Back
1309 days ago

Call For Puppy Raisers: International Guide Dog Day

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Blind Low Vision NZ Guide Dogs is appealing for puppy raisers in Auckland as International Guide Dog Day rolls out on Wednesday.

Sara Leavy has been a puppy raiser for Blind Low Vision NZ for the past 3 years.

The Stanley Point resident, on Auckland's North Shore, is relishing raising third pup Emma.

Her first two charges Ivy and Aztec both qualified for the guide dogs programme, which only accepts the best dogs.

Getting the phone call to hear your pup has been matched is one of the best moments, Leavy said.

“It makes you so unbelievably happy and weepy," she said.

“To know that after all the work that’s gone into the pup – from the breeding centre, trainers, vets, boarders, as well as our patience and time – has all been worth it.

"That the dog will now meet their new handler and together they will be a team, exploring the world together, is an amazing feeling.”

Saying goodbye to a pup as they left for formal training was a mixture of sadness and excitement, she said.

“I have three kids and I see the pups like my kids. I want to make them well socialised, well-mannered and then I want them to go out into the big wide world as a working adult making a difference.”


Her youngest son, smitten with their first puppy, started to research the difference guide dogs made in people’s lives.


“He would talk about a girl who had become blind at 13 years old and hadn’t left the house until she got her first guide dog at 17," Leavy said.

Her world just opened up.

Rochelle Corrigan, Blind Low Vision NZ Guide Dogs Puppy Placement and Development Manager said puppy raisers were essential.


“Our puppies need to have as many experiences and social outings as possible in the first year of their lives to best prepare them for life as a guide dog and this could simply not be achieved without the dedication of our fantastic volunteers.”

Image
More messages from your neighbours
31 minutes ago

Re 1/2 Day Yoga Retreat - Glow Reiki & Yoga Mini Retreat

Lynda from Albany

GLOW – YOGA & REIKI MINI RETREAT
For the Mind, Body, and Soul
Step into a transformative retreat designed to help you reconnect with your inner radiance through a harmonious blend of restorative and yin yoga, meditative practices, and the gentle, balancing energy of Reiki healing. Discover a holistic approach to peace as you engage in guided breathing exercises, soothing yoga postures, and a powerful group Reiki healing circle.

This retreat offers a nurturing experience, blending the calming effects of yoga, the energy healing of Reiki, and mindful practices that nourish the entire being. Throughout the retreat, you'll enjoy nourishing food, thoughtfully prepared to fuel your body and support your journey toward balance and renewal. Experience the uplifting benefits of essential oils, enhancing your relaxation and clarity, and engage in reflective journaling sessions to deepen your self-awareness and process your journey.

Each component is thoughtfully crafted to release tension, realign your body, and open pathways for emotional and energetic renewal. Embrace a nurturing space where you can let go of stress and restore your mind, body, and soul balance. With the gentle touch of Reiki healing, experience the cleansing of your energy centers, leaving you refreshed, centered, and truly glowing from within.

Optional Add-ons (available for an additional cost – enquire upon booking):

Personalised Reiki (10-15 minutes per person)
Accommodation at the Spencer on Byron Hotel
Detoxing treatments, massage, red light therapy, oxygen chamber, or IV vitamins by Boost IV
Details:
Date: Saturday the 7th December

Location: Boost IV, 24 Bracken Ave, Takapuna, Auckland

Duration: 4.5 hours to relax, reset, and reconnect

Start time: 9.30am

Cost: $170 (includes refreshments and lunch)

Parking: Available onsite

Date: Saturday the 7th November


Ready to Glow?
Secure your spot in this intimate retreat—spaces are limited to ensure each attendee receives the care and attention they deserve.

Email info@boostiv.co.nz

5 days ago

Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.

When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?

Image
Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
  • 82.4% Yes
    82.4% Complete
  • 15.1% No
    15.1% Complete
  • 2.5% Other - I'll share below
    2.5% Complete
2171 votes
4 days ago

Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.

John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!

As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!

John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.

Share your question below now ⬇️

Image