Believing that anything is paw-sible, Community Bank Samford is proud to partner with Guide Dogs Queensland, sponsoring two puppies being trained to assist people who are blind or have low vision.
At 10 weeks old, pups Susie and Samson have been introduced to lots of different sights, sounds, smells and places. After wagging goodbye to their mum and littermates, Susie and Samson are taking the next step in their journeys to become fully-fledged guide dogs.
The pair have taken up residence with volunteer puppy-raising families who will introduce them to more of the world and ensure they are loved and well cared for.
Susie has also bounded into her new role as Guide Dog ambassador, lending a paw at a Guide Dogs Queensland merchandise stall at Burpengary.
Community Bank Samford’s grant supported the Guide Dog Mobility program, including the ‘Breeding Centre – Birth & Care of New Pups’ which provides specialised care of a brood through pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and birth of a litter.
It also supported the onsite care of pups from birth through their critical first 8-10 weeks of life. This included the brood and litter’s examinations, medical procedures around birth, vaccinations, microchipping, general medical care, hygiene control and staffing.
Funding this program provides the support needed to improve the quality of pups born in the Guide Dogs nursery, increasing the numbers of qualified Guide Dogs. As a result, more people with vision loss and blindness can experience the freedom and independence of having a Guide Dog.
The current breeding program can only run with community and corporate support. Guide Dogs Queensland is incredibly grateful for the grant assistance it receives to continue empowering people to achieve their goals of independence, participation, inclusion and wellbeing.
“Thank you, Community Bank Samford, for your continued support of Guide Dogs Queensland!”
