Sue’s generosity helping to train new guide dogs
A BRIDGEND woman with a passion for guide dogs will be the guest of honour at a new puppy training facility.
Sue Harper is the first supporter to have a plaque erected at Guide Dogs Cymru’s centre in Cardiff in recognition of her support for its newest young recruits.
A television advert prompted her to donate an initial £5,000 to name a puppy, and she has continued to support the Cardiff centre financially as it expands to accommodate younger dogs.
“I’ve never had money and always scrimped and saved,” said Sue.
“I was going to leave money to Guide Dogs in my will. But after meeting my puppy, I decided to donate another £8,000 while I’m still alive. That way, I have the enjoyment of seeing my puppy progress through guide dog training, right here in Wales.”
Sue, a lifelong dog fan, chose to call her puppy Harper.
“I was going to name her after my mother, but I thought Harper would be better,” she said. “Six weeks after she was born I was sent a picture of my puppy and I was bouncing with excitement.”
The golden retriever spent her first year in Chepstow with puppy walker Ingrid Shottin, who brought her to visit Sue.
“It made me want to know more about how the dogs are trained, and how they are partnered with their eventual owner,” said Sue.
“I didn’t realise Guide Dogs used lots of different breeds and how much goes into the training.”
Harper is now 13 months old and is one of the first sponsored guide dogs to receive all her training in Wales.
“I might never know where she ends up, but I know she will make her owner’s life so much better.
“She might go to someone who is alone and doesn’t have much in life, but I know Harper will give her all to help them get out and about, and be a really good friend.
“Dogs talk to you with their eyes. They don’t ask for much, just to be fed, watered and loved. When I moved, I had to give up my pet Yorkshire terrier, Muffin, and it broke my heart. I felt I had let him down, but supporting Guide Dogs has given me a real high.”
To find out more about supporting the Cardiff training centre or naming a guide dog puppy, contact community fundraiser Allison Charles on 07990 540130 or Allison. charles@guidedogs.org. uk