Wednesday 29 April 2026 marks International Guide Dog Day – did you know there is a very active guide dog community in Dumfries and Galloway, and they’re encouraging people to join the pack, in a range of volunteer roles!
Recently Dumfries and Galloway puppy raisers took their puppy class on the move, and enjoyed a group walk together.
Despite the rain, the group had a fantastic time exploring Dumfries town together, giving the dogs a range of different experiences.
Karyn McCarthy, Puppy Development Advisor, said: “It was great to have so many volunteers come out and, for the pups, it was a great socialisation exercise for them. Visiting different places and exploring their surroundings together helps each dog become more confident and well-rounded, which is brilliant for their development.”
Guide Dogs would like to thank the local businesses who welcomed the group on the day, and the businesses across the region who welcome the puppy raisers and pups on an ongoing basis, which allows the puppies to develop their skills in a range of environments.
Puppy Raisers provide a 6-8 week-old puppy with the vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. They look after a puppy for 12-16 months and guide him or her through training, socialisation, the introduction of new environments and experiences while providing a loving home.
Guide Dogs are also seeking shorter term homes such as people to look after puppies when their Puppy Raiser takes a well-earned holiday (Puppy Fosterers).
There are also fostering opportunities for the more grown-up dogs once they are in the next training stage, including Training Dog Fostering, offering a home for 10-12 weeks whilst the dog finishes their training. There are opportunities to offer a home for weekends only during this timeframe too!
Respite Fostering is also an option, being on hand to offer an emergency short term home for a dog who may need it.
With costs of food and vet bills covered by the charity, and training and support provided, it can be an affordable way to have canine companionship, whilst having a direct impact on the life of someone with sight loss.
If you’d like to get involved but couldn’t commit to having a dog in the home, the Dumfries and Galloway Fundraising Group would welcome locals who could give even and hour here and there to support at events, raising valuable funds to support the charity.
You can learn more about the opportunities at http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer
If you’d like to chat to someone and explore options, contact Emma on [email protected]
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