This winter Guide Dogs has partnered with Chef & Brewer pubs to make it easier than ever for people to find out what it takes to become a Puppy Raiser, and why it’s such an incredibly rewarding volunteer role.
Our new ‘Puppy Hour’ scheme aims to encourage people to consider becoming a Puppy Raiser. Meet-up sessions are rolling out across nine of Greene King’s Chef and Brewer pubs in the Midlands, North East, and North West, creating a space for those interested to chat with current volunteers with guide dog pups.
Attendees will be treated to a free hot drink provided by the venue, can bring along their own dog, and can find out more about getting involved with Guide Dogs from someone who has experienced it themselves.
Puppy Hours will also provide a cosy space for existing volunteers to come together this winter socialise, and allow their pups to practice being calm and settled in a bustling pub environment.
This time of year is the perfect time for young trainee pups to put their skills of keeping their composure and staying focused to the test, as spaces have an extra layer of distraction with festive lights, decorations, and excited crowds, all of which guide dogs need to be comfortable with. This is critical for every future guide dog, as they will one day go everywhere with their owner and work in all sorts of environments.
It’s hoped that the Puppy Hour sessions will spotlight the wonderful community that volunteering can bring people, and get more volunteers interested in taking on these life-changing puppies. This is crucial, as with 125 guide dog puppies are placed around the UK per month, more Puppy Raisers are urgently needed by the charity to ensure they have enough guide dogs in future years to place with people with sight loss.
Haley Andrews, Puppy Raising Operations Lead of Guide Dogs said: “Our Puppy Raisers dedicate more than a year to every pup they have, taking them from a tiny eight-week-old right through to a confident adolescent ready to train as a guide dog.
“A big part of this transformation is having real-life experiences, and we’re grateful to Chef & Brewer for allowing our volunteers a new dedicated space to get together and bring their guide dog puppies, especially at this time of year when public places are busy and distractions are heightened.”
William Botterill, Head of Integrated Marketing at Chef & Brewer, said: “We were thrilled to be approached by Guide Dogs UK to support their latest campaign. Our Chef & Brewer pubs proudly welcome dogs, and we’re pleased to provide a space where people can learn more about the vital role of Puppy Raisers. We encourage anyone interested in finding out more, to visit one of the events this month. You can even enjoy a complimentary hot drink on us.”
The pubs taking part in the Puppy Hour scheme are from key areas where there is currently a need for volunteer Puppy Raisers, including the Midlands, North West, and North East.
Sessions will take place at 11am on Thursday 6th, 13th, and 20th November in the following locations:
North West
Griffin (Bowden) in Altrincham
Swan (Winwick) in Warrington
Roebuck (Bilsborow) in Preston
Midlands:
Ferry Inn (Wilford) Nottingham
Hutt (Ravenshead) Nottingham
Travellers Rest (Mapperley) Nottingham
North East
Smiths Arms (Beckwithshaw) North Yorkshire
Red Lion (Todwick) South Yorkshire
Wellington Hotel (Riding Mill) Northumberland
