Foster homes sought for trainee guide dogs

A charity is seeking foster homes for some of the 27 guide dogs it currently has in training.

The Guide Dogs Exeter Training Centre said the number of dogs it currently had in school was the highest in six years.

It said homes were needed for dogs reaching about one year old as they went through their formal training, which would normally be completed before the animals reached the age of two.

Dogs work with trainers during the day to learn essential skills, including navigating busy streets and avoiding obstacles. But fosterers are needed to provide them with loving homes for between three and six months, the charity said.

Kate Lewis, guide dog partnership operations manager, said: "Just like the school run, dogs need to be dropped off at our training site Monday to Friday."

The dog would then spend time with their foster families in the evenings and at weekends, enjoying time out from training sessions, she said.

Lewis added: "We provide full instructions and help with training plans but obviously dogs are still dogs and come with different temperaments and behaviours so we can help anyone through that."

Guide Dogs South West also said it was looking for volunteers in Cornwall - especially Newquay, Truro and further east.

Andy Emblin and his family are fostering a trainee guide dog called Thomas.

He said fostering was perfect for a family with busy jobs and children, rather than the commitment of owning a dog full time.

"It's a very flexible process and I'd say just have a go and see what happens," he said.

Dog fosterers need to live within 12 miles of Exeter. Guide Dogs covers the cost of all the food, veterinary care and equipment required for each dog as well as training and support.

Liese Connolly is fostering her fifth guide dog in training, a Labrador cross golden retriever called Agatha.

She said: "We're a doggy family but after the sadness of losing our pet golden retriever, we decided we didn't want another dog of our own.

"Being a fosterer is a massive win for us. They become a real part of the family, even though it's for a short period. We love taking Agatha out to places at the weekend, playing with her, and going to the beach or the forest so she can enjoy an off-lead run in the evenings.

"I always say we get the fun part of the journey, and it makes you feel so proud when your dog goes on to change someone's life."

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