Homes sought for trainee guide dogs (From Oxford Mail)

5:44pm Monday 8th February 2010 in

VOLUNTEERS are being sought to look after puppies before they go into training to become guide dogs.

The Guide Dog charity has launched a drive for helpers to care for the pups until they are between 12 and 15 months old.

Supporters are also needed to help fundraise at the charity’s branches and to assist with street collections and organising money-raising events.

Last Friday the charity hosted an open day at St Peter’s College in New Inn Hall Street, Oxford, to recruit potential helpers.

Young guide dogs were also taken around the city centre to train them in negotiating shops, kerbs and public transport.

The charity has bred and trained guide dogs for more than 75 years, and provides dogs to blind and partially-sighted people of all ages.

Regional volunteering coordinator Michelle Thurston said 20 people at the open day had expressed an interest in helping out.

But she called on anyone interested in raising funds for the charity to get in touch.

She said: “What we need in Oxfordshire are volunteer fundraisers and puppy walkers to raise and care for guide dog puppies.”

Puppy walkers are reimbursed for the cost of vet bills and food.

Guide dog owner Colin Walsh, 71, of Friar’s Wharf, Oxford, has been helped by six-year-old black Labrador Jarvis since losing his sight in 1993.

He said: “Jarvis is a helpful and sympathetic dog.

“He takes me into shops, sees me on to the trains, and provides companionship.

“Volunteers would have an enjoyable time and be doing something worthwhile.”

eallen@oxfordmail.co.ukFor details of volunteering, call 0845 371 7771 or email volunteer@guidedogs.org.uk

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