Oxfordshire: Guide Dogs appeals for volunteer dog raisers

Born under the care of volunteer brood breeding dog holders – affectionately known as “guide dog mum mums” – the puppies will soon leave their first home to begin the next stage of their journey at the Guide Dogs National Centre in Warwickshire.

The charity is now appealing for more volunteers across the South East, including in Oxfordshire, to support this vital early stage in a guide dog puppy’s development.

Jacquie, a volunteer brood breeding dog holder from Bicester, Oxfordshire, cared for one of the recent litters, born to guide dog mum Ulanda.

This was her first experience in the role, and it was also Ulanda’s first litter.

Jacquie said: “I was already a full-time mum of three and marketing consultant.

“Now I’m also a Breeding Dog Holder, or guide dog mum mum!

“We’d been planning to get another dog after our two sadly passed away, so it felt easy saying yes to a dog that can leave a positive mark beyond our own family, particularly since my husband and I work from home.

“Ulanda’s pups will hopefully go on to make a real difference for people with sight loss.”

Guide Dogs is now recruiting 30 new volunteers for the role across East Berkshire, South Buckinghamshire, and parts of Oxfordshire, following a recent expansion of its catchment area.

Sandra, another brood breeding dog holder from Marlow, cared for her third generation of guide dog mums and recently supported her dog Betsy through her first litter.

Sandra said: “I’d never had a dog before Poppy, my first guide dog mum.

“Now I’ve got Poppy, Poppy’s daughter Riley, Riley’s daughter Betsy, and Betsy and her puppies all living under one roof.

“Each litters’ little milestones are just as special as the last.

“Watching the mums get back to enjoying ‘everyday dog life’ and keeping in touch with guide dog owners I’ve met along the way puts it in perspective and makes everything worthwhile.”

Su Price, Breeding Dog Advisor at Guide Dogs for the South East, said: “Breeding Dog Holders have a hugely important and rewarding role to play.

“By giving a guide dog mum a loving, long-term home, and helping her bring puppies into the world, you’ll help us provide more life-changing guide dogs to people with sight loss.”

Guide Dogs pays for any volunteering or litter-related expenses, including veterinary costs, food costs, and any specialist breeding equipment.

To find out more or to apply, visit guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/volunteering/volunteer-with-our-dogs/brood-bitch-holder/.