The need for temporary homes for trainee guide dogs in Wisbech, March and surrounding areas is now ‘extremely urgent’ says sight loss charity Guide Dogs.  

The organisation put out an appeal in the area last month for ‘volunteer fosterers’ who could provide temporary homes for trainee guide dogs on evenings and weekends, with all costs covered, but received little interest.  

At least six new homes in the area are needed for trainee guide dogs, to help support the running of the charity’s guide dog service.  

 Beverly Brocklehurst, from Wisbech, is the guide dog mobility specialist who trains guide dogs in the area.   

Beverly said: “We put out an appeal in February asking for local people in Wisbech, March and the surrounding areas to provide temporary homes for our trainee guide dogs, but sadly we’ve had very little interest and still have no homes confirmed.  

“This is a real shame, as being a volunteer fosterer for us here at Guide Dogs is a rewarding and enjoyable role, and a great way to support a fantastic cause.  

“As a fosterer for us, you would have a trainee guide dog placed with you who would be around 14 months’ old, and we would cover all the costs involved with having a dog, like food and vet bills.   

“On weekdays, I would collect the dog and focus on their guide dog training with them. 

“On weekends, you can enjoy free time with the dog you are caring for, knowing that you are helping them on their journey to hopefully become a working guide dog. 

“Each dog would stay with you for around six months before moving on to complete the final stages of their training, where they are matched with someone living with sight loss. 

“The need for temporary homes for our dogs in the area is now extremely urgent, as we have new dogs due to start their training in the area imminently.  

“If you’re from Wisbech, March or the surrounding area, and think you could give a temporary home to a trainee guide dog, we’d urge you to get in touch as soon as possible.” 

A guide dog begins its formal training at around 12-14 months old and, in normal circumstances, most dogs qualify as working guide dogs by the age of two.    

Volunteer fosterers usually care for dogs that are between 14-24 months of age.   

Guide Dogs use a variety of breeds as part of its breeding programme, but most guide dogs are a cross between a Labrador and a Golden Retriever.  

Could you provide a loving, temporary home for a trainee guide dog in Wisbech, March or surrounding areas?

Contact volunteering coordinator Melanie Brown via volunteermidlands@guidedogs.org.uk or call 0800 781 1444.