Denise Bright is part of a long line of volunteers who have helped the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association reach its 80th birthday this week.
She began working with guide dogs after her husband got cataracts and she now looks after golden retriever Kristal, a former guide dog.
Kidlington resident Mrs Bright, 67, said: “I have always thought how awful it would be to go blind. It is fantastic Guide Dogs for the Blind has reached 80 years old.
“It is a wonderful organisation and everyone cares a lot for the breeding and puppy walking.”
The UK’s first guide dog partnerships qualified on October 6, 1931, in Wallasey in The Wirral.
What started with four German shepherds has now become 8,000 dogs across the country.
Kath Mulligan, Oxford and District branch’s chairman, said: “It makes me very proud to be part of it. We have grown enormously in 80 years.”
To get involved in Guide Dogs for the Blind contact Mrs Mulligan on 01865 776152 or kath.mulligan@ntlworld.com
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