COULD you look after adorable puppies such as Robin and Jasper until their ready to undergo vital guide dog training?

Charity Guide Dogs, one of the UK’s leading sight loss charities, is appealing for more people to look after some furry friends for 12 months before they can become life changing guide dogs.

In that time, puppy raisers help them learn basic commands and introduce them to different social environments – with essential costs covered including food and vet bills.

Vesper is a Labrador cross golden retriever Picture: Guide Dogs

The charity is keen to hear from people particularly in Blandford Forum, Shaftesbury, Wimborne, Wareham, Dorchester and Weymouth, as well as Poole.

Guide dog puppies Robin and Vesper are getting settled into their new life in Dorset having moved from their home at the Guide Dogs’ National Centre in Leamington Spa last month.

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

Elli Cavazza, a Puppy Development Advisor for Guide Dogs, covering Dorset, said: “Robin and Vesper are our latest recruits to join our puppy raising scheme in Dorset.

“Both are currently in loving homes with first-time puppy raisers 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 to Blandford Forum, Shaftesbury, Wimborne, Wareham, Dorchester and Weymouth, as well as Poole.

Robin Picture: Guide Dogs

“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 Dorset, 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.”

Guide Dogs is holding a puppy raising information event at the Corn Exchange in Wareham on Friday 13th September at 2.30pm where anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can learn all about puppy raising. Free places can be reserved through Eventbrite.

To become a Puppy Raiser, you must be aged over 18, have suitable housing and be able to give a guide dog pup the love and attention they deserve.

Applicants also need to have the ability to access training online and have an email address.

To find out more or apply, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/puppyraiser