Ledbury and Malvern Guide Dogs provides an essential service to the community.

Debbie Pitts, Branch organiser of Ledbury and Malvern Guide Dogs  explains what the organisation does:

Debbie said: “Guide Dogs is a national charity that relies on public donation through its local fundraising groups, and it’s national “Sponsor A Puppy” and “Wills and Legacy programmes”.

“We do not have a local office, but volunteers meet regularly in various coffee shops in both towns! ’Our fundraising group consists of local volunteers representing many of the volunteer roles available through Guide Dogs, including fundraisers, Guide Dog partnerships, breeding dog holders, puppy raisers, drivers, and fosterers. ”

How long has the organisation been in existence?

“Guide Dogs recently celebrated its 90th year anniversary.”

How did it all begin?

“The Guide Dogs story started in 1931 with two amazing British pioneers, Muriel Crooke and Rosamund Bond. These remarkable women organised the training of the first four British guide dogs from a humble lock up garage in Wallasey, Merseyside.

“We’ve come a very long way since those early days. Today Guide Dogs is the world’s largest breeder and trainer of working dogs. And thanks to our dedicated staff and volunteers – through vital donations – 36,000 lives have been transformed through a guide dog partnership since 1931.”

Where do you get dogs from? “All of our life-changing guide dogs begin their journey at the Guide Dogs National Centre in Leamington Spa. We use several dog breeds in our world-class breeding programme so we can produce a diverse range of guide dogs to meet the needs of all the people we support.”

Do you train dogs at Ledbury & Malvern Guide Dogs?

“Our volunteer puppy raisers provide a guide dog puppy with the vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog, guiding him or her through initial training, socialisation, the introduction of new environments and experiences whilst providing a loving home.

"We have a good number of pups in training in the area and can be seen regularly at fundraising events."

Is there big demand for guide dogs?

"Yes, sadly after the suspension of our breeding programme during covid and many pups in training unable to complete their training, we have experienced a shortage of dogs qualifying, leading to waits of approximately 2 years for new partnerships, and replacement dogs. Reducing the time on the waiting list is the top priority for our charity, but it is not just a case of breeding more pups. More pups mean volunteers are required to have guide dog mums and to become puppy raisers.

What can guide dogs help with?

"Guide Dogs provide a range of services supporting those living with sight loss life the life they choose, such as “My Sighted Guide” a volunteer role that can offer someone confidence and independence again by offering sighted guide support.

How can people donate / get involved with Ledbury & Malvern Guide Dogs? Donations via JustGiving - justgiving.com/guidedogsledbury627