A blind man from Exmouth, Devon, has warned he is at risk of losing his independence due to severe delays in guide dog training. David Gailey, 10-year-old Labrador Tarka's owner, faces an uncertain wait for a replacement as the dog nears retirement.
Guide Dogs UK attributes the backlog to a five-month pause in breeding and training during the pandemic. Chief operations officer Pete Osbourne said the average national waiting time is 15.5 months, but some individuals may wait up to two years for a suitable match.
Mr Gailey, who has relied on Tarka for eight years, said he will struggle without a guide dog and may have to revert to using a long cane, which he finds difficult. He noted that guide dogs are more widely recognised than white canes, affecting his confidence and mobility.
The charity acknowledged the difficulty of the wait but stressed the importance of matching each owner with the right dog for a successful long-term partnership. It is working to reduce waiting times with the help of volunteers.
