties within two hours of the Irish Guide Dogs National HQ and Training Centre: Clare, Kilkenny, Laois, Meath, Tipperary and Westmeath. So what are the requirements for you to become a puppy raiser?

• The puppy must not be left alone for more than four hours.
• You must have access to a secured outdoor area.
• Children in the home must be over five years of age.
• Other dogs in the home are fine once they are sociable and neutered.

Speaking when the campaign for puppy raisers began, Chairperson of Irish Guide Dogs for the blind Patrick Burke said: “Puppy Raising plays a pivotal role in our aim to change the lives of those who are vision impaired, or a family of a child with autism. "Seeing a puppy developing in your home brings huge satisfaction and reward plus wonderful companionship and valuable dog training skills." If you're interested in becoming a puppy raiser, you can apply here.