Romeo was our first guide dog puppy. He was with us for just over 6 months and in that time he went everywhere, including road trips to the Far North, Tamaki Makaurau, Ngāmotu, and Ohakune. He had a huge personality, a vibrant, energetic, cheeky dog with a huge personality. He is loyal, friendly, forgiving and always optimistic. Everyone is his mate. Because he’s such a handsome boy, he sometimes gets away with things he really shouldn’t.

But at the end of the day, we really hope he will make it as a guide dog or in another area of work. Whatever that will be, we know he’ll be sensational.

Every day, an average of nine New Zealanders turn to Blind Low Vision NZ for support with vision loss. They provide emotional and practical support, so that people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision can keep working and living independently.

Blind Low Vison meet people in their homes or at their local Blind Low Vision NZ office to collectively make this happen.

They also advocate for accessible and inclusive communities. Blind Low Vision believe people with vision loss deserve equal access to public spaces, information and careers. This is made possible through education and removing barriers.

At nine weeks of age, Blind Low Vision NZ Guide Dogs places pups with volunteer Puppy Raisers in the community. Families or individuals ensure that Guide Dog puppies receive the best possible care, in a loving home environment while receiving basic training.

These special, dedicated Puppy Raisers all have one thing in common – they embrace the opportunity to help New Zealanders who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision to live a life without limits.

Raising and training a guide dog puppy is an amazing experience that is incredibly rewarding for the whole family.

https://blindlowvision.org.nz/