The South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind (SAGA)

Gladys Evans and her Guide dog Sheena founded the South African Guide-dogs Association for the Blind (SAGA) in 1953. All puppies are bred from specially selected stock, very often from dogs already bred by us. Every attempt is made to ensure that all breeding stock is free from any hereditary diseases. The dogs used are the Labrador and Golden Retrievers.

At seven weeks of age the pups are placed in private homes to begin their Puppy Raising. A Puppy Raiser is a volunteer who adopts a pup for 12-14 months and is responsible for the socialization of the pup.

Once the dogs return from the Puppy Raising Scheme they begin a six-month intense training programme. At approximately 18 months the dog is presented to a blind person who receives three weeks training here at the centre before graduating with his dog.

Each blind person pays R5 for the dog and R100 for accommodation whilst in training. However, the sponsorship cost of training one Guide dog is R10 000.

SAGA is a fully constituted welfare organisation registered with The Director of Fundraising at the Department of Social Development, and is approved as a Public Benefit Organisation in terms of Section 30 of the Income Tax Act, and the receipts and accruals are exempt from Income Tax in terms of section 10(1)(cN) of the Act. Donations are exempt from donations tax in terms of section 56(1)(h) of the Act, and a tax certificate will be issued on request. The organisation receives no government subsidies and, therefore, relies entirely on public and corporate financial support.

You can support their plight.

For more information on SAGA, contact Pieter or Ros at 011 705 3512 or visit www.guidedog.org.za