Jersey Needs More Guide Dog Puppy Fosters

Guide Dogs charity is appealing for more volunteers in Jersey to foster puppies undergoing training. The absence of local fosterers means that puppies needing temporary care must travel to the UK, or fosterers from the UK must come to Jersey. This situation places an additional burden on puppy raisers, who rely on a robust local support system.

Puppy raisers, such as Richard Pascoe, describe fosterers as a crucial 'safety valve'. Their availability ensures that the training process for puppies like Christie is not disrupted by unforeseen circumstances or planned holidays for the raisers. The charity covers all essential costs, making the commitment primarily one of time and care.

More fosterers are needed to support the growing number of puppies. These volunteers play a foundational role in preparing dogs to become invaluable assistance animals, ultimately changing lives for visually impaired individuals like Jenny Stafford, who depends on her guide dog Nan. The charity aims to recruit at least five new fosterers.