By Ben Cameron
Deer Park’s Lina Xi is a kennel and breeding attendant who is currently caring for black Labrador Frankie.
Carers are needed to help socialise young pups from the age of eight weeks until their first birthday, to get them accustomed to a variety of environments and situations, a must for any aspiring seeing eye dog.
No official training is needed of carers though, just the promise of a loving and suitable home.
All costs, including food and vet bills, are covered by SEDA, with the average seeing eye dog costing up to $50,000 to train.
Lina said Frankie has been a hit with her family so far, especially her sister who has Downs Syndrome.
“He knows to be really gentle with her,” she said.
