Volunteering inspiring stories

In this section...

Guide dog Ringo and volunteer Louise sat on a red bench smiling at eachother.
Louise

Louise has dedicated over 10 years to giving guide dogs a loving home while they’re in training. In 2020 Louise’s family cared for guide dog Ringo who is now partnered with Josh, the star of a new Guide Dogs TV advert.

Myriam, a puppy raiser, smiles as she sits next to two dogs.
Myriam

Myriam has been volunteering for Guide Dogs for 23 years as a Puppy Raiser. When they are with her, the dogs are her family and she loves seeing them grow into unique characters.

Puppy raiser, Nimmi, and her guide dog puppy Glen, walking in the woods
Nimmi

Nimmi first started volunteering for Guide Dogs in 2015 and has since raised six guide dog puppies. She was born and grew up in Bangalore, India, but has lived in Glasgow, Scotland since 1995 with her husband Stuart, a pilot, and their two teenage children. The family also have a pet black Labrador called Ike and a cat, an Egyptian Mau, called Ramon.

Volunteer fosterers Terry and Margaret sit on the sofa with guide dog Elwell before them poking his tongue out
Terry and Margaret

When Terry and Margaret’s dog passed away, they were worried that they might struggle to look after another dog as they got older. Fostering for Guide Dog’s means they provide a temporary home for a dog that gives them companionship and gets them exercising! 

Ela, guide dog mum, is lying on her bed with her puppies.
The Saunders family

Golden retriever Ela has had two litters of puppies. She lives in Shropshire with the Saunders family – mum Kath, Dad Greg, Tilly and Edith. They call it the best volunteering role at Guide Dogs!

Suzanne has coffee with volunteer sighted guide Jan, the pair are laughing and happy
Jan and Suzanne

Jan P and Suzanne B were partnered up through Guide Dogs My Sighted Guide service, a project which helps blind or partially sighted people get out and about. The idea is to build confidence by matching someone with a sighted person who can support them to explore their local area, try new activities and provide help getting around.