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‘Puppy Raisers’ are important to the early growth of information dogs, instructing basic instructions and serving to them get used to totally different environments.
The function entails 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.
Bron Rawlins, from Chesterfield, is at the moment taking care of her seventh information canine puppy.
Bron stated: “At first, I boarded guide dog puppies for short periods, then when I finished work, I signed up to be a Puppy Raiser.
“Having my first guide dog pup living with me was great. It was hard work getting the pup used to sleeping and toileting, but it got easier.
“All the pups I’ve looked after have been different. The first one was calm, but I’ve also had outgoing pups and cheeky ones too.”
Bron is at the moment taking care of six-month-old information canine pup Biscuit, who’s a Golden Retriever cross Labrador.
Bron stated: “He’s lovely, funny and very handsome. You can see a lot of potential in him when he’s doing things as he should.
“Everyone thought with me that I signed up to be a Puppy Raiser because I wanted a dog, but that’s not the reason, for me it’s all about the people who need the dogs.
“By puppy raising, you’re helping someone further down the line who otherwise would be stuck at home.
“A guide dog is so many things to someone with sight loss. That’s the motivation for me.”
Bron added: “It’s the most rewarding thing being a Puppy Raiser for Guide Dogs. You get these lovely little puppies, and they are all lovely, even if they are mischievous.
“When the pups go, it’s the hardest bit, but it’s also why you are doing it.”
Stephanie Cupitt, Puppy Development Advisor for Derbyshire, stated:
“Being a Puppy Raiser for Guide Dogs is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to raise a guide dog puppy and prepare them for their future role supporting someone with sight loss.
“It is a long-term volunteering role, as each puppy will live with you for at least a year.
“We’ll provide all the support and training you need, so you feel well equipped to care for your puppy when they arrive with you.
“If you’d like to find out more about becoming a Puppy Raiser for Guide Dogs, please do get in touch.
“With your support, we can help train more life-changing guide dogs for people in the UK living with sight loss.”
Volunteers should be aged over 18 and have appropriate housing. Caring for a puppy is a full-time dedication and you should be capable of give a information canine pup the love and a spotlight they deserve.
Applicants will need to have the power to access on-line content material and coaching supplies and have an electronic mail handle.
To discover out extra, contact Volunteering Coordinator Melanie Brown through [email protected] or name 0800 781 1444.
