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28/07/2009 | WILL DAVISON'S NEW FOUR LEGGED FAN

The popularity of Will Davison continues to grow, but now he has a new fan base– of the furry four legged variety.


The 2009 V8 Supercar Championship contender and the Toll Holden Racing Team’s latest recruit, met his puppy name sake “Davo” at the Seeing Eye Dog Australia (SEDA) national facility late last month and will be cheered on by the pup at Sandown Raceway this weekend.


Chosen from a litter of nine, “Davo” is a wide eyed 13 week old yellow Labrador cross Golden Retriever. Currently learning basic commands, and familiarising himself with day to day experiences, Davo is under the constant supervision of an experienced volunteer puppy carer.


Once Davo is fully socialised and successfully passes a temperament examination, he will enter intensive training in a bid to graduate as a Seeing Eye Dog. He will then be matched with one of the hundreds of people in Australia who are blind or have low vision currently on a waiting list.


“I am so excited and nervous for Davo, he is a gorgeous, well natured puppy and I really hope he makes the final cut,” V8 Supercar Driver, Will Davison said.


“The work these dogs do is just amazing, but even more so is the dedication and commitment of the entire team at SEDA,”


“The time and effort that goes into preparing just one dog is mind blowing. At a cost of $30,000 to breed, train and place each puppy, more recognition and support is needed and deserved for SEDA.”


Having conquered shopping centres, restaurants, parties and even flying, Davo’s next big adventure will be a trip to the racetrack, when he visits Davison at round seven of the V8 Supercar Championship Series at Sandown Raceway this weekend.


“I am hoping to have Davo join me on the grid before one of the races, hopefully we will be on the front line, where all V8 Supercar fans can appreciate the discipline of these dogs.”


“We need to raise $30,000 to cover the cost of Davo’s training and placement. I am asking all V8 Supercar fans and the general public alike to make a donation to the Seeing Eye Dogs to make this happen.”


Despite all the attention Davo has received, he remains completely professional and focused, following in the pawsteps of his Uncle Chief, the Seeing Eye Dog belonging to paralympian and Dancing with the Stars contestant Gerrard Gosens.


For as little as $25 per month, anyone can sponsor a Seeing Eye Dog puppy, just like Davo. Sponsors receive regular updates as they follow their four legged friend’s progress at Australia’s only University for Dogs.


SEDA is the only national trainer and provider of Seeing Eye Dogs in Australia, and has been helping people who are blind or have low vision for 49 years.


In 2008, Seeing Eye Dogs Australia merged with leading blindness organisation Vision Australia.


To find out how to support Davo and Seeing Eye Dogs Australia, please call 1800 03 77 73 or visit www.seda.org.au


 

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