Ant and Dec meet puppy Ant and Dec.

Pups to Partnerships appeal will follow the progress of seven guide dog puppies

Television duo Ant and Dec have had two guide dog puppies named after them to mark the start of this years’ Guide Dogs appeal, Pups to Partnerships.

The I’m a Celebrity presenters recently met with their canine namesakes - a playful Labrador and a golden retriever - to hear about the incredible work of the charity and lend their support to the campaign.

The Pups to Partnerships appeal will follow the progress of a group of seven puppies as they take their first steps towards becoming fully-fledged guide dogs. During October, Guide Dogs aims to raise £420,000 to fund the lifetime cost of the puppies, that will someday provide freedom and independence to people living with sight loss.

Commenting on the partnership, Ant said: “We’re so proud to be part of the Pups to Partnerships campaign; not only do we get to meet these adorable puppies but we also get to hear about the great work that Guide Dogs does.” 

Dec added: “These puppies will go on to change lives and give two people living with sight loss the independence and freedom we take for granted; we can’t wait to see how these puppies progress.”

The seven puppies, including canine Ant and Dec, are currently living with Puppy Walkers - volunteers who act as canine foster carers for guide dog puppies between the ages of seven weeks and 14 months.

Ann Bradford, Puppy Walker for puppy Dec said: “Being a puppy walker is about so much more than walking the puppy, although this is a particularly enjoyable part of the job! It is incredible to be able to give a puppy its first sense of home, nurture its character and help to develop its skills, all the while knowing it will go on to change a life.”

The Guide Dog Pups to Partnerships appeal runs from the 1st to the 31st October 2019. For more information on how to get involved, visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/appeal 

Image (C) Guide Dogs.