PUPPY POWER
Bath couple Norma, 73, and Derek Stent, have trained a record 50 guide dogs in 36 years!
Ever since I can remember, I’d always wanted a dog. But my husband Derek, now 83, wasn’t so sure. But back in 1982, I read something in a local paper that gave me an idea.
‘What about Guide Dog training?’ I suggested.
Guide Dogs UK was looking for volunteers to raise puppies for a year or so before being ready to go in for intensive training needed to become a working Guide Dog.
‘This way, we’d always get to enjoy the puppy stage!’ I grinned.
We met with a supervisor in Exeter, who explained that we’d have each puppy from seven weeks until they were 12-14 months old.
During that time, we’d be teaching the puppies the basic commands, like ‘sit’ and how to walk on a lead, as well as undertaking the messy task of toilet training.
A couple of months later, our first pup, Paddy, arrived.
Paddy was a chubby, cuddly, little yellow Labrador, and we fell in love with him instantly.
As a family, we got to work training our new student.
And we all cried our eyes out when he finally left us.
Six weeks later, we had our next pup – and we’ve been training puppies ever since!
Collies, German Shepherds, Labradors… we’ve had them all.
Most of the dogs’ new owners have kept in contact, mostly by sending Christmas cards with little updates and notes.
And now, 36 years later, we’ve just taken on our 50th puppy!
We named her Quinka, Latin for 50, and she’s a Labrador Retriever cross.
She’s such a loving dog and is very partial to cuddles.
But she’s certainly shown her independence, too!
Guide Dogs UK
has never had a record for someone training as many dogs as that, so last month, they awarded us with a ‘Pat on the Back Award’.
The award is designed to celebrate the exceptional work of staff and volunteers.
We just want to reflect the satisfaction enjoyed by puppy training, and to encourage others to do the same.
Guide dogs are always needed, so volunteer trainers and walkers are always in demand.
It’s such rewarding work, and we’ve loved every single pooch.
Visit www.guidedogs.org.uk.