'The rewards are huge' Volunteer plea as Guide Dogs try rugby match

A BRISTOL woman has spoken about the vital role volunteers play after Guide Dog puppies formed a guard of honour for Premiership Women’s Rugby players at the weekend.

- Mathilde GRANDJEAN

Kipper, an 18-month-old Labrador-retriever cross and Guide Dogs puppy raiser Phoebe Worley at the match

The dogs, all in training to become assistance dogs for visually impaired people, visited Kingsholm Stadium for the match between Gloucester Hartpury and Sale as part of their socialisation training and to celebrate the work of volunteer trainers.

One of the Guide Dogs volunteers attending was Sheila Ross, from Bristol, who was accompanied by nine-month-old puppy Owain.

Ms Ross said: “Many assume Guide Dogs are born ready to work, but it takes nearly two years of training from birth.

“Socialisation is vital because guide dogs need to navigate the real world safely with their future owners.

“We practise walking in crowds, encountering other dogs, and settling in noisy or busy environments. This prepares them to give their future owners as normal a life as possible.”