The Guide Dog charity is looking for volunteers in East Kilbride to become 'Puppy Raisers' to help continue its vital work.
As a Puppy Raiser, previously known as Puppy Walker, you'll provide a puppy with the vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog.
You'll be looking after a puppy for 12-16 months and will guide him or her through training, socialisation, the introduction of new environments and experiences whilst providing a loving home.
Guide Dogs volunteering co-ordinator, Susan Harrison, told Lanarkshire Live : "We have new puppies arriving soon so we are looking for volunteers in East Kilbride to help raise some of these beautiful guide dog puppies while they are in training.
"Helping people living with sight loss is what our dogs are born to do, but that doesn’t mean they’re born ready to do it. If you’re a dog-lover looking to give something back, we could be looking for you.
"Raising a puppy takes lots of space, time and care. For their first 12-16 months, you’ll be teaching the basics they need before they go on to their guide dog training.
"Being a Puppy Raiser is incredibly rewarding. It’s an emotional experience seeing a puppy develop in your home and knowing how pivotal you’ve been in helping to create a life-changing guide dog partnership.
"Becoming a Puppy Raiser can teach you new skills in dog handling or maybe rekindle existing ones, as well as giving you the opportunity to meet new people and explore new places.
"There might be the odd chewed slipper along the way, but nothing beats the rewarding feeling of loving and raising a puppy who will go on to make an enormous difference to someone living with sight loss."
If you don’t feel you tick every box, but are sure this role is the one for you, the charity would love to hear from you.
It is always open to suggestions and are very happy to chat with anyone to discuss what’s possible.
For more information visit the link to the charity's website or email Susan Harrison on susan.harrison@guidedogs.org.uk if you have any questions.
You can also get in touch with the charity on volunteer@guidedogs.org.uk
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