Charity releases appeal for temporary homes in Fenland for trainee guide dogs
Temporary homes are needed across Fenland for trainee guide dogs, says sight loss organisation Guide Dogs.
The charity has released a list of Fenland locations where it needs Volunteer Fosterers, who could look after trainee guide dogs on evenings and weekends, with all costs covered.
At least ten temporary homes are needed for future guide dogs in these areas, to help support the running of the charity’s guide dog service.
Beverly Brocklehurst, from Wisbech, is one of two Guide Dog Mobility Specialists who train guide dogs in the area.
Beverly said: “Being a Volunteer Fosterer for us here at Guide Dogs is a rewarding role, and a great way to have a dog at home without the full-time commitment or cost of having a pet dog.
“As a Fosterer for us, you would have a trainee guide dog placed with you who would be around 14 months’ old, and we would cover all the costs involved with having a dog, like food and vet bills.
“On weekdays, dogs would attend training sessions with one of two local trainers, learning the skills they need to become a life-changing guide.
“On weekends, you can enjoy free time with the dog you are looking after for us.
“Each dog would stay with you for around six months before moving on to complete the final stages of their training, where they are matched with someone living with sight loss.
“If you’re from any of the locations in the list we’ve released and think you could give a temporary home to a trainee guide dog, we’d urge you to get in touch as soon as possible.”
A guide dog begins its formal training at around 12-14 months old and, in normal circumstances, most dogs qualify as working guide dogs by the age of two.
Fosterers for Guide Dogs would need to either work from home or be at home for parts of the day during the week, so the dog they are looking after can be collected for training sessions. Dogs would only need a temporary home for between six and ten weeks.
To offer a temporary home contact the local volunteering team either via email: volunteermidlands@guidedogs.org.uk or call 0800 781 1444.
