Gwalia United has a new signing – a guide dog puppy! The yellow labrador cross retriever was born in September and named ‘Gwalia’ by the club to mark half a century of football.
Now if you have ever wondered how a puppy like Gwalia becomes a guide dog, it takes time, skill and dedication. From a playful pup to becoming a powerful partner for a person with sight loss, guide dog puppies have a lasting impact on everyone they meet. Gwalia will live in the home of a puppy raising volunteer for her first year or more. The volunteer will provide her with a vital foundation for her future role as a guide dog, guiding the puppy through training, socialisation, the introduction of new environments and experiences while providing a loving home. There might be the odd chewed slipper along the way, but nothing beats the feeling of loving and raising a potential life-changer!
After about 12-16 months, Gwalia can expect to move on to “big school” at one of our guide dogs training centres. Here, she will learn the skills she needs to become a successful guide dog, such as obstacle avoidance, and can go on to be matched with a suitable owner.
A guide dog’s primary role is to help its owner get around safely. As in football, it’s all about teamwork and trust. Gwalia will help her owner to walk safely in public places, avoid obstacles and trip hazards, find kerbs, and locate shop doors and crossings. Having a guide dog by their side can help the owner feel more confident and independent as they go about their daily routine.
Guide Dogs for the Blind will be with us – along with some very special guests – for our AFC Wimbledon home game on the 8th of March, letting us show you how guide dogs change lives. Every penny you can spare helps us to support people with sight loss to move around safely and confidently, and live life the way they choose. Find out more at:
Www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/fundraise/tea-party/
