Guide Dog Charity Calls for More Volunteer Fosterers

A leading sight-loss charity is appealing for more islanders to help foster guide dog puppies, warning that the lack of local volunteers is forcing young dogs to be sent to the UK.

Guide Dogs said fosterers provide short-term care for puppies in training when their primary raisers are on holiday or unable to look after them. But with no fosterers currently based in Jersey, the charity must fly dogs to the mainland or bring fosterers over temporarily.

Richard Pascoe, who is raising 16-week-old Chrissie, said having fosterers available was essential. “It’s like a safety valve,” he said. “More volunteers make a massive difference.”

 “More volunteers make a massive difference.”

Puppy raisers receive full training and support, while the charity covers food and vet costs. Mr Pascoe said the lack of local fosterers means he rarely has anyone to call on. “We’ve had to bring someone from the UK to stay here for two weeks while we’re away,” he said.

Local guide dog owner Jenny Stafford said raisers and fosterers play a vital role. “They’re the backbone of the charity,” she said. “If a puppy completes training, it goes on to change someone’s life.”

Earlier this month, Guide Dogs held an event to encourage more islanders to get involved. Attendee Elle Blampied said she was inspired by the impact the dogs have. “It’s a big commitment, but if you can help at the early stage, it’s hugely rewarding.”

The charity hopes to recruit at least five fosterers to support puppy raisers on the island. “Volunteers make a huge difference,” said Leah Rogers, the charity’s South West puppy raising operations manager. “We want to keep these puppies in Jersey rather than sending them back to the mainland.”