Published on Friday, 19 April 2024 at 2:36:05 PM
- The City to support the first ever training of two Guide Dogs here in the South West
- Three City staff members selected to be ‘Bed and Breakfast Boarders’
- Louie and Thia will be boarded for a period of 8 months.
The City is excited to announce its partnership with Guide Dogs WA to support the first ever Guide and Assistance Dogs in Formal Training here in the South West.
Guide Dogs WA sought expressions of interest from City staff to be ‘Bed and Breakfast Boarders’. Guide and Assistance Dogs in training programs need good homes. Bed and Breakfast Boarders take on daily responsibilities for caring for the dog, providing loving homes while the young adult dog is in formal training. Volunteers are fully supported by Guide Dogs WA staff and there is no cost to volunteers.
City of Busselton Chief Executive Office, Tony Nottle said, “The initiative was well received by staff, with no shortage of expressions of interest. This is a great opportunity for the City to partner with a community service provider and directly support Disability Access and Inclusion initiatives.”
“For Guide Dogs WA, having the dogs located in one location that they can regularly come and collect them from will aid in their training work. It’s also a great opportunity to extend their work into the South West.”
Anna Presser, CEO of Guide Dogs WA remarked, “On behalf of Guide Dogs WA, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all the staff at the City of Busselton who eagerly stepped forward. Witnessing the City's enthusiastic embrace of our training program fills me with immense gratitude.”
“Each of our dogs undergoes meticulous assessment to ensure that their potential is maximised in roles tailored to their unique skills and traits. Whether serving as a Guide Dog, Autism Assistance Dog, Facility Dog, Therapy Dog, Ambassador Dog or Breeding Dog, our remarkable dogs profoundly impact the lives of both those they serve and the community at large. They serve as a bridge to opportunities once thought unattainable, opening doors to newfound possibilities.”
“We are delighted that Louie and Thia are now nestled in homes filled with love, care and support, and we see this partnership as just the beginning of an exciting future between Guide Dogs WA and the City of Busselton."
Guide Dogs Louie and Thia are 14 months old and will be boarded for a period of approximately 8 months. They have now been placed with their Bed and Breakfast Boarders and have settled in extremely well, both in their work and home environment. Louie and Thia are collected by their Guide Dog trainers up to four times per week for approximately one to two hours of training.
Next Wednesday, 24 April 2024 is International Guide Dog Day. Guide Dog WA Trainers Gill and Laura will be at Busselton Central Shopping Centre between 10.00am and 2.00pm on 24 April, doing their best to raise much needed funds. Pop on down and meet Louie and Thia. If you would like to support Guide Dogs WA https://www.guidedogswa.com.au/donate-now/
Objectives outlined in this statement are aligned with the City of Busselton’s Strategic Community Plan (2021 - 2031) Key Themes Lifestyle: A place that is relaxed, safe and friendly with services and facilities that support our lifestyle.
Photo supplied for general use: Guide Dog WA Trainers; City staff and Guide Dogs Thia and Louie.
Ends. Media enquiries can be directed to pr@busselton.wa.gov.au
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