Blind Low Vision NZ and Southern Cross Pet Insurance are announcing a partnership which will help protect and fund the guide dogs who support their clients to be more independent.
Southern Cross Pet Insurance, CEO, Anthony McPhail who has personal experience of low vision, reveals how the partnership evolved.
“I have low vision myself and so I understand many of the challenges others with low vision face every day, especially those who don’t have access to a Blind Low Vision NZ Guide Dog.
“It’s about offering a sense of safety, confidence in moving around and being able to engage more fully in what others consider a ‘normal’ healthy life. My personal circumstances are not what drove us to enter this partnership with BLVNZ, rather we believe it makes complete sense for us to help enable more New Zealanders access support they need.
“From August we’re insuring all new pups in the Blind Low Vision NZ Guide Dog network and relieving some of the financial pressure the organisation is facing, alongside many other charities in New Zealand.”
Andrea Midgen, CEO Blind Low Vision NZ says, she’s hopeful some of the SCPI team will get to meet the pups they’ll be supporting.
“We are very excited about our new partnership, and we are looking forward to having the team meet some of our pups. We’re even more excited that the partnership is being announced during Pawgust – one of our key fundraising months.
“Keeping our dogs healthy and in their best condition is very important as we train them to be matched to clients. We’ll be signing on all new pups for Southern Cross Pet Insurance, so that their care is fuss free for our trainers and puppy walkers. We’re also excited about the financial support the Southern Cross Pet Insurance team is offering us. This will enable more pups to make it through to become fully trained working guide dogs.”
While McPhail does not have a guide dog himself, he’s delighted the partnership will make a difference to others.
“I’m fortunate to have the support of family, colleagues and Blind Low Vision NZ who help me live the life I want to live. It’s not without its challenges, but my low vision has certainly not prevented me from doing most things I’ve ever set out to do. It’s great to be part of an initiative which will afford someone else the opportunity to live that way too.”
Guide dogs give people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision, freedom and independence. They help people to get around safely and confidently. They also make wonderful companions.
Here’s what is provided:
A guide dog and its equipment, is provided to a client free of charge
One-to-one training with a professional Guide Dog Mobility Instructor
Customised instructional programme to meet individual needs.
Follow up and support for the life of the guide dog team
Access to financial support in cases of veterinary emergencies or sudden illness
And when the time comes for a guide dog to retire, BLVNZ talks with clients about the potential for a successor dog.
Breeding and early development
BLVNZ is very selective when it comes to their breeding dogs. They only select those most likely to produce healthy pups with the temperament necessary to succeed as guide dogs. More than 100 puppies are bred per year at the Guide Dogs Breeding Centre. Pregnant females return to the centre one week prior to whelping (giving birth) and remain there with their litters until the puppies are ready for placement into Puppy Raising homes, at about 9 weeks of age.
The Breeding Centre staff (Dog Care Specialists) are responsible for looking after pregnant broods and their litters from birth to 9 weeks. During this time, staff work hard to maintain a high level of biosecurity in order to protect the puppies from disease. The staff also provide enrichment and exercise opportunities for the broods and follow a detailed early development protocol to begin preparing our puppies for life as guide dogs.
Guide Dogs Healthcare
The Guide Dogs Health Manager looks after the health and nutrition of each puppy, training dog, and working guide in the Guide Dogs programme. The Health Manager manages relationships with vets, food and pharmaceutical providers in order to maintain the health and wellbeing of each dog throughout its life. The role also provides health and nutrition advice and support to guide dog handlers, puppy raisers, breeding stock guardians and staff.
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