Sight loss charity Guide Dogs has put out an urgent appeal asking Wisbech and March residents if they can provide temporary accommodation for trainee guide dogs.

Volunteer fosterers for guide dogs provide temporary homes for dogs on evenings and weekends, as they complete the latter stages of their guide dog training, with all costs covered by the charity.

Beverly Brocklehurst is the charity's guide dog mobility specialist responsible for training guide dogs in the local area.

Beverly said: “We urgently need more local temporary homes for our trainee guide dogs, so we can continue training these life-changing dogs for people with sight loss.

“Becoming a volunteer fosterer for our charity is a great way to experience having a dog at home, without the full-time commitment or cost involved.

“On weekdays, I would collect the trainee guide dog you are looking after from your home and work on its specialist guide dog training.

“On weekends, you can enjoy the company of one of our dogs, who will hopefully go on to change someone’s life.

“If you live in Wisbech or March and think you could help us, then please do get in touch. We wouldn’t be able to keep our guide dog service running, without the support from our amazing volunteer fosterers.”

Trainee guide dogs stay with volunteer fosterers for around six months before moving on to complete the final stages of their guide dog training, where they are matched with someone living with sight loss. 

A guide dog begins its formal training at around 12-14 months old and, in normal circumstances, most dogs qualify as working guide dogs by the age of two.

Volunteer fosterers usually care for dogs that are between 14-24 months of age.

Could you provide a loving, temporary home for a trainee guide dog in Wisbech or March? Contact volunteering coordinator Melanie Brown via: volunteermidlands@guidedogs.org.uk or call: 0800 781 1444.