A North East water worker has taken on a year-long commitment to help raise an 'adorable' guide dog puppy who would go on to support someone with sight loss to live actively and independently.
Kurt Reilly, a water regulations officer at Northumbrian Water, is volunteering as a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs and is currently caring for a two-month-old golden retriever-labrador cross named Ian.
He will look after the puppy for 12 to 14 months, helping him develop the confidence and basic behaviours he’ll need before starting formal guide dog training.
Mr Reilly said: "Not many people are in a position to offer this kind of support, so being able to do this is incredibly rewarding.
"Ian has fitted so naturally into my lifestyle, and watching him learn and develop, week by week, makes it all worthwhile.
"He’s making brilliant progress and he’s a pleasure to have around."
Mr Reilly is supported by a puppy development adviser from Guide Dogs, who provides regular visits and a structured week-by-week training plan.
Ian will occasionally accompany Kurt into the water company’s Leat House office for short visits of up to an hour at a time.
The experience helps him become comfortable with new environments and busy settings, while learning to stay calm around different people.
Mr Reilly plans to use Northumbrian Water’s “Just an Hour” volunteering scheme, which allows employees to take company time during the working day to support good causes.
He’ll use this time to take Ian to Guide Dog puppy training classes throughout the year.
Guide Dogs said more volunteers are urgently needed in the North East, and especially in North Northumberland.
Shannon Butler, volunteer attraction specialist at Guide Dogs UK, said: "Volunteers like Kurt play a vital role in raising and supporting our guide dog puppies, helping them build the confidence and foundations they need before progressing into formal guide dog training.
Read more
Six adorable pooches looking for their forever home at Dogs Trust Darlington
Prison officer, paedophile, and killer among those jailed in Durham during February
PICTURES - Crowds flock as County Durham street market makes vibrant return
"From puppy raising to short-term fostering, there are lots of ways people can get involved, and support from employers can make a huge difference.
"We’re incredibly grateful to Kurt and Northumbrian Water for helping us support people with sight loss to live independently."
Guide Dogs is especially looking for more puppy raisers, short-term foster carers, and other flexible support volunteers in the region.
To find out more about volunteering, visit the Guide Dogs website.
Share