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VOLUNTEERS are being sought in Cumbria to provide a loving home to a guide dog for the first year of their life.

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Guide Dogs have a new puppy scheme launching now with Puppy Development Advisor, Rachel Adams.

‘Puppy Raisers’ are vital to the early development of guide dogs, teaching basic commands and helping them get used to different environments. The role involves supporting puppies for the first 12 to 16 months of their lives before they begin their specialised guide dog training.

Homes are needed for guide dog puppies in Penrith, Carlisle, Keswick and Kendal with Guide Dogs covering all the costs involved. Becoming a Puppy Raiser is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to raise a guide dog pup and prepare them for their future role, supporting someone with sight loss.

We’ll provide all the support and training, so you feel well equipped to care for your puppy when they arrive with you. You’ll help your pup learn basic skills and get used to the outside world, ahead of their next stage of guide dog training.

Rachel Adams, Puppy Development Advisor based in Penrith says: “I will be there to support you and your puppy through our world-class Puppy Raising for Excellent Partnerships (PREP) training programme so you feel confident in caring for your pup so they can develop into happy, healthy puppies ready for their next stage in life.”

“I hope that you want to join our supportive community of Puppy Raisers!”

Volunteers, who will teach the pup basic skills, must be over 18, have suitable housing and give the guide dog pup the love and attention they deserve.

Applicants must have the ability to access online content and training materials and have an email address.

If you are interested in volunteering as a Puppy Raiser for Guide Dogs, pop in your postcode on our website and start your application here: www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer

Gemma Webster – Regional Marketing & Communications Manager

Gemma.Webster@guidedogs.org.uk

07818 539675

Notes to the Editor:

  • We are Guide Dogs. And we’re here to help people living with sight loss live the life they choose. Children and adults. Friends and family. Whoever you are, our expert staff, volunteers and life-changing dogs are here to help people affected by sight loss live actively, independently and well. Founded in 1934, following our first partnerships in 1931, we are a charity that is almost entirely dependent on donations.

  • There are almost 243,000 people living with sight loss across the North West according to the RNIB. While they are not all registered blind their sight loss is significant enough to impact their daily lives. 

  • Volunteering with Guide Dogs is life-changing – and not just for the people we support.  We have an amazing community of 14,000 volunteers carrying out 23,500 roles and giving around 13 million hours of support each year.  

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