Tatjana Kander and Pepper choose lunch on a day out.
When Tatjana Kander goes shopping, people stop to admire her companion, Pepper the labrador pup.
But Pepper isn't a privileged pet. Now 14 months old, she is learning to be a guide dog.
Speaking in the lead-up to International Guide Dog Day on 27 April, Tatjana says she loves her volunteer task, with Pepper the fifth guide dog puppy she's raised.
"I love raising puppies and I love that I can help someone," she says.
"People always ask how can I give the puppies back and at first it was hard, but it teaches you to let go."
As a 'puppy raiser', her job is to house train and socialise the puppies and teach them basic obedience skills.
"They come everywhere with me – the movies, the beach, even on a family campervan holiday around Australia," she says.
"Socialising a puppy involves getting them used to other animals and places like the supermarket and to teach them not to get distracted.
"When we're out, Pepper wears her 'training jacket' and knows she’s working. But as soon as the jacket comes off she gets lots of pats and play time."
Puppy raisers have the puppies from 10 weeks until 12 to 14 months old. Guide Dogs Queensland supplies all equipment, vet support, and food and a puppy development supervisor makes regular visits to provide support.
After training, about half of the dogs pass the test to become guide dogs. There are 85 working guide dogs in Queensland and 15 people are on the waiting list for a dog.
It costs Guide Dogs Queensland $30,000 to breed, train and place each guide dog.
To become a puppy raiser or make a donation phone Guide Dogs Queensland on 3261 7555 or visit Guide Dogs Queensland's website.
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