Temporary homes are needed for guide dog puppies in Worcestershire - The Bromsgrove Standard

Temporary homes are needed for guide dog puppies in Worcestershire

Bromsgrove Editorial 8th Jul, 2018   0

AN URGENT appeal has been launched for caring, temporary homes for guide dog puppies in Worcestershire.

Puppies live in volunteers’ homes for a year, getting used to social situations and travelling before the dogs start their guide dog training.

There were 1,375 guide dog puppies bred in 2016, however, the waiting list for a guide dogs has grown by over 25 per cent and it takes 20 months to train a guide dog.

Ruth Oliver, who is currently raising her 25th puppy, was inspired after seeing an advert looking for Puppy Raisers and has now done it for over 20 years.




“My kids were nagging me for a pet and I said no,” Ruth said.

Shortly after being made redundant, Ruth saw a Guide Dogs advert in a local magazine looking for volunteer puppy raisers.


“I decided to ring them up and it all started from there.”

Ruth’s first puppy was called Zym and she is currently looking after her 25th puppy, Whitney.

“Whitney has settled into her new home very well.

“It’s lovely to see each pup grow from a bundle of fluff into a dog that’s going to change someone’s life,” said Ruth.

Puppy Raisers must be 18+ and Guide Dogs cover any feeding and veterinary costs as well as providing regular help and support for the Puppy Raisers; boarding is also available for when volunteers want to go on holiday.

“I always say that Guide Dogs change lives, not only for visually impaired people but for volunteers as well.”

Email [email protected] or call 0345 1430194 if you are interested in volunteering.

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