Guide Dogs WA has welcomed its first litter of puppies since the McGowan Government announced a significant $5 million contribution to facilitate the Western Australia-based organisation’s breeding program.
The five puppies, born to first-time mother Janet, are all in good health. The now six-week old puppies will shortly move in with volunteer Puppy Raisers who will raise, care and socialise them for about one year, before the puppies enter their formal training.
The puppies’ career paths may be as a guide dog, autism assistance dog, therapy dog, companion dog, or facility dog.
The McGowan Government’s $5 million investment, matched by Guide Dogs WA, has helped the organisation to establish breeding locations across the State and supported specialised staffing costs, a fleet of fit-for-purpose vehicles, and whelping and puppy equipment.
The funding will also allow Guide Dogs WA to re-establish its cadet training program, to increase the number of local, highly qualified dog trainers in the State.
The breeding program will assist Guide Dogs WA to meet the growing demand for Guide and Assistance Dogs in WA, and provide an opportunity for new service offerings to become available for people living with low vision, disability or illness.
With the arrival of the first litter, Guide Dogs WA is calling on more volunteers to sign up as a Puppy Raiser: www.guidedogswa.com.au.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“My Government continues to deliver on its election commitments, and we have provided $5 million to Guide Dogs WA to support this important organisation to establish a world-class breeding program.
“Our investment will help to change the lives of many Western Australians, with the demand for Guide and Assistance Dogs growing, while also backing local jobs.”
As stated by Local Government Minister John Carey:
“Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs make life-changing differences for people with low-vision, disabilities and other illnesses.
“This Government provided $5 million in funding to Guide Dogs WA because there is a growing need for Guide and Assistance dogs throughout Western Australia.
“Our Government’s reforms continue to deliver positive results and this injection of funding will directly support Western Australians who may live with dementia, visual impairment, autism and post-traumatic stress disorder.”
As stated by Guide Dogs WA Chief Executive Officer Anna Presser:
“Guide Dogs WA has been changing the lives of Western Australians for more than 70 years and we are delighted to be in a position to commence our own Breeding Program.
“Guide Dogs WA acknowledges and thanks the Western Australian Government for its significant financial contribution towards establishing the Breeding Program.”
