A group of trainee guide dog puppies and their volunteer Puppy Raisers have been welcomed by the N&N Hospitals Charity as the puppies gain valuable experience in preparing for their future roles supporting people with sight loss.
The puppies explored public areas of the N&N during a recent visit, experiencing busy corridors, waiting areas and stairs as part of their training.
Each pup was accompanied by their volunteer Puppy Raiser, who looks after them until they are just over a year old, before they move to a Guide Dogs’ centre to start their formal training.
The volunteer Puppy Raisers, from the sight loss charity Guide Dogs, provide puppies with vital foundations for their future role, teaching them basic commands and helping them get used to different environments.
Jay Baker, Puppy Development Advisor for Guide Dogs for the area, said: “We’d like to say a big thank you to N&N Hospitals Charity for allowing our guide dog puppies to visit.
“As our pups grow and develop, it’s important that they are exposed to different sights and sounds, so they grow up to become confident guide dogs.
“To help support this, we try to organise days out for them, similar to school trips.
“Our trip to N&N provided a great opportunity for our pups to meet lots of people and learn how to behave in a busy public place.”
N&N Patient Insight and Engagement Manager Sophie Slater said: “Every new sight, sound and experience helps build the confidence they will need to one day guide and support someone through everyday life.
“The puppies brought smiles to visitors, patients and staff while the hospital environment provided a safe and supportive setting where the puppies can learn to navigate unfamiliar surroundings and gain experience of the types of places they may encounter in the future.”
Philip Aldred, who is partnered with his guide dog Whisp, has volunteered at the hospital for four and a half years.
He said: "She knows her way around the hospital and wherever she goes, she brings so much joy.
“Today’s training exercise is fantastic. It’s vital that Puppy Raisers are allowed to go to places like hospitals, so that guide dog puppies get used to being amongst people and get their full training.
“Whisp impresses me every single day by what she does.”
Rachel Backshall, Director of N&N Hospitals Charity, said: "These young dogs are learning skills that will one day help transform someone's life.
“They will provide independence, confidence and companionship to people who rely on them every day, and we're incredibly proud that we can play a small part in helping them on that journey.
"As a charity, we're passionate about bringing people together and supporting initiatives that make a difference.”
Click here to find out more about becoming a Puppy Raiser for Guide Dogs.