Wrexham: Guide Dogs share dream job 'raising a puppy'

Guide Dogs is looking to recruit volunteer puppy raisers in Wrexham, Mold and surrounding areas, who will help to turn tiny bundles of fluff into future life-changers.

Wendy Mansell, of Holt, is currently raising her second guide dog puppy, Maryann.

Friendly labrador Dusty with Wendy (Image: Guide Dogs UK)

She said: “I had recently retired from teaching and was thinking of getting a dog.

"A friend suggesting that puppy raising for Guide Dogs was a good way to see if I liked having a dog around, and the pup would go on to do wonderful things.”

Wendy’s first puppy, a yellow labrador retriever named Dusty, was cheeky and confident. She was quickly earmarked for Guide Dogs’ breeding programme, helping to produce the next generation of life-changers.

Dusty as a pup with Wendy (Image: Guide Dogs UK)

Wendy lacked experience with dogs, but this did not rule her out when she applied to become a volunteer.

Wendy continues: “She was beautiful and so photogenic. Saying goodbye was hard, but I’ve been told I will have the chance to raise a puppy from one of her litters.”

“I loved dogs but never had one as a child as my parents weren't keen. I was honest about that, and if I have any issues, Guide Dogs offers excellent advice and support. I found the role challenging at first, and I think I learned more than the pup, but the second time is easier.”

Maryann, a black labrador retriever, is now seven months old and very bright.

Wendy said: “She started puppy class very early. She's been on buses and trains, and she knows all her commands.

“This is a good area to be a puppy raiser as there's a lot of open space and the pups need a lot of exercise. You've got Wrexham and Chester nearby if you want them to experience city life.

"Supermarkets, cafes, restaurants and pubs have all been very welcoming, especially when the pup is old enough to wear its Guide Dogs puppy jacket.

“People love to come over and meet the puppy. The most common question is ‘How hard must it be to give the puppy up after a year?’ It is hard, but you help them develop and go on to amazing things.”

To become a puppy raiser, volunteers need access to a car. They have to be with the puppy for most of the day, and free to take their puppy into many varied environments – sometimes busy and difficult.

Their yard or garden will also need to be securely fenced so that the puppy remains safely within its confines.

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Guide Dogs supplies basic equipment and covers all veterinary and feeding expenses. 

There’s a chance to meet guide dog puppy Maryann at a special event in Brynteg Memorial Centre, Wrexham on Saturday, March 23 from 11am-2pm.

All further details and information can be found on the Guide Dogs welsbite under 'Puppy raiser.'