The dogs come home

With the media launch of its Diamond Jubilee Ball at Montecasino, members of the association supplied plenty of reasons why the association needed and deserved public support.

The Ball, a shining date on the South African social calendar is set for 28 September at Montecasino.

Yet action spoke louder than words when three dogs of the association were paraded on stage. These intelligent animals were testament that the 60-year-old association has trained the best helper dogs in the country.

During this time volunteers adopt puppies and take them to every conceivable destination so the animals get used to the outside world they will need to navigate in their adult life

First was Gibson, a guide dog puppy that is in a year-long puppy walking programme. During this time volunteers adopt puppies and take them to every conceivable destination so the animals get used to the outside world they will need to navigate in their adult life.

The second dog to grace the stage was Zhar. Zhar is being trained to become a guide dog. This process takes a few months after dogs complete their stint with puppy walkers.

Paisley was next with owner Lorraine Louwrens. Louwrens recently received Paisley as her companion after the dog completed it’s training with her. “When you’re blind receiving a guide dog is almost like receiving a car,” she said. “It is freedom, I can go where I need to in life.”

Ashley Hayden was announced as the 2013 patron for the association and will actively promote the organisation. “What struck me is how much selflessness goes into training the dogs,” she said.

Dave Price of the association said the running of the organisation was costly. To train one dog could cost R80 000.

Therefore corporate and individual sponsors were urged to support the association by booking a table for the Diamond Jubilee Ball on 28 September.

Details: 011-783-5887 or edith@edithunlimited.co.za or pieterv@guidedog.org.za