Supporting the end of a Partnership (STEPs)

Support for guide dog owners suffering bereavement or loss

The death of your guide dog which means the end of a partnership can be a very upsetting experience. Our STEPs phone support service helps by giving you someone to talk to, someone who will listen. Each call is completely confidential and you do not need to give your name.

What you need to know:

• STEPs is for people who are going through one the saddest time in their lives – when their guide dog has fallen ill, has to be put to sleep or has been retired to another home.
• STEPs is for also any guide dog owner who may be experiencing feelings of guilt when having to give up their dog – whatever that reason may be.
• STEPs works because our listeners are trained to understand a broad range of issues – from the indecisiveness of having to choose euthanasia, to what it means to give up a dog for retirement.
• Each listener has first-hand knowledge of loss or bereavement and will provide an empathetic ear to any guide dog owner who calls.
• Research shows us that people who can come to terms with the loss of their special partnership can be helped to move on more quickly to training with a successor dog – without feelings of guilt.

If you are suffering bereavement or loss and want to talk to one of our trained listeners, the number to call is 0845 372 7474. Our lines are open 4pm to 9pm on weekdays and from 9am to 9pm weekends. If you leave a message out of hours, we’ll make sure we call you back.