Hello... I visited a friend the other day who is a puppy walker/sitter for the DOGS FOR THE BLIND. She has just got her 6th puppy. It is a black lab/retriever cross and is just 6 weeks old. She will keep it until it has its first season and is then spayed. It will then go to the training school. Apparently they breed 100+ especially for the training programme. I asked what happens to the puppies that do not pass their initial assessment and she said there is a waiting list but they are always looking for nice homes.

Also sometimes they get to 12 months old and then decide they are not right. Some times the dogs do not like to work or cannot remember their instructions(only monor tings can make them not suitable). These also need to be found a new home. I just thought people maybe interested in re-homing these sorts of puppies. The health screening is second to none, vet care, food, etc is all top of the range. They are not KC registered as they are crosses. But what lovely dogs.

Just thought people maybe interested....

As I understood it the GDBA have a waiting list of potential adopters for failed guide dogs, usually far more than dogs available.

Thanks for that...I bet they would be worth waiting for.

I know one dog for the blind who completed all training etc, was given to a blind person who was so cruel to him he was too scared to work. She "sent him back" after 2 weeks and the dog was so traumatised it had to be retired. Such a shame, but great to know there are people waiting and willing to give these wonderful dogs a forever home. He now lives a happy life and she is banned from ever having a guide dog for the blind ever again.
Just hope people are not hanging on waiting because they think they will get a well trained dog without putting in any effort.

That's really sad - would have thought the 'blind' need to be vetted if they are suitable - poor dog - hope he has been rehomed and is now happy.

I know a puppy walker and her last dog may not make the grade - she loved him so much and was sad to see him go on to the next stage of training she actually will take him on should he not make the grade - don't know if that is the norm.  She is aware she may not be able to puppy walk for a while.  On the one hand she wants him to succeed but on the other hand think she adored him so much...

I think the people that puppy walk are wonderful and don't know how they can say goodbye but guess as its for such a wonderful 'job'?

i think they are. Not sure though. I was told that by someone who has very poor sight and has a wonderful guide dog. when he said who the women i was i recognise her from walking locally. I almost want to push her over and steal her white stick!
She has now got a collie ( presume she mistreats that one but unfortunately there is no one to step in) She tries to make it look like a guide dog but only guide dogs are allowed the harness so she has made one herself. Makes me blood boil.

DONT WANT TO SAY TOO MUCH ON THIS SUBJECT................PERSONAL REASONS! HOWEVER SOMEONE ONCE SAID TO ME 'JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE BLIND DOESNT MAKE THEM KIND'...VERY TRUE