Guide Dog Puppies Take Centre Stage

Seven puppies in training and their volunteer puppy raisers from Guide Dogs UK were invited on stage recently by the cast of Olivier and Tony award-winning comedy The Play That Goes Wrong.

The puppies, ranging between 10 months and one year and five months old, went on a special visit to London’s Duchess Theatre in London’s West End as part of their training to become guide dogs.

“Introducing our puppies to lots of different sights, sounds and smells early on is incredibly important. 

“The aim of this visit was to familiarise the pups with surroundings they might find themselves in with future guide dog owners - including theatres! - and help them navigate any new situations calmly and confidently.

“Trips like this give them​ a chance to practice in a safe environment with the support of volunteer puppy raisers, so we're grateful to The Play That Goes Wrong for inviting us. 

"Our puppy raisers play a vital role in the journeys of future guide dogs. Without the loving homes and foundation these volunteers provide, we simply wouldn’t be able to train the hundreds of life-changing guide dogs we do each year to support people with sight loss.

“But we need more puppy raisers across the UK to help. I’d urge anyone with space in their heart and home for a guide dog puppy to visit Guide Dogs' website to check what opportunities are available in their area and sign up.”   

Staged by Mischief Theatre, The Play That Goes Wrong will be raising money for Guide Dogs UK until September 13, with collections at the theatre.

To find out more about puppy raising opportunities visit: guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/volunteering/volunteer-with-our-dogs/puppy-raiser/

Photo Credit: EllieKurttz