Sage's puppy page

Pupdate 6 - Sage has qualified!

Hello, it’s Leonie here, Sage’s partner.

A little bit about me

I am currently studying for my PhD in criminology at university, which I am really enjoying, and I’ve nearly completed my first year. I have always found this subject area interesting, and my thesis is focusing on hate crime against people with visual impairments. I also work night shifts at Leicestershire Police, in the control room, which I have done for many years. It can get very busy and there is always a lot going on, but I love it – I couldn’t imagine doing anything else!

When I was 16, I was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), but this degenerative condition, or what it meant for my sight long-term, wasn’t fully explained to me until I was in my late teens. I am losing my peripheral vision and am long-sighted with my central vision. I struggle with low light, glare and obstacles, especially steps and kerbs, which are very difficult for me. I tend to have periods where my sight stabilises for a little while, then I have episodes where I experience a dramatic drop in my vision, before it settles again. I was registered blind in 2009.

A new friend

Although I had been aware of Guide Dogs, I never really thought about one for myself. It was my husband who first suggested it. I applied online, and in 2015 I was partnered with Lisa, my first guide dog, up until she retired in 2023. A little while ago, I got the call about Sage, and after training together, we qualified as a new partnership! Sage is highly intelligent, very energetic, and so sweet-natured. She knows what to do, but her cheeky personality, combined with being so bright, means she also knows how to try and get extra treats! She can be strong-willed on occasion too, loves being active, and knows her own mind. Nicola, our Guide Dog Mobility Specialist, says Sage and I are very similar and extremely well-suited – I can’t think why!

Life together

Sage settled in with me and my husband straight away and was keen to make friends with Lisa, who still lives with us. Lisa is not overly sociable, but Sage seems to have won her over! Sage’s tail whirls like a tornado each morning when she greets me, and she is so enthusiastic about life – she is such a wonderful addition to our family.

We also have Mocha the rabbit, as well as a pet bearded dragon and a tarantula! Sage likes to say ‘hi’ to them each morning, when she sees them moving in their tanks, and she has done so well learning how to behave gently with them, particularly Mocha.

Working with Sage is completely different to working with Lisa, and I am learning how best to handle her and what works well. We have only been together a short time, so we are both still learning. From the beginning, Sage has been a beautiful walker and loves being busy and on the go, which is perfect as I do too! Alongside work and university, I volunteer with the RNIB and go to the gym regularly. Recent trips for us have involved a couple of nights in a hotel in the Cotswolds, and visiting my youngest nephew, all of which she has taken in her stride. Sage loves our busy, varied life and is by my side for it all.

Thank you for sponsoring Sage. Without your support, amazing partnerships like ours wouldn’t happen.

Meet our new recruits

Woman in the countryside wearing a sweatshirt with sponsored pup Sage design.

Exclusive range!

Check out our brand-new Sage merchandise! We’ve partnered with Teemill to produce sustainable and fun designs for our wonderful sponsors. T-shirts, hoodies, mugs and notebooks – there’s something for everyone.

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