Puppy walker families get to 'catch up with friends'

Families that have raised, trained and socialised four guide dog puppies in Whangarei this year got together to catch up on their puppies' achievements and celebrate the holiday season.

Rebecca Telfar has always had dogs in her family and when her last dog died she decided it would be a good chance to have a dog around and help others.

She said her three kids adore having Vic around and that they understand he will be going to someone who needs him when he is ready.

"I've heard people say that when you see your dog walking with a blind person and doing all the right things it's just awesome," she said.

The puppies stay with the families, known as puppy walkers, until they are ready to be passed on to a recipient. While in the puppy walker's care puppy development specialist Nicky Calogan visits them every six to eight weeks to monitor progress.

Ms Telfar said her children, especially son Cameron who has Downs' Syndrome, have all bonded well with Vic.