Charity Guide Dogs has launched a local appeal for new volunteers to sign up as puppy raisers and join its team.
Guide dog May is looked after by Puppy Raiser Ian | Photo courtesy of Guide Dogs UK
Volunteers will look after future guide dogs for the first year of their lives, socialising them and giving them a loving home.
The rewarding role, which offers lots of support and training, will see volunteers meet lots of new people in the area who also raising pups.
Guide Dogs relies heavily on volunteers to help improve the lives of people with sight loss.
There are around 2 million people living with sight loss in the UK. Guide Dogs supports people with visual impairment to maintain their independence and live the life they choose.
There are many different services on offer, ranging from volunteer-led services such as My Sighted Guide through to the children and young people’s services, access to technology, and the iconic guide dog service.
Sophia Haig, Puppy Development Advisor for Guide Dogs in the area said: “Puppy raisers are vital to Guide Dogs, every single guide dog puppy relies on a volunteer to give them the start they need to go on to be a future life changer.
“There might be the odd chewed slipper along the way, but nothing beats the rewarding feeling of loving and raising a puppy who will go on to make an enormous difference to someone living with sight loss.”
Ian, a Puppy Raiser, said “Having May has given me a purpose in retirement. May has encouraged me to get up, get going, keep fit and keep my brain ticking over.
“She has also brought me amusement, as she does something everyday that amazes me or makes me smile. She has stolen everyone’s heart, a lot of people in the local community know her and love her”.
If you are interested in finding out more, visit the Guide Dogs UK website or call the volunteering team on 0345 143 0191.
