Westbury guide dog puppy raiser encourages others to volunteer

A Westbury woman who has spent 44 years raising guide dog puppies is encouraging others to volunteer.

Hilary Reed volunteers with the charity Guide Dogs, helping to raise puppies from eight weeks old until they start their formal training at 16 to 18 months.

 

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She is now encouraging others to take up the role and help the charity meet demand, with hundreds of people across the UK waiting for a guide dog.

“I became a puppy raiser 44 years ago – the puppies kept coming and I’ve never looked back,” said Hilary. “Elsie was my 55th puppy and I am hoping to take in number 56 very soon. If you have time to give and love dogs but cannot necessarily afford one, then this is a great way to be involved and to help people with sight loss.”

Volunteer Anita is currently looking after puppy Abbie.

Anita said, “I saw Hilary in Warminster with a Guide Dog puppy over 12 years ago now and stopped to talk. My husband didn’t want us to have another pet, and this was a wonderful way to have a dog in our home without the long-term commitment.

“The early days with the pups is the most difficult as you are constantly trying to get them to do their toilet in the garden not in the house and getting them used to their name, but the cuddles make up for that.

“When you see the change in them as they grow and learn it is amazing. It makes me so proud to see the end result and see them move on. I still cry when they leave but I know they are going on to do something wonderful for someone with a sight problem, and I get a new pup to start again. What’s not to love.”

Puppy raisers provide a loving home and a vital foundation for future guide dogs through training, socialisation and the introduction of new environments and experiences, from cafes and busy shops to the noise of public transport.

Volunteers need to be aged over 18 with suitable housing and plenty of time to invest in raising the puppy. Guide Dogs provides training and support and covers essential costs including food and vet bills.

Volunteers can still take holidays and have weekends away as a puppy raiser. Guide Dogs will arrange for a puppy fosterer to look after the puppy while volunteers are away.

Hilary is organising a coffee morning in support of Guide Dogs on Saturday 17th October from 10am to 12pm at the Labour Club on Haynes Road.

There will be a raffle, cake stall, various crafts, award-winning preserves and greeting cards, as well as an opportunity to catch up with volunteers and find out more about puppy raising.

For more information about puppy raising, visit https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/volunteering/volunteer-with-our-dogs/puppy-raiser/