Sight loss charity Guide Dogs is urgently trying to find volunteers in north Northumberland who might present a loving home to a information canine puppy for the primary yr of their life.
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Puppy Raiser volunteers are very important to the early improvement of information dogs, instructing basic instructions and serving to them get used to completely different environments.
The function includes supporting puppies for the primary 12-16 months of their lives earlier than they begin their specialised information canine coaching.
The cost of all of the meals, veterinary care and tools required is roofed by the charity.
Guide Dogs are notably focused on listening to from individuals within the Berwick, Wooler, Seahouses, Belford and surrounding areas.
Brenda is at present taking care of her first information canine puppy, four-month-old Dani.
She mentioned: “After raising dogs for many years, my last pet died a couple of years ago and at the age of 70, I wasn’t prepared to commit to 15 years of raising another dog.
“I have always admired the work of Guide Dogs and wanted to volunteer with a purpose that would play to my strengths, give me a challenge and, since I have no other commitments, I felt I could dedicate my time to making a success of puppy raising.
“I applied after chatting to another Guide Dogs Puppy Raiser at an event in the summer and following the application process and a home visit, little Dani arrived in September.
“Every day is different – sometimes with challenging moments, but it is always rewarding knowing I am part of a wonderful team working towards raising a future guide dog.
“Dani is a confident, intelligent, energetic puppy who loves to learn and to explore the world around her, whether it be the house, garden or further afield!
“We are adapting to each other and I am learning a great deal about her energy bursts, teething, the importance of regular sleep for both our sakes, and to communicate so that she understands and is motivated to do what I am asking of her.
“I have installed baby gates, a pen, fireguards and adapted an area for Dani’s sleeping quarters. We are both learning to adjust our ways!”
She continued: “Perhaps the commonest query I get is ‘How will you be able to give Dani up when the time comes for her to move on to training?’
“I at all times say that I’m a part of an incredible staff serving to to boost a canine who will make an enormous distinction to somebody’s life sooner or later, that is how I may give her up when the time comes. Then I’ll have one other puppy and begin once more!”
Gillian Salmon, Puppy Development Advisor for Northumberland, mentioned: “Being a Puppy Raiser for Guide Dogs is an thrilling and rewarding alternative to boost a information canine puppy and put together them for his or her future function supporting somebody with sight loss. It is a long-term volunteering function, as every puppy will reside with you for at the least a yr.
“We’ll present all of the assist and coaching you want, so you are feeling nicely outfitted to care in your puppy once they arrive with you.
Volunteers have to be aged over 18 and have appropriate housing, and the flexibility to access on-line content material and supplies.
To discover out extra, or to use, go to www.guidedogs.org.uk
