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 for Northumbrian Water, has recently welcomed a two-month-old Golden Retriever cross Labrador puppy, called Ian, into his home in Washington, Tyne and Wear.
As a Guide Dogs volunteer puppy raiser, Kurt will be caring for Ian over the next 12 to 14 months, supporting his early development and helping him to build the confidence and basic behaviours he needs, before moving into formal guide dog training.
Kurt will be supported by a Puppy Development Advisor from Guide Dogs who will provide regular visits, guidance and a structured week‑by‑week training plan.
Alongside his home-based training, Ian will occasionally accompany Kurt into the water company’s Leat House office for short visits of up to an hour at a time. These visits will help Ian become familiar with new environments, busy settings and interacting calmly with a wide range of people, all of which supports his development as a future guide dog.
Kurt also plans to use the water firm’s “Just an Hour” employee volunteering scheme, which gives colleagues dedicated time during the working day to support causes they care about, taking Ian to Guide Dog puppy training classes throughout the year.
Speaking about taking on the role, Kurt 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.”
Guide Dogs relies on volunteers to help raise and support future guide dogs. Volunteering opportunities include puppy raising, short-term fostering and other flexible support roles. The charity is in particular need of more puppy raiser volunteers in the North East, especially North Northumberland.
Volunteer Attraction Specialist Shannon Butler from 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.
“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.”
For more information on the volunteering roles available with Guide Dogs, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/volunteering/