Guide dog puppies get on board with training
A bus company has been working with charities to help in vital training techniques.
Stagecoach North East has been working with Guide Dogs and Bus Users to provide on-bus training for guide dogs during the pandemic, from the safety of its depots.
Lockdown and reduced services have meant that lots of guide dog puppies have been missing out on vital training opportunities on board buses.
As a result, Bus Users has been able to connect Guide Dogs with operators with Stagecoach North East among the first to respond.
Dawn Badminton-Capps, Director of Bus Users England, said: “With so many travel restrictions in place, these puppies were missing out on a vital part of their training.
"Fully trained assistance dogs make it possible for thousands of people to access public transport, ensuring they can lead full and independent lives.”
Stagecoach MD, Steve Walker, said: “We know just how vital bus services are to our passengers.
"We are always willing to help organisations and communities learn how to access our services and make full use of the opportunities that bus travel can provide.”
Janet Champion, from Guide Dogs, was thrilled with the response, saying: “The support from Bus Users and operators in the North East has been fantastic and we are already expanding this work across the rest of the country.
“It’s been an incredibly challenging year, but opportunities like this help to give our puppies and dogs in training the important skills they’ll need to become life-changing partners for people with sight loss.”