Guide dogs visit Olivedale Library
Puppies in training to be guide dogs stand, sit, roll and touch as part of a demonstration at Olivedale Library.
Happy barking, loving licks and wagging tails were the order of the day when members of the South African Guide Dogs Association visited Olivedale Library.
Representatives of the association gave a presentation about what they do, and how community members can sign up to be puppy raisers, during the event organised by Friends of Olivedale Library (Fools).
The group’s chairperson, Bette Kun welcomed the association and the five dogs they brought with them, before head of public relations Pieter van Niekerk and puppy raising supervisor, Kelly Malleus, spoke.
“We offer four services in guide dogs, service dogs, autism support dogs and orientation and mobility,” van Niekerk explained between videos about these services.
“We match dogs with their new owners, to ensure their temperaments are compatible. You can’t give a young energetic, bouncy pup to an elderly person. She’ll have to wear rollerblades to keep up with him,” he joked.
For the orientation and mobility service, which is offered for free, Van Niekerk explained this involves a person who is in the process of going blind, meeting a representative from the association and their guide dog to-be regularly, to become used to their home, routes, work and their surroundings before actually going blind.
Three puppy raisers also gave a demonstration of obedience, telling the dogs to stand, sit, roll and touch, before rewarding them with treats.
Malleus explained that puppy raisers are always needed, and any able adult willing to help, can contact the organisation.
Afterward the talk, everyone enjoyed tea, coffee and biscuits while chatting to the representatives from the association and petting the dogs.
The group receives little funding and relies on donations from the public, especially money left to them in trusts, funds and wills.
Details: SA Guide Dogs Association info@guidedog.org.za ;011 705 3512.
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