You can help train new guide dogs this Christmas!
It takes a very special dog to be a guide dog - they help to give those affected by sight loss independence and a loving, loyal companion. Well known charity, Guide Dogs, needs more support to keep training new puppies in this important work.
Changing people's lives
Every hour, one person in the UK suffers sight loss. Each year, Guide Dogs breeds around 1,000 puppies who will undertake the intense training required to become a guide dog.
There are almost 5,000 guide dogs in the UK, but many more are needed. Training a guide dog puppy takes years, costs around £50,000, and relies on the hard work and support of many different people. That's why Guide Dogs needs the help of the public to help make it happen - and their popular 'Sponsor a Puppy' scheme is one way they do that.
New puppies for Christmas 2020 - makes a perfect gift!
We were thrilled to see the introduction of three new puppies that you can sponsor!
Their names are Poppy, Alfie and Harry - you can learn more about them in the videos below and on the Guide Dogs website. It's also possible to sponsor the puppy of your choice as a gift for a loved one - perfect for an original and unique present at Easter or any time of year.
Learn more about the adorable, Ginger
Ginger - just six weeks old in the video below - is so full of confidence. This little Christmas treat is bright and extremely lovable and just getting started with her training. Eve would love to have your help!
Sponsor Ginger Today
Learn more about the amazing, Marley
Marley is just eight-weeks old in this video. Adorable puppy Marley has a bubbly personality and a really waggy tail - he also loves to play in the garden with his friends.
Sponsor Marley Today
Learn more about Sprout
Sprout is six-weeks old in this video - we are sure you'll agree he's a very handsome pup and would make a lovely Christmas gift. This shining star is as cute as they come. He loves finding new smells as he frolics through the leaves.
Sponsor Sprout Today
More fun facts about Ginger, Marley and Sprout
Ginger
Breed: Golden retriever cross Labrador
In the video of Ginger she's only about six weeks old. As you can see she has a bold and energy filled personality and enjoys exploring around the play area. She needs the support of people like you to help her complete her guide dog training. You can also sponsor Ginger - or any guide dog - for a loved one as a gift. Ginger's favourite toy is a rope you can play tug-of-war-with.
Marley
Breed: Golden retriever cross German shepherd
Marley is certainly inquisitive, likes adventure and is also about eight weeks old in his video. He loves having his finding new places to explore. When Marley completes his training, he'll play a vital role in changing the life of someone with sight loss and you can print a photo as soon as you sponsor him. He loves his yellow key chewable toy!
Sprout
Breed: Golden retriever cross Labrador
Sprout, also about six weeks old, is a remarkably handsome pup! When sponsor him, you'll have the privilege of seeing the progress of his training journey and print your personalised certificate right away. He loves to play tug of war and running through the autumn leaves! He adores playing with his blue teddy toy.
Training amazing dogs
Guide dog puppies spend their first year living with a volunteer, learning basic commands and getting used to being around other people. Then it’s off to guide dog training school to learn the skills needed to guide a blind person. At about 20 months, dogs are matched with an owner and move into their new home.
Sponsorship starts from just £1 a week.
More information about the charity
Working all over the country
Guide Dogs have four training centres around the UK, and 20 teams across the country. There are around 1,200 staff and more than ten thousand volunteers.
Campaigning for change
As well as training guide dogs, they campaign for better resources and facilities for visually-impaired people, to increase their freedom and independence. They also teach people how to look after their eyes, and sponsor research into ways to preserve sight.
Making a difference to children
They also provide buddy dogs for blind and partially sighted children too. Buddy dogs make a huge difference to children’s lives, building their confidence, giving them a companion, and improving their communication and mobility skills.