Leading the way

Aformer England footballer who lost his sight is urging guide dog owners to take action as coronavirus spreads. Dave Thomas, who relies on his own guide dog Hannah, has told how all blind people should find someone who could potentially look after their dog if they become ill.

“It is so important,” said Dave, 69. “The charity Guide Dogs rang me to make sure me and my wife Brenda have a back-up person to look after Hannah so we rang someone in the village.

“I would urge all people with a guide dog to make sure they have this in place.

“It is important with a guide dog to keep up their routine as much as possible and get out when you can so they don’t lose their skills.”

Dave, who was capped eight times for England and played for QPR, Everton, Burnley and Wolves, was registered blind in 2008.

Eight years later, he was paired up with Labrador Hannah, who he says has “given me my life back”.

“I am so lucky to have Hannah and she is helping me through,” Dave said.

“She is a great stress-buster and although we are no longer catching the bus into town together, we are still going out on walks two or three times a week.

“I feel so sorry for blind people stuck inside without a garden.

“It is hard enough for disabled people at the best of times but if you are totally blind in the current circumstances, it must be terrifying.”

Dave’s wife Brenda said the couple were having “lots of fun keeping Hannah stimulated during lockdown”.

“They are very intelligent animals and must never be underestimated,” she said.

“We have a number of different toys named things like Donald the donkey and Daisy the cow, and Hannah is learning to differentiate between them so she has to choose the correct toy to retrieve.”

Guide Dogs has also issued detailed advice to guide dog owners and volunteers to get them through the lockdown.

Tim Stafford, Canine Assisted Services Director, said: “We hope sharing our tips will help during this difficult time.”

For tips to help dogs avoid cabin fever and get the right mental and physical stimulation during social isolation and distancing, visit guidedogs.org.uk.

Dave’s autobiography, called Guiding Me Home & Away, is available on Amazon now, priced £16.99.