Guide Dogs is holding a free information session in Hamilton to recruit foster carers for trainee guide dogs. The event takes place on Wednesday, July 29, from 2-3pm at Hamilton Town House Library.
What Fostering Involves
Foster carers look after trainee guide dogs in their homes for three to six months. They provide care during evenings and weekends, and are responsible for a daily “school run” — dropping the dog off at the charity’s Auchingramont Road training centre between 8am and 9am on weekdays and collecting it between 5pm and 5.45pm.
Guide Dogs staff note: “Volunteering as a training dog fosterer often allows people the opportunity to have a dog in the home who may not have previously had [one] due to work commitments or financial responsibilities. With food and vet bills covered, training provided and holiday cover arranged, fostering a trainee guide dog is a supportive way for Lanarkshire locals to enjoy canine companionship, while making a difference for someone with sight loss.”
Event Details
Attendees will hear a short talk on how guide dogs are trained for their life-changing work and what volunteering entails. Staff and a guide dog in training will be on hand to answer questions. Booking is encouraged by calling the library at 01698 452122, but drop-ins are welcome towards the end of the session.
This is one of several volunteer opportunities with Guide Dogs, which also includes helping at fundraising events or looking after guide dog puppies short-term or for over a year.
How to Get Involved
More information on volunteering is available at www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer or by emailing VolAttractNorth@guidedogs.org.uk. The charity thanked Hamilton Town House Library for hosting the talk and looks forward to meeting interested Lanarkshire locals.
