In an innovative move to support the training of Assistance Dogs while accommodating the busy schedules of volunteers, the Australian Lions Hearing Dogs (ALHD) has launched its pioneering Bed and Breakfast (BnB) Program. This unique initiative offers a flexible option for those keen on contributing to the development of future Assistance Dogs but are constrained by their 9-5 commitments. The program is also open to individuals living within a one-hour radius of the ALHD National Training Centre in Verdun, who are interested in the organisation’s Puppy Program.
Scheduled for Wednesday, 19th of March, an information session will be held at the Verdun facility, located 30 minutes from Adelaide and 10 minutes from Mount Barker. Starting at 4:30pm, the session aims to provide comprehensive details about what it entails to host an Assistance Dog in training. Darren, the Program Director, and Mary, the Puppy Program Coordinator, will lead the event, which will also feature the presence of dogs currently in the Puppy and BnB Programs, along with their volunteer carers. This presents a prime opportunity for attendees to engage directly with staff and existing volunteers, addressing any queries regarding the program.
Participation in the BnB Program involves volunteers taking the dog in training to the ALHD facility on agreed days in the morning and collecting them in the afternoon. This arrangement not only allows volunteers to witness the progress of the dogs’ training firsthand but also to play a crucial role in their weekend care and socialisation, essential for their development into future Assistance Dogs.
In addition to introducing the BnB Program, the information session will cover the established Puppy Socialisation Program. This program is vital for the early stages of a puppy’s development before they embark on their formal training journey to become Assistance Dogs. The role of a Puppy Socialiser is described as a life-changing experience, crucial for the continuation of ALHD’s programs.
There is no financial cost involved in participating in either program. The organisation provides all necessary supplies, including food, equipment, bedding, and veterinary care, for the dogs. Volunteers are simply asked to offer their time and provide a nurturing environment for the puppies to flourish. Support from ALHD is assured throughout the process to ensure both the volunteers and the puppies have a positive experience.
Australian Lions Hearing Dogs is a charitable entity dedicated to enhancing the lives of hard-of-hearing Australians through the provision of trained hearing dogs. Over the years, ALHD has significantly impacted the lives of more than 695 individuals across Australia, offering them independence, security, and confidence. Beyond being invaluable companions, some of these trained dogs have been instrumental in saving lives. Remarkably, the organisation operates without any government funding or subsidies, relying entirely on the generosity of the community to continue its noble mission.
The introduction of the BnB Program by ALHD represents a significant step forward in making volunteer participation more accessible, thereby ensuring the continued success of their Assistance Dog training programs. This initiative not only benefits the dogs in training but also enriches the lives of the volunteers, fostering a community of care and support towards a common goal of aiding those in need.
What: Bed and Breakfast Program Information Session
Where: Australian Lions Hearing Dogs National Training Centre in Verdun
When: Tuesday 19th March from 4:30pm – 6pm
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/3773168196251321/
