Guide Dogs Cymru

It's lovely and sunny in South Wales - perfect for a sniffy walk! Trainees Kyla and Harris impressed our three new Academy learners with their ability to locate objectives. The two labrador cross retrievers are pictured sitting together on green grass as the learners hold their leads out of shot. Harris is yellow and sitting on the right, while Kyla (black) has a red poppy on her collar.

Would you love to be part of a trainee guide dog's journey? We have just the role for you! Find out more by visiting this link: www.guidedogs.org.uk/fosterer

This young lad really enjoyed his free run in the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan. Uri is eight months old and a yellow labrador cross retriever. He's pictured in full flight as he runs on a field with a toy in his mouth. Puppy development supervisor Mel said: "I think he has forgotten the lab part as he looks like a full retriever!"

Could you nurture a puppy like Uri as he starts his guide dog journey, giving him love and encouragement? If so, please visit this link: www.guidedogs.org.uk/puppyraiser

Guide dog puppy Niven is growing up fast! Our pictures show how the golden retriever has gone from a cute bundle of fluff to a handsome young dog. He stepped out with confidence for the Chester Business Club charity walk on Sunday, accompanied by puppy raiser Sandra, fellow Wrexham fundraising group member Jess, and pet dog Nev.

The route stretched six miles from Chester Racecourse to Eccleston village and back, along the River Dee. Sandra said: “We went around some parts of Chester I didn't know existed! We had a great time, a lovely walk with excellent company.” Niven was rewarded with a tasty denta-stick.

The walk has already raised £345 for Guide Dogs. If you’re impressed by Niven’s efforts, it’s not too late to donate – just use this link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/sandra-reynolds-1

Pic 1: Niven strides out along the country route with puppy raiser Sandra
Pic 2: Niven as a tiny puppy
Pic 3: Niven enjoys a cuddle from Sandra at the end of the walk
Pic 4: Jess and pet dog Nev at the start of the walk

It's a Guide Dogs pitch invasion! Yellow labrador cross retriever Bobby is in training with his new owner, who has top-class footballing connections. All will be revealed when they qualify! Thank you to GDMS Amy, who took these pictures of Bobby behaving impeccably in harness during a visit to the fabulous Cardiff City Stadium.

Do you have a child aged 8-11 with a vision impairment? If you’ve never experienced a Guide Dogs family event before, this could be your chance! We’re inviting you to laugh, connect and learn at our Guiding Futures Family Weekend. It takes place at The Manor House Hotel Fowley Cross, Okehampton, Devon EX20 4NA from Friday to Sunday, October 23-25.

This is our recipe for a great weekend:
• A dash of curiosity
• A spoonful of teamwork
• A sprinkle of confidence
• Mix in some exploration and orientation

Children with a vision impairment can engage directly with our Habilitation Specialists in creative expert-led practical workshop featuring small, hands-on tasks such as preparing an afternoon tea. There will also be an orientation and mobility session.

For parents, there will be:
• Parent information session
• Technology and sensory display
• Access to Guide Dogs Children and Young People Services and external professionals.
• Exclusive creative craft activity session hosted by The Manor Hotel Team.
• Indoor swimming pool, crafts and sports facilities on offer within the venue

Accommodation is on a full board basis (Friday - Dinner on arrival day, Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner and Sunday – Breakfast and lunch before departure). While the Guide Dogs’ Family Weekend normally comes at a cost, this year’s event is funded through the generous support of the Peter Dixon Charitable Trust. However, if you would like to make a donation to support the vital work of Guide Dogs’ Children and Young People Services, please visit: https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/donate-now/

For further information or to book, please email:
[email protected]

pic shows indoor pool at hotel, taken from hotel website

Wales has another new guide dog partnership! First-time owner Ray qualified with Rianne, a black labrador cross retriever who completed advanced training with Bev from the Peterborough team. Bev put the match together and began class, with Cardiff GDMS Lisa taking over in the last few weeks to get the partnership working on their home routes. Lisa added: "Rianne has settled in really well." We wish the pair a long and happy partnership.

pic shows Ray sitting on chair in garden with black labrador cross retriever Rianne sitting at his side

It's Tongue Out Tuesday, and we've dubbed this picture Double Trouble! It shows black training dogs Diffy and Star sitting on green grass with their tongues fully out. They have cheeky expressions and look very happy with life! Thank you to trainer Lucy for the photo.

The Turf pub in Wrexham is making the news today - and look what's front and centre on the bar - a Guide Dogs collecting box! Wonder if Prince William and superstar club owner Rob Mac popped a pound in the slot?

Pic: Prince William pulling a pint at the Turf pub in Wrexham as club owner Rob Mac looks on. A Guide Dogs collecting box is on the centre of the bar

Training dog Em Jay has been getting used to the vet's table. The yellow labrador cross retriever is pictured lying calmly on the table with a colourful rug beneath her. It's vital that our dogs get used to presenting themselves for health checks, and it's something they learn during early training. Looks like Em Jay has mastered this skill already! Thank you to dog wellbeing technician Rhy for the photo.

Training dog Zeus looks like he is ready to "boop" the camera with that beautiful nose! The yellow labrador cross retriever is pictured sitting outside our Cardiff centre, where he has been practising the skills he will need to be a successful guide dog.

In the evenings and at weekends, would-be life-changers like Zeus enjoy relaxing at home with their foster family. If you'd love the company of a well-mannered canine who goes to school during normal working hours, why not explore fostering? It's a time-limited commitment and all the dog's food, equipment and vet bills are paid. You can find out more by registering for our special webinar, which takes place from 7pm-8pm on Wednesday October 21. Sign up using this link: https://www.facebook.com/events/824516310724522/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22your_upcoming_events_unit%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D