Guide Dogs

Guide Dogs is one of the UK's leading sight loss charities. Their expert staff, volunteers and life-changing guide dogs help people with sight loss live the life they choose. Guide Dogs is a charity almost entirely funded by donations, and they are the world’s largest assistance dog organisation. As world leaders in puppy socialisation and dog training, they're the only organisation to breed and train guide dogs in the UK. They’re also the largest employer of specialists dedicated to helping children and young people overcome the challenges of sight loss.

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The National Centre, formerly known as the National Breeding Centre located just outside of Leamington Spa, is where Guide Dogs puppies begin their journey to become life-changing guide dogs. The centre has room to breed up to 1,500 puppies a year and, since opening their doors in 2011, they have now bred almost 11,000 puppies - that's a lot of life-changers! After their time at the National Centre, Guide Dogs puppies go on to meet their puppy raisers, who support them as they grow and develop.

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​​​​​​​​​A Puppy Raiser provides a 6-8 week-old puppy with the vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. A Puppy Raiser looks after a puppy for 12-16 months and will guide him or her through training, socialisation, the introduction of new environments and experiences while providing a loving home.

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My husband and I are both huge dog lovers and after losing our own dog Vesper, a Miniature Schnauzer, we decided to become Puppy Raisers rather than have another dog of our own. We both wanted to contribute to a charity that works with dogs and benefits people in our community and Guide Dogs offers the perfect opportunity. We feel very grateful to have been welcomed into the Guide Dogs family!  I will keep you updated on our Puppy Raising journey with Ulani on my blog. 

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​To further support Guide Dogs, 5% of each portrait commission payment is donated to Guide Dogs.  ​​​

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