IPSWICH residents are being asked to dig deep this month for the 12th annual Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal.
Led by the Petbarn Foundation, the appeal supports Australians who are blind or have low vision.
The national fundraiser helps train seeing eye dogs – specially trained companions who provide more than just guidance. They offer safety, confidence, and independence to the 450,000 Australians living with vision impairment, and the 12,500 who lose their sight each year.
For people like Cathy Delonte, a Vision Australia client who was matched with her seeing eye dog Sasha last year, the impact has been life-changing.
“Before Sasha, I was anxious even walking to the shops. Now I travel to work, visit friends, and live my life without fear,” Ms Delonte said.
“She’s more than a dog – she’s my partner in independence.”
With demand for seeing eye dogs expected to surge by 25 per cent by 2030, support from local communities like Ipswich has never been more vital.
Donations go directly towards the training and development of these dogs, each of which costs more than $50,000 to raise and takes up to two years to fully prepare.
Petbarn’s Ipswich Area Manager Simon Tame said the local response had always been strong.
“It’s inspiring to see the generosity of Ipswich residents,” Mr Tame said.
“Every donation helps give someone like Karen the chance to live freely and confidently.”
The Petbarn Foundation hopes to raise $1.1 million nationally this year – enough to fund the training of 22 seeing eye dogs. Since the appeal began, more than $8.95 million has been raised, resulting in 179 dogs placed with people across Australia.
For Simon Hetherington, who lost his sight in his early 30s, his seeing eye dog Flick, has given him back more than just mobility.
“I used to rely on a cane, but Jet has opened up my world,” Mr Hetherington said.
To help change someone’s life, visit your local Petbarn store or donate online at petbarn.com.au/seeingeyedogs.
