Brisbane Lions-sponsored Guide Dog puppy ‘Leo’ has graduated and is now fulfilling his destiny as a working Guide Dog.

‘Leo’ officially passed training this month, after entering training at Guide Dogs Queensland at the start of the year. He will now be matched to a Queenslander who is blind and eagerly waiting to start the partnership that will offer a unique form of freedom, independence and trusted friendship.

According to Leo’s trainer Jon Davies, the young energetic pup has grown into an enthusiastic and willing Guide Dog, who loves being outdoors and working in harness.

It has taken two years and $30,000 for ‘Leo’ to succeed, and puppy sponsors such as the Brisbane Lions played a vital part in his journey.

Guide Dogs Queensland receives no government funding for its Guide Dog services, and relies on sponsorship and donations to continue to provide Guide Dogs like ‘Leo’ free of charge to the visually impaired.

As well as sponsorship, Guide Dogs Queensland relies on volunteer families to raise their young puppies while they are between the ages of 10 weeks and 12 months.

‘Leo’ was raised by a very proud puppy raiser in Mt Ommaney in south of Brisbane, and is one of nearly 80 puppies who were raised on the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and across Brisbane in the past year.

Guide Dogs Queensland would love to hear from more people interested in becoming a Puppy Raiser, with new litters arriving later this year.

GDQ Breeding Manager Lauren Elgie said puppy raisers did have to fulfil a certain criteria but most of all GDQ looked for people who had the available time to provide our precious pups a stimulating, happy and secure upbringing for their first 12 months.

As part of the Puppy Development Program at GDQ, puppy raisers introduce the pups to the ‘real world’ and begin the vital socialisation and early training in preparation for formal Guide Dog training.

“Puppy Raisers become part of the Guide Dogs Queensland team. A lot of free time to dedicate to the pup is needed, but at the same time it’s incredibly rewarding and you learn a lot about handling dogs and animal behaviour,” Ms Elgie said.

GDQ has supervisors who provide regular skilled support and advice to the puppy raisers and all costs associated with raising the puppy are covered by the association.

If you can answer yes to the following criteria, GDQ would love to hear from you.

• Do you live in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast?
• Is there an adult who can oversee raising the puppy and has flexible working hours?
• Does that person have plenty of free time to spend socialising the puppy. (Our puppies are not left for more than 2-hours on their own)
• Is your property securely fenced?
• Can you access all forms of public transport?
• Are your children school age or older?
• Are you willing to have the puppy live and sleep in your home?

With your help, Guide Dogs Queensland can train more Guide Dogs like ‘Leo’.

Anyone interested in sharing the journey and becoming a Puppy Raiser for Guide Dogs Queensland can read more and apply online at www.guidedogsqld.com.au or free call 1800 810 122.