Could you join Sandra and look after a guide puppy?

A new litter of guide dog puppies arrived in Lisburn this week and one, Ice, is being handed over by Guide Dogs Puppy Walking Supervisor, Michelle Lord to Sandra Taggart from Richmond Court.

The puppy walkers volunteer their time to look after the K9 from the age of six weeks until 14 months old when it returns to the charity for specialised guide dog training.

Puppy walkers play a vital role in the early socialisation and education of guide dogs as Sandra explained.

“Ice is going to be the third pup that I have looked after for Guide Dogs,” she said. “I became a puppy walker after the death of my own dog and having to focus of the programme was a real attraction.

“Taking my pups through the training process takes time, energy, patience and an awareness of the job that your puppy will be doing when they are mature but it is hugely rewarding for me.

“I have always been an animal lover but there is something special about seeing the dogs that I have worked with grow in confidence to the point where they take anything new in their stride.”

Puppy walkers also prepare pups for life as a working guide dog, teaching them basic obedience, getting them used to a home environment, the bustle of towns and public transport.
“It is always hard to hand the dogs over at the end of their year with me, but knowing that I have played a part in helping a blind or partially sighted person gain their independence more than makes up for it,” Sandra said. “Seeing the relationship between a Guide Dog Owner and their dog and hearing how the dog has helped them in their lives is an incredible feeling. Plus it’s always a bonus that I’m usually distracted by the arrival of another pup like Ice who is ready to start the process all over again!”

Puppy walkers must live within a 30 minute drive of Belfast or Bangor, be home for most of the day as the pup cannot be left alone for more than three hours, have access to a car and have a secure garden or yard.

Puppy Walking Supervisor Michelle will be holding an information session in Ormeau Park, Belfast on Thursday, August 2 at 11am for anyone who would like more information on puppy walking.Or for further information c ontact Guide Dogs on 0845 372 7402 or email [email protected]. You can also visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/puppywalking