Guide Dog Puppy Raisers wanted in Barnsley now!

If anyone has been looking on at pictures of the Guide Dogs that I have been boarding and wanting to volunteer to look after a little bundle of fluff themselves, well now is your chance! It can be a long time between each area recruiting for new volunteers so this chance genuinely might not come around again for a while. Yes, the sad part is that you do have to give the dog back after a year but if you are wondering whether to get a pet dog but are unsure, this can give you a taster of what it is like for a year (and loads of great tips on how to train a new puppy). If you do fall in love, there's always a chance that you may actually get to keep it as dogs that are withdrawn from training at any stage are offered up to the puppy raiser first.

Look at those eyes, how can you say no?

 

It’s not grown into its feet yet

 

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such a beautiful picture. How can you say no to it

 

So you take someone who’s very young and who’s been identified as having the potential to become great at something in the future.

You work with them daily to train and develop them and generally bring them on.

Then they move on to better things.

Just wondering - is a sum of money involved which is much less than it would be if sold by other puppy raisers? Does that sum remain undisclosed? And do you retain an interest in their future?

 

It’s more like a loan situation where the wages are covered but no fee is involved and it improves the team whilst they are there. There is potential to retain an interest or have an option to buy.

 

poor dog, my dog is 10 months old and loves us to bits, if she was moved on now think she would be heart broken

 

Mine wouldn't. Would be ready to love anyone who fussed and played with him and most importantly took him out for walks and was prepared to let him in and out of the garden all the time!

 

I think the saddest bit (for us) is that they really don’t care. Each time they’ve been moved on to the next stage they leave wagging like mad, trotting along. When they arrive at the new place they are fed straight away and then that’s it, they’re all settled in!

 

What a beautiful dog, JamDrop.
However, we in our family are made of weaker stuff. When we eventually get another dog, it'll be for us. We couldn't train, love and raise a puppy, only to pass it back to someone else.

 

I do think I’d struggle after a full year. It’s good for anyone who would like a dog but doesn’t want to commit to 13 years, or however long, in a row and would like the freedom to have breaks for holidays etc. Also, anyone who can’t afford the cost of owning a dog as everything (food, toys, vet bills etc.) is all provided for free. Other bonuses include being able to take it in places other dogs can’t go to socialise it and not having to deal with the decline and loss of a dog as although it moves on you know it’s healthy and happy and is going on to dramatically improve someone’s life. It’s not for everyone but hopefully someone knows someone who would like to give it a go.

 

Well said and well argued, JamDrop.
Sadly, I don't have the testicular fortitude for that situation.

 

But Jamdrop does!!!!

 

Some people are just matter of fact people my mum like that ,wouldn’t bat an eyelid

 

I cry buckets of tears and I suspect everyone who does this does too! You just have to remember that it is to help someone and put their needs ahead of what you want. Thankfully, it’s generally only a few days (or once the same day) until you get the next one (if you want to continue) and the fun begins again.

 

It’s a great thing you do,but not for me

 

Hi Jamdrop. I’m seriously thinking about this.
I still have 17 years old Alfie. He’s very close to the end & I have to decide whether I should move him to the new house or say goodbye before. Whatever’s best for him. But possibly next, I like the idea of raising a guide puppy. It might be a welcome change to adopting old terriers for their last year or 2. Can we speak privately about it in more detail. Thanks.

 

Definitely, send me a pm

 

I’m thinking about it, old pal. You’re absolutely right. My Ellie went to 19 & I can’t responsibly give that commitment to a puppy, nowadays. It’s why I adopt very old ones, nobody else wants. But this might make a nice change & give me some puppy love, without the worry of long term commitment. I have a little bit of experience from my mate Barry- disabled access officer at the V&A. I think I told that story recently..

 

Thanks JD.