This month the training centre welcomed Puppy Raisers and fundraising volunteers, who were accompanied by seven beautiful guide dog puppies in training for some Christmas cheer and a fun festive photoshoot.
Lothlorien Dog Services training centre in Linlithgow was full of Christmas cheer and waggy tails as they celebrated the amazing work done by Guide Dog Puppy Raisers and fundraising volunteers!
This month the training centre welcomed Puppy Raisers and fundraising volunteers, who were accompanied by seven beautiful guide dog puppies in training – Bruno, Bob, Dale, Oake, Peggy, Ruby and Wilton, and handsome Malamute Yuri, for some Christmas cheer and a fun festive photoshoot.
Guests enjoyed an afternoon of socialising, with hot drinks, lots of laughter – and lots of cake! The guide dog puppies and Yuri, all had a great time being as social with each other as they were with every guest.
Making best friends with the Lothlorien team members, getting ‘pupcakes’ and treats, and having off-lead play time. All dogs were complete ‘pawfessionals’ posing for their photoshoots, sitting so beautifully composed and focused in the Christmas themed photo areas – The North Pole candy cane lane, and a cosy indoor festive scene.
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They particularly enjoyed playing with the candy cane dog toys used as props – full of glee retrieving them from the scenes whilst the other pups got their photos taken – proving them to be as entertaining for the guests as the pups!
The volunteers who attended have been extremely busy all year fundraising and raising awareness for Guide Dogs, as well as raising these amazing puppies.
More recently the group were fundraising at the Linlithgow Advent Fayre and the Polmont Holly Jolly Christmas event. As well as attending events and visiting organisations throughout the year, they have also been giving talks to educate the public about Guide Dogs including recent visits to Linlithgow’s Primary Schools.
The event was organised by Guide Dogs volunteer, and Lothlorien assistant trainer, Carena Schmid.
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She said: “I have been working with the Guide Dogs puppy raisers and fundraising volunteers and see first hand just how much they dedicate all of their time – and their lives – to raising money and raising life-changing puppies.
“I thought it would be nice for everyone who dedicates themselves to helping others, to have an event which allows everyone to get together for some festive fun.
Celebrating the great work they do – and get some fun festive photos of their pups in training. Some of the pups will be moving onto the next chapter of their training journey soon too, which means leaving their raisers’ homes as they progress onto the next stage in their training with Guide Dogs.
Making memories together and getting some fun photos for Christmas made doing this for them all the more special.”
Heather Dunn SDC, Senior Lothlorien Dog Services trainer, attended the event.
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She said: “I’m a proud puppy sponsor for the Guide Dogs and I truly believe the work they do is amazing. It was amazing meeting some of their puppy raisers and connecting with them whilst showing me a different side to puppy raising.
“I have sponsored Guide Dog puppies for 10 years as you never know when you may go blind and the freedom they give people is amazing.”
Claire Staines VSPDT, PCT-A, VSA faculty, Head Trainer and Director at Lothlorien Dog Services added: “It was an honour having such an incredible organisation as the guide dogs use Lothlorien. The work they do and life’s they change is an inspiration to us all.”
Guide Dog Puppy Raisers are a key component to a guide dog’s development. Puppies start their comprehensive training journey with a puppy raiser – living with them from 6 to 8 weeks old, and stay with the same raiser for the next 12-16 months.
Raisers guide their pups through their training, socialisation, introduction of new environments and experiences, all whilst providing them a loving home.
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Iain Hill has been busy educating the public by giving talks with his Guide Dog puppy in training Bob.
He said: “As well as attending fundraising events I’m also a speaker for Guide Dogs. This means visiting any organisation who wants to know about what Guide Dogs do. This isn’t just Guide Dogs, it’s also the many services that Guide Dogs offer.
“From Buddy Dogs for young adults under 18 with low vision, large print reading books, mobility advice or assisted guiding for companies who employ people with low vision.”
“This year I have had the pleasure to be invited to several schools in Linlithgow with my puppy Bob to meet all the children and talk about everything Guide Dogs do.
“I’ve also visited Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce to create a link with companies in our area and how we can help these businesses as well as increase our exposure to their employees.
“Guide Dogs is just a wonderful organisation that helps so many people and can be as much of a commitment as you want. From a couple of hours at a bucket collection to boarding puppies at home, there is something for everyone.”
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