The City of Busselton is partnering with Guide Dogs WA to support the first ever Guide and Assistance Dogs in Formal Training WA’s 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 according to City of Busselton Chief Executive Office, Tony Nottle.
“The initiative was well received by staff, with no shortage of expressions of interest,” he said.
“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.”
Guide Dogs WA CEO Anna Presser said the City’s support was greatly appreciated.
“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,” she said.
“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 eight 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.
