Could you give guide dog puppy a home?

SIGHT loss charity Guide Dogs has launched an appeal in Leicestershire for volunteers who could provide a loving home to a guide dog puppy for the first year of their life.

“Puppy Raisers” play a vital role in the early socialisation and education of guide dogs, teaching basic commands and helping them get used to the outside world.

The role supports puppies from about seven weeks until they are around 12 to 16 months old.

They then head off to a training centre to begin their specialised training.

The charity covers the cost of all the food, veterinary care and equipment required.

Jenny Mee, a puppy development adviser for Guide Dogs, said: “This is a great opportunity for people in Leicestershire and surrounding areas to raise a guide dog puppy and help to prepare them for their future role supporting someone with sight loss.

“It’s a long-term volunteering role, as each puppy will live with you for at least a year.

“We’ll provide all the required training and support you need, so you feel well equipped to care for your puppy as they grow and develop.

“If you’re from the area and think you could give a loving, temporary home to a guide dog puppy, please do get in touch.”

Volunteers must be aged over 18 and have suitable housing.

Caring for a puppy is a fulltime commitment and you must be able to give a 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. To find out more, contact Guide Dogs volunteering coordinator for Leicestershire, Mike Hefferan, via mike.hefferan@ guidedogs.org.uk , call 0800 781 1444 or visit www. guidedogs.org.uk/