A DESPERATE call for homes for guide dog mums has received the backing of the high sheriff of Warwickshire.
Hearing the sight loss charity has been facing its worst ever shortage of breeding dog volunteers over the last 18 months, Karen Lynch is calling on people across the county to consider the role in 2026.
These volunteers provide loving homes for guide dog mums and help them to give birth at home to the next generation of guide dogs. They enjoy the company of a litter of guide dog pups for around seven weeks, before they move out to start the early stages of their training. To qualify, people need to live within an hour’s drive of the charity’s breeding site just outside Leamington.
Following a visit to the guide dogs site, Karen said: “Seeing behind the scenes was both inspiring and eye-opening and I have learnt more about the volunteers who provide homes for guide dogs before they go on to change the lives of people with sight loss.
“However, without more homes for guide dog mums, where they can live as part of a family and raise their litters, the whole system is undermined. I urge everyone in Warwickshire to consider taking up this vital role.”
Karen is now calling on the 54 other high sheriffs across England and Wales to use their voices to encourage people to sign up.
Guide Dogs spokesperson Kelly Newton added: “The need for breeding dog volunteers has never been greater and in the last 18 months we have seen a significant drop in applicants coming forward. Without our guide dog mums we wouldn’t be able to produce life changing pups that go on to transform the lives of people living with sight loss.
“Potential volunteers don’t need any experience of owning a dog or raising a litter as we provide ongoing support and training on all aspects of the role.”
Visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/volunteering/ for more details.
