The most recognised member of Iramoo Primary School last year wasn’t a pupil or even a teacher – her name was Farrow and she was there to learn and teach.
This much-loved classmate was a Seeing Eye Dogs Australia puppy being trained and cared for by the school’s principal, Moira Findlay.
After her training, Farrow was moved on to help give independence to somebody who is blind or has low vision.
So Ms Findlay has adopted another puppy, Kira. She says both Farrow and Kira helped teach some important life lessons to pupils.
“As working dogs, when they’re on-duty they’re not allowed to be patted or distracted from work.
“These dogs are trained as attention givers rather than seekers and I’ll often hear pupils telling other children what they can and can’t do with Kira.
“Having Kira teaches our children about having an appreciation of people with disabilities and the basics of caring for animals. They also learn respect and responsibility. Last year, we gave one of our pupils responsibility to give Farrow her lunch every day … after that he never missed a day of school.”
Puppy carers are urgently needed across Wyndham and Melbourne. Carers are fully supported.
More information
1800 037 773 or visit www.seda.visionaustralia.org.
