Name A Puppy, Change A Life

The human-canine relationship is special. As dog lovers, we all understand the happiness our canine companions bring to our lives. They love us unconditionally and ask for so little in return. Many of us class bringing a dog into our home as one of the best decisions we ever made, and cannot imagine life without them. However, for a blind and partially sighted person, a dog means all this and much more besides. A guide dog brings freedom, confidence, independence and the opportunity to live life again, as well as a Forever Friend giving unconditional love.

A campaign has been launched to promote a scheme that allows people to enrich someone’s life with the amazing gift of a guide dog. The campaign, run by the charity Guide Dogs, is looking for warm-hearted people who appreciate just how wonderful dogs are and want to support the care and training of their very own guide dog puppy, as part of the charity’s ‘Name a Puppy’ sponsorship scheme.

Thanks to generous supporters, the ‘Name a Puppy’ scheme has transformed the experiences of blind people all over the UK. But the full care and training of one guide dog puppy costs £5,000, including all vet and food bills, and Guide Dogs provides this for more than 1,200 puppies a year with no government support. The charity needs more people to fundraise and support the scheme so it can carry on its work nurturing and training puppies that will go on to transform lives.

The scheme gives supporters the opportunity to name a puppy and to find out how they are progressing through training with regular updates. They will receive photos of their puppy and will have the opportunity to meet him or her and gain a unique insight into their guide dog journey, making memories to last a lifetime. What’s more, supporters know they are helping in a way that really makes a difference, on a daily basis, to the life of a person with partial sight.

A guide dog gives them the very next best thing to their own sight – another pair of eyes to lead the way and steer them from danger. It’s also a unique friendship – one of the most important, and most heart-warming, examples of ‘Man’s Best Friend.’

“Anyone with dogs knows what joy they bring to our lives and what a bond we share with them, but an extra special bond exists between a guide dog and its owner,” explains Kirstie Bower of the charity.
Kirstie has seen some amazing transformations in people’s lives thanks to the freedom and courage a guide dog brings them. She describes this canine companion as the ultimate guide and partner, always thinking of its owner’s needs. They bring their owner the independence and confidence to live fully and without fear – to navigate busy streets and cross roads safety, to socialise with others, to enjoy time at home, to pursue interests, to be happy. In short, they give them the ability to live.

“The difference it makes is amazing, and that’s why we’re looking for more people support us by raising £5k to name a puppy and transform someone’s life,” Kirstie said.
“Do this and you’ll be helping us provide the best possible start for a puppy as they begin their journey into life as a guide dog. You’ll also make some wonderful memories of your own when you meet the puppy your money has supported – our past sponsors say it’s a fantastic experience, one that touched their heart and will stay with them forever.”

There are many ways you can raise £5,000 to ‘Name a Puppy’, and anyone can get involved. For animal lovers, tie in some canine-themed fun to sponsored events such as walks or hold a pet photography competition or a dog show, and ask your local club or class to get involved. Don’t forget to ask your friends, local community and fellow dog fans to support – maybe the local vets or kennels would like to help?

If you want to support the scheme but are struggling for ideas Guide Dogs can provide you with fundraising tips and advice to get you started. Once the ball is rolling it’s surprising how the funds add up!

So if you’re a dog lover who wants to turn someone’s life around, and keep guide dog puppies’ tales wagging for years to come, ‘Name a Puppy’ is your ‘pawfect’ opportunity. In fact, there’s no better gift you could give.

To find out more, please call Kirstie Bower on 0845 3727 353 / 07789 617802 or e-mail kirstie.bower@guidedogs.org.uk

www.guidedogs.org.uk

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Tags:  Animal Charities, Animal Welfare, guide dog puppies, guide dog puppy, guide dogs for the blind, kirstie bower, Social Issues