In a dog house: Liz Tolhurst and potential guide dog Hayden. Photo: Mike Sea.
TERRY Tolhurst is 65 and still raising children.
The Baulkham Hills local and his wife Liz are official Guide Dogs NSW/ACT puppy raisers.
For the last six months they have let possible future guide dog Hayden into their home.
Mr Tolhurst said the situation was ideal for the married couple and the dog.
"We've had dogs before and my wife was very keen to get another one," he said.
"But at our age we didn't want to take on a long commitment."
The program requires raisers to prepare the puppy for a life of assisting the vision-impaired.
"We have to teach him how to walk properly, sit, stay and all those types of things.
"We also have to teach them how to ride elevators and escalators.
"He hasn't chewed much. He got my slippers early on in the piece but that's all.
"It's simple [to train them] because they are very smart dogs."
The dog and trainers have formed a close bond already.
After Hayden leaves the Tolhurst's home, he will be put through a series of assessments to determine if he is fit to be a guide dog. The couple said their door would be open should he not pass the tests.
"I wouldn't have any choice — my wife would take him back."
Wet Nose Day will be held at Parramatta Park this Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
The event aims to provide an insight into the life of a puppy raiser.
There will also be a number of kids activities and entertainment on the day.
Details: Search for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT on Facebook or visit guidedogs.com.au.