VOLUNTEERS in the Wellington area are being sought by the local branch of the charity Guide Dogs to sign up as puppy raisers.

It would mean helping to look after future guide dogs for the first year of their lives by socialising them and giving them a loving home.

Guide Dogs relies heavily on volunteers to help improve the lives of people with sight loss, of which there are about two million in the UK.

The charity supports people with a visual impairment to maintain their independence and ‘live the life they choose’.

Guide Dogs puppy development advisor Kerry Hall said the role of puppy raisers was ‘hugely rewarding’ with lots of support and training on offer, and opportunities to meet new people in the area who were also raising pups.

Ms Hall said: “There are lots of different services on offer, ranging from volunteer-led services such as ‘My Sighted Guide’ through to the children and young people’s services, access to technology, and the iconic guide dog service.

“Puppy raisers are vital to Guide Dogs, every single guide dog puppy relies on a volunteer to give them the start they need to go on to be a future life changer.

“Nothing beats the rewarding feeling of loving and raising a puppy who will go on to make an enormous difference to somebody living with sight loss.”

One of the charity’s puppy raisers said: “Having May has given me a purpose in retirement.

“May has encouraged me to get up, get going, keep fit, and keep my brain ticking over.

“She has also brought me amusement, as she does something every day that amazes me or makes me smile.

“She has stolen everybody’s hearts, a lot of people in the local community know her and love her.”

Anybody interested in puppy raising or who wants more information should visit the charity’s website here or call the volunteering team on 0345 143 0191.