The puppies will go on to help nine people with sight loss in the UK

Charity Guide Dogs treats puppies before formal training begins

A group of puppies from the first ever fully funded guide dog group celebrated their first birthday at a special event, held in Edinburgh on Thursday 28 November.

Seven puppies from the group of nine attended, and were treated to a special dog-friendly birthday cake and some well-deserved play time with People’s Postcode Lottery staff.

The group was funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, who raised over £2,200 for the Guide Dogs charity. The funds raised go towards the care and training of these puppies, who are currently being cared for by Guide Dogs volunteers known as puppy walkers.

Craig Stewart, corporate partnerships development manager at Guide Dogs, commented: “We cannot thank the players of People’s Postcode Lottery enough for their support in funding this group of guide dog puppies. They will go on to change the lives of nine people with sight loss in the UK, giving them the independence and confidence to live their life the way they want to.”

The pups are already taken out on daily walks to help them get used to the various sights, sounds, smells and environments that they will encounter when working with people who with sight loss. Now that they are turning one, they will soon be attending a Guide Dogs training school, where they will receive formal training before graduating as fully qualified guide dogs.

“We were delighted to welcome the guide dog puppies to the People’s Postcode Lottery office today and celebrate their first birthday.” Hazel Johnstone of People’s Postcode Lottery said, “I am proud that our players are able to support these pups through their training and can’t wait to follow their journey as it continues.”

Image (c) Guide Dogs