Take the lead and help guide dogs

LOCAL puppy walkers who volunteer for the Guide Dogs for the Blind are trying to raise awareness about the animals.

Spokesperson Lesley Boyd, from Dallas, has recently taken delivery of ‘Freddy’, who she will keep for about a year before he goes off to training school and is re-homed as a working animal.

Mrs Boyd is one of a grup of puppy walkers living in the Forres area, who can be seen going about their business with their dogs in harness, who are learning how to conduct themselves in readiness for a carer as a guide dog.

She said local pupy walkers appreciate the co-operation of restaurateurs, who allow Guide Dog puppies into their bars and restaurants, as part of their training.

SNACK OR MEAL

“The dogs have to be introduced to a variety of situations involving going on public transport, ­going shopping, walking among crowds and learning to cope with a variety of noise,” she added.

“One puppy recently went to the cinema and watched Thomas the Tank Engine, whilst another travelled on the funicular railway in Aviemore to play in the snow at the top.”

She said that going into cafés, bars and restaurants and learning to be patient, whilst waiting for their owner to have a snack or meal is one of the important skills a Guide Dog has to learn.

“So understanding from owners and staff of these establishments is welcomed by the puppy walkers in the Moray area,” she said.

Mrs Boyd and husband, Tony, were able to enjoy a meal out at The Old Mill Inn at Brodie, courtesy of proprietor, Kevin Edwards, who welcomed Freddy to the establishment.

Guide Dog puppies are recognised by either their lead with the Guide Dog flash or their blue coats, which they wear when undertaking training activities with their puppy walkers, and although the pups love all the attention they get, it is usually best to ask if fussing over them is allowed, as it can break their concentration.

“Unfortunately, there are no coats small enough for young Freddie at the moment,” said Mrs Boyd “but he’ll soon grow into one.”

Further information about Guide Dogs can be found on their website on www.guidedogs.org