TWO national Guide Dogs puppies have been relocated to Dorset, sparking appeals for more residents to volunteer for the charity.

Robin and Vesper are the two latest labrador puppies to be sent to be brought up by ‘puppy raisers’.

Once fully trained, the pups will hopefully qualify as working guide dogs at around two years of age.  

The sight loss charity now wants to expand its puppy-raising scheme in the area and is appealing for volunteers so that more pups can go on to become life-changing guide dogs.

Guide Dogs is also urging for more volunteers to join its charity as puppy raisers to allow future guide dogs into their homes.

Elli Cavazza, a Puppy Development Advisor for Guide Dogs, covering Dorset, said: “Robin and Vesper are our latest recruits to join our puppy-raising scheme in Dorset.

“Both are currently in loving homes with first-time Puppy Raisers, but we need more local volunteers who’d be happy to help us.

“We’re especially keen to hear from people who live in or near Blandford Forum, Shaftesbury, Wimborne, Wareham, Dorchester, and Weymouth, as well as Poole.

“Being a puppy raiser is a long-term commitment but it’s exciting and very rewarding. There’s nothing quite like the feeling you get when the puppy you’ve looked after becomes a qualified guide dog.  

“Ideally we need people who are mostly at home and can spend time with the puppy to develop and socialise them. This involves things like taking the puppy to different environments such as cafes, shops, public transport, and other places a guide dog owner might go to.

“It’s not always easy but you won’t be doing it alone. We’ll provide all the training and support you need, so you’ll be well-equipped to care for your puppy when they arrives.     

“If you’d like to find out more about becoming a Puppy Raiser for Guide Dogs in Dorset, please do get in touch.

Guide Dogs is also holding an information event on puppy raising at the Corn Exchange in Wareham on September 13.

Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite.