Guide dog pup Marley has four-legged movie namesake

A guide dog pup is having real trouble with his reputation because of the movie, Marley and Me, which is released in UK cinemas on 11 March.

“People think that our Marley is just as naughty as his big screen namesake, but that’s not the case,” says Guide Dogs volunteer puppy walker Mrs Doreen Griffin, who is bringing him up at her Berkshire home.

Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson star in the romantic comedy hit which features a Labrador retriever called Marley who devastates everything and everyone he meets.

But guide dog pup Marley, who is just ten months old, is a well tempered animal whose future is all mapped out.

He is currently being introduced to new experiences by living with Doreen temporarily at her home in Tilehurst, Reading, before going to guide dog school to complete his training.

Marley is set to graduate about a year later, when he is expected to make a big difference to the life of a blind or partially sighted person.

Doreen says: “Marley is just as loveable as the screen Marley, but is much better behaved.

“Many people come up to me and chat when they see me walking Marley because he is such an attractive dog.

“They have a good laugh when I tell them that he has a big screen namesake.”

Guide Dogs chief executive Bridget Warr says: “The film demonstrates that Labrador retrievers are energetic and good natured dogs that make great companions for people of all ages.

“But not all Labrador retrievers are as naughty as Marley the screen dog!

“Indeed, as our Marley shows, the breed is frequently used to guide blind and partially sighted people, transforming their freedom, independence, and confidence.”