For Robynne Kirkham, being a volunteer puppy raiser is one of the most rewarding things she has done.
The 51-year-old explained that she started raising puppies for the South African Guide Dogs Association (SAGDA) around 2019.
A friend who was a puppy raiser inspired her to become a volunteer for SAGDA .
Kirkham currently has two Labrador puppies, Aspen and Eclipse.
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Aspen is 14 months old, while Eclipse is nine months.
Eclipse is the sixth puppy Kirkham has raised.
She noted that Labradors make great guide dogs because of their excellent temperament and affectionate nature.
Kirkham, saying goodbye to the puppy is the most difficult part of being a puppy raiser.
“We can stay in contact with the person the puppy is matched with, but it depends on their circumstances,” said Kirkham, who works in sales and customer service.
The puppy raiser said that her workplace is supporting her mission to raise puppies for the association.
Kirkham urged others to support SAGDA’s puppy raising programme.
Nicole Barros, marketing co-ordinator for the association, explained it is a volunteer programme where you receive a puppy from the association at eight weeks of age.
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“The puppy will stay with you until approximately 16 months of age. During this time, the puppy raiser attends a weekly training session at the premises and various public spaces.
“The class lasts about an hour and is run by a puppy-raising supervisor. Additional classes may be required as needed,” said Barros.
Barros added that besides the formal training sessions, puppy raisers are encouraged to take the puppy with them as often as possible, although there are restrictions applicable up to 16 weeks of age.
“Puppy raisers are often invited to join the marketing team at various fundraising events, such as expos and markets, to interact with the public. These events help socialise the puppy and expose it to different stimuli in various environments.”
Barros said around 16 months, the pup returns to the association for formal training.
“During this time, the puppy raiser may continue to have the dog at home over weekends and holidays, as all dogs in formal training return to homes during these periods.
Once formal training is complete, the dog is matched with its new owner.
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“Over two to three weeks, the dog and its owner – whether as a guide dog, service dog, or autism support dog – train and bond together as their journey towards freedom and independence begins,” she said.
What SAGDA offers:
• A branded puppy pack that contains all the essentials that the puppy would need to start their journey.
Aside from the puppy, you will also receive a collar, lead, jacket, chew toy, treat bag, blanket, vaccinations, deworming, tick and flea protection throughout.
All food and vet bills are covered.
Each litter has a dedicated puppy-raising supervisor who assists you with any training or behaviour challenges you might have with the puppy.
Basic requirements to become a puppy raiser:
• Be 18 years and older.
• Be a responsible dog lover.
• Have a calm and patient temperament.
• Be physically fit and capable of caring for a puppy.
• Have flexible hours (you can still have a full-time job at the office).
• Be available to attend weekly training sessions on weekdays for 21 weeks during office hours.
• Be able to attend monthly to bi-monthly outings with the puppy and other puppy raisers during office hours on weekdays and or weekends when applicable.
• Have own transport and a valid driver’s license.
• Be able to commit up to 16 months with the puppy.
Barros said the volunteer puppy-raising programme is for anyone who loves animals and is willing to learn new training skills and help make a difference.
“SA Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind’s vision is to have a country where every person with visual and physical disabilities can experience freedom and independence.”
To become a puppy raiser email AlidaP@guidedog.org.za or for more information visit www.guidedog.org.za
