Homes for guide dog pups needed in the Melton area

Sight loss charity, Guide Dogs, is looking for 10 new homes to take a pup in for 12 months as part of their new scheme.

The organisation wil cover the cost of all the food, veterinary care and equipment required.

Those who volunteer to take on the long-term role will play a vital role in the early socialisation and education of these guide dogs, teaching pups basic commands and helping them get used to the outside world.

The young dogs will move in at about seven weeks of age and remain with them until they are around 12-16 months old.

They thenhead off to a training centre to begin their specialised training.

Vanessa Best, a puppy development advisor for Guide Dogs who also covers Melton, said: “We’re really pleased to be launching a new puppy raising scheme in the Melton Mowbray area.

“This is a great opportunity for local people to raise a guide dog puppy at home, helping to prepare a pup for their future role supporting someone with sight loss.

“This is a long-term volunteering role, as each pup will live with you in your homefor at least a year.

“We’ll provide all the training required and the support people need, so they feel well equipped to care for the pups as they grow and develop.”

Those who volunteer must be aged over 18 and be able to confidently handle a dog.

Email [email protected] or visit https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/volunteering-for-guide-dogs for details.