GUIDE Dogs is in urgent need of volunteers in Worcestershire who could provide loving, temporary homes for puppies.
Pups from the charity live in volunteers’ homes for their first year, before leaving to start their guide dog training.
During this year, volunteers help get pups used to social environments and travelling on public transport.
Ruth, from Worcester, has been a puppy raiser 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.
Volunteer puppy raisers must be age 18 or over and Guide Dogs cover all feeding and veterinary costs.
Staff at Guide Dogs provide regular support and guidance for volunteers and boarders are available to look after pups when puppy raisers want to go on holiday.
Ruth said: “I’ve loved all of the puppies I have looked after equally, they’ve all been special and each of them has been different.
“I always say that Guide Dogs change lives, not only for visually impaired people but for volunteers as well.”
For more information on how to become a puppy raiser, call Michelle Parsons on 0345 143 0194 or email [email protected]
