It’s that time of year again, the annual Good Friday Appeal where Australia focuses on the great work of the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) in Melbourne.
Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) will be doing their part by putting on a smile on children’s faces with six week old Labrador puppies, who will be visiting children at the RCH today.
The Good Friday Appeal raises much needed funds for equipment, research and education to support the work of the RCH.
Last year the puppy visit filled the halls with laughter and put a smile on the faces of all the children and their families who are in hospital over the holiday period.
There’s nothing cuter than a collage of puppies. These pictures are from last years appeal.
ACBPS Detector Dog Program Director, Glenn Scutts, said today, after such a rewarding experience last year we were excited to be a part of the appeal again.
“The brave children and families at the Royal Children’s Hospital are going through a tough time, it’s a good feeling to be able to put a little cheer into their day,” Mr Scutts said.
ACBPS breeds its puppies at the National Detector Dog Program Facility located in the north-west of Melbourne and puppies are then fostered out to local families.
“The pups perform an important role for ACBPS and numerous agencies across Australia, protecting the community in a variety of ways,” Mr Scutts said.
“We are always looking for people who can provide a safe and happy home for a pup to grow and develop into an operational detector dog.”
Foster families care for pups in their homes for up to 15 months and the pups’ progress is monitored as they are socialised in different environments.
If you live in Melbourne, and are interested in becoming a puppy foster carer, you can email fostercarers@customs.gov.au.
Check out the grand total donated for the Good Friday Appeal visit www.goodfridayappeal.com.au
