From the Archives: Every dog has its day

April 21, 1993Gideon and his mates will receive a day of recognition next week on International Guide Dog Day, Wednesday, April 28.Gideon is a 10-month-old Labrador cared for by Mark and Susan Hyland of Shepparton.The Hylands got Gideon through the Guide Dog Puppywalker Program in Kew when he was only six weeks old.What is a Puppywalker?A Puppywalker is someone who volunteers to look after a guide dog puppy for 12 months until it is old enough to be considered for the Guide Dog training program.The role of a Puppywalker includes providing plenty of love and affection and relaxed play times, walking the puppy at least once a day, exposing it to as many different situations as possible to provide a well-rounded and disciplined upbringing and house training.Food is available free of charge and all veterinary fees are paid by the association.