
The Petbarn Foundation and Seeing Eye Dogs have teamed up to encourage Moreton Bay locals to help raise much needed funds to assist people who are blind or have low vision.
The Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal, which launches across Petbarn stores nationally on 1 May until 11 June 2018 aims to raise $800,000 to help cover the costs of breeding, caring for puppies, training and matching Seeing Eye Dogs for as many people as possible.
To support this worthy cause, locals can show their compassion by simply visiting their local Petbarn store and making a donation towards the Appeal. People can also make a contribution online by visiting www.petbarn.com.au/seeingeyedogs.
Local Petbarn North Lakes Store Manager, Bec Lill, says: “We are very excited to be supporting Seeing Eye Dogs again this year and are strongly encouraging the Moreton Bay community to dig deep and help us reach our target.”
“Seeing Eye Dogs do more than just allow Australians who are blind or have low vision to retain their independence and mobility – they alleviate the effects of social isolation and contribute to an all-round better quality of life,” Bec continues.
Last year, through the support of the Moreton Bay community and Australians across the country, The Petbarn Foundation donated a massive $679,240 to Seeing Eye Dogs, which enabled 13 Seeing Eye Dogs to be raised and trained.
It costs at least $50,000 and takes up to two years to train one Seeing Eye Dog. Training begins when the dog is still a puppy and involves teaching them basic socialisation skills and obedience and, on maturity, each dog then receives up to six months of intensive advanced training with a specialised Instructor. Throughout this time each puppy is fed precise and tailored super premium nutrition.
David Speyer, General Manager of Seeing Eye Dogs says: “It takes a lot of expertise, time, love, patience, and funding to raise these special dogs that will one day become the gift of independence for people who are blind or have low vision.”
“A Seeing Eye Dog allows people who are blind or have low vision to move more confidently and navigate obstacles with reliability and safety,” David continues.
To help kick start the 2018 Appeal, super premium pet food brand ROYAL CANIN® is donating $50,000 to the Petbarn Foundation, which will go directly to Seeing Eye Dogs. ROYAL CANIN® has supported the organisation for over ten years by providing precise and individualised nutrition to help ensure that Seeing Eye Dogs and puppies-in-training are fit for their important work.
The Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal will take place across all Petbarn stores nationally from 7 May – 11 June 2018.
To find out more or to donate contact your local Petbarn:
Petbarn Morayfield, Shop 10, 312-344 Morayfield Road, Tel: 5433 1047 Petbarn Morayfield North, 113-137 Morayfield Road, Tel: 5432 4999 Petbarn North Lakes, 55 Flinders Parade, Tel: 3181 3291
or visit www.petbarn.com.au or www.seeingeyedogs.org.au