Puppy Love
In celebration of National Volunteer Week, we are sharing some of the ways our Lansell family gives their time to community interests outside of work.
Meet Georgina Smith. Over the last six years, Georgina and her husband, Chris, our Director, have provided a loving home to eight pups for Seeing Eye Dogs, Vision Australia. She is pictured here with her latest charge, Dirk, a Labrador cross Golden Retriever.
Dirk came to them at eight weeks old and will be with them full-time for the first 12 to 15 months of his life. Georgina is responsible for all aspects of Dirk’s care, including socialisation and basic training, such as toileting, sitting, staying, and walking nicely on the lead.
“Puppy caring is demanding, but so rewarding. We get to give these guys the very best start to life. While it can be sad to say goodbye, we are proud to know that they will go on to be an invaluable part of someone else’s story,” says Georgina.
Today Dirk is three and a half months, pictured above with fellow SEDA pup Cuba. Cuba was visiting with the Smiths last week. As well as full-time puppies, Georgina and Chris have also offered temporary care to many pups like Cuba.
“No matter what is going on in the world, having puppies around brightens our lives,” says Chris.
And it is certainly a treat when they bring the dogs in to visit our Lansell office crew. We can’t wait for the “Puppy in Training” coat to come off so we can have a cuddle!
Vision Australia relies on their amazing volunteers, like Georgina, to raise Seeing Eye Dogs. They are always on the lookout for more carers to help. If you are interested in learning more, visit Vision Australia.
