LOCAL puppy raisers are encouraging others to get involved in helping to prepare future guide dogs for their working lives.
Hilary Reed, from Westbury, has raised 55 puppies for Guide Dogs and is hoping to take in her 56th soon.
Warminster volunteer Anita is currently looking after puppy Abby, having first met Hilary while she was out with a Guide Dog puppy in the town more than 12 years ago.
The puppies live with volunteer raisers from eight weeks old until they are 16 to 18 months old, when they begin their formal training. The volunteers help prepare them through training, socialisation and introducing them to different environments and experiences.
Hilary said, “I became a puppy raiser 44 years ago – the puppies kept coming and I’ve never looked back. Elsie was my 55th puppy and I am hoping to take in number 56 very soon. If you have time to give and love dogs but cannot necessarily afford one, then this is a great way to be involved and to help people with sight loss.”
Anita said, “I saw Hilary in Warminster with a Guide Dog puppy over 12 years ago now and stopped to talk. My husband didn’t want us to have another pet, and this was a wonderful way to have a dog in our home without the long-term commitment.”
“The early days with the pups is the most difficult as you are constantly trying to get them to do their toilet in the garden not in the house and getting them used to their name, but the cuddles make up for that.
“When you see the change in them as they grow and learn it is amazing. It makes me so proud to see the end result and see them move on. I still cry when they leave but I know they are going on to do something wonderful for someone with a sight problem, and I get a new pup to start again. What’s not to love.”
Volunteers need to be aged over 18 with suitable housing and plenty of time to invest in raising the puppy. Guide Dogs provides training and support and covers essential costs including food and vet bills.
Puppy raisers can still take holidays and have weekends away. Guide Dogs will arrange for a puppy fosterer to look after the puppy while they are away.
For more information about puppy raising, visit https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/volunteering/volunteer-with-our-dogs/puppy-raiser/
Send us your news!
Help us keep your community connected and informed.
Do you have an interesting story you would like to share? Have you seen something you feel needs more attention? Get in touch with a reporter today!
✉️ Click here to get in touch with a reporterSupport Local Journalism
Help us keep your community connected and informed.
Local news is under pressure more than ever. For just £5 a month, you can support independent reporting that shares local stories, investigates the issues that affect you, and keeps residents up to date.
Choose a monthly subscription or a one-off donation to support independent journalism in Warminster.
