"March of the Guide Dogs" in Liverpool

Guide Dogs Week may be over but the blog will stay live for a couple of weeks so we can post more of your great stories. Here’s one from guest blogger, Penny Williams – look out for more later this week.

The Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales District Team decided to take their event home to the birthplace of Guide Dogs in the UK.  A special march took place from the plaque at the Cliff, (which marks the location of the training of the first guide dogs in the UK), to a statue of the first guide dog, located outside the Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Over 80 people and dogs braved awful conditions to take part in the march, including guide dog owners, puppy walkers, branch members and boarders. Also marching was a very special guest, Paralympian and guide dog owner, Lora Turnham.  A go walkies event took place along New Brighton Promenade, with local pet dog owners turning out to support Guide Dogs Week.

The Floral Pavilion (thankfully indoors) was the venue for guide dog demonstrations, ballet dancing, music and an array of stalls, tombolas and raffles. The event attracted many new supporters to the charity, helping increase awareness of the fantastic work of Guide Dogs within the local community and raising vital funds.