Ewen McRae
Pet owners in Caroline Springs have helped raise a record amount for Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs.
Petbarn outlets across the country held their annual appeal across July for Vision Australia’s work with seeing eye dogs, with the Caroline Springs store raising $976 for the month.
The total is enough to help 15 seeing eye dogs start their journey to helping the vision impaired, including help with the costs of breeding, training and caring.
Petbarn Caroline Springs store manager Melissa Hancock, said she was grateful for the generosity of local shoppers at a time when many people are doing it tough.
“We’re extremely grateful to everybody that donated what they could to this great cause,” Ms Hancock said
“We know 2020 has been a challenging year for so many people, yet our customers continue to amaze us with their generosity.
“The money raised will go towards helping Australians who are blind or have low vision retain their independence and mobility.”
The appeal raised a total of $775,000, and Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs general manager Graeme Craig, said it was great to see such an important cause getting such strong support.
“Our partnership with the Petbarn Foundation is integral to raising funds so that even more Seeing Eye Dogs pups can complete the extensive training they require,” Mr Craig said.
“We’re overwhelmed with how much has been raised for this year’s appeal.
“It takes a lot of expertise, time, love, patience and funding to raise these special dogs that will one day provide the gift of independence.
“For the right person, these highly trained dogs help them move confidently and navigate obstacles with much more reliability and safety.”
Ewen McRae
