Guide dog puppies Cymro and Jato have spent the summer settling into their new homes in East Devon.

They left the Guide Dogs’ National Centre in Leamington Spa a few months ago and travelled to the region to live with their volunteer puppy raisers, where they’ll stay and train for around 12 months.

Puppy Raisers look after puppies for their first year until they start their guide dog training, teaching them basic commands and introducing them to different social environments, with essential costs covered, including food and vet bills. The sight loss charity is now wanting to expand its puppy raising scheme and is appealing for volunteers in East Devon, so that more pups can go on to become life-changing guide dogs.

Kirsteen Welch, a puppy development advisor for Guide Dogs said: “Cymro and Jato are among our latest recruits to join our puppy raising scheme in East Devon. Cymro is living with Puppy Raiser Frances and is her 36th pup, while Jato is with first-time Puppy Raiser Amanda and her family and has settled in really well with their children, pet dog and cats. “Both puppies are in loving homes but we need more local volunteers who’d be happy to help us. We’re especially keen to hear from people who live in or near Sidmouth, Exmouth, Axminster and Honiton.

“Being a Puppy Raiser is a long-term commitment but it’s exciting and very rewarding. There’s nothing quite like the feeling you get when the puppy you’ve looked after becomes a qualified guide dog.   

“Ideally we need people who are mostly at home and can spend time with the puppy to develop and socialise them. This involves things like taking the puppy to different environments such as cafes, shops, on public transport, and other places a guide dog owner might go to.

“It’s not always easy but you won’t be doing it alone. We’ll provide all the training and support you need, so you’ll be well equipped to care for your puppy when they arrive.       

“If you’d like to find out more about becoming a Puppy Raiser for Guide Dogs in East Devon, please do get in touch. With your support, we can help train more life-changing guide dogs for people in the UK living with sight loss.”    

Cymro is a Labrador cross golden retriever, and Jato is a Labrador. All being well, they will hopefully qualify as working guide dogs at around two years of age.  

To find out more or apply visit the Guide Dogs website.