Guide dog charities are still finding themselves hindered by the pandemic after seeing volunteer numbers fall during lockdown, leaving many vital roles empty.
The lack of volunteers for Guide Dogs for the Blind’s Ayrshire division has left those reliant on guide dogs in the local area in a precarious position as positions for puppy trainers and fund-raisers have yet to be filled.
These roles help the charity raise funds that go towards training dogs, providing equipment and food for them, and matching them to suitable owners.
Volunteer and guide dog owner of 14 years, Craig Happell, said: “If it wasn’t for people fund-raising then I wouldn’t have a dog.
“Some people say, ‘I couldn’t do puppy raising because I get a cute cuddly puppy and I’ll have to give it away’ and I understand but at the end of the day it’s people like me who are better for it and get independence.
“If it wasn’t for my dog Merlin, I couldn’t come to get coffee myself or get on a train to go to Glasgow - I’d be basically stuck in the house.”
As dogs finish training at around the age of two and retire at the age of ten, many people who are reliant on them require several dogs throughout their lifetimes.
Each dog is personally matched to their owner, with more energetic dogs being paired to active people and calm dogs being paired with those who have a relaxed lifestyle.
Every dog’s vet bills as well as their essential items such as harnesses and leads are also supplied to the owner by Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Happell added: “Merlin’s my second dog and I felt that I had to give a bit back. My role is to get the volunteers.
“It doesn’t matter whether someone’s doing a paid job to help train pups or a volunteer job - it’s a big organisation and it costs a lot to train a dog but one of the ways to help with that is to volunteer.”
The charity also provides many other integral services for visually impaired people such as white canes, seeing eyes i.e., volunteers who help those who are waiting on getting a guide dog, and children’s support services.
If you want to volunteer in Ayrshire, you can check Guide Dogs for the Blind’s website for opportunities.
You can also follow Guide Dogs for the Blind on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with their campaigns.
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