PAUL and Andrea Clark of oven cleaning service Ovenu Warrington are supporting Guide Dogs’ pup Ralph throughout his extensive training programme.
The yellow Golden Retriever/Labrador cross replaces black lab Selsey, which Ovenu franchisees first started sponsoring in 2021.
Although excelling in training, Selsey developed a slight weakness in one hip which meant she was unable to progress to become a working Guide Dog. Despite the setback, the husband-and-wife team are continuing to support the charity by sponsoring Ralph.
Now aged 10 months, Ralph is spending time with Puppy Raisers Toni and Adrian, two of the 16,000 volunteers that work with Guide Dogs. He will remain with them until he’s 12 to 14-months-old before being considered for full Guide Dog training.
So far Ralph is settling in well and is described as “sweet and charming.” His latest report card says he is brilliant at boarding public transport and is confident in busy environments, while his food manners are ‘almost there.’
The couple, from Penketh, recently put their award-winning franchised business up for sale as part of their long-term preparations for retirement – although they continue to accepting bookings.
Paul said: “We are dog lovers ourselves, having adopted or provided foster care for a number of retired greyhounds over the years, so we couldn’t pass up an opportunity to support this tremendous charity.”
Andrea added: “Guide Dogs provide those with sight loss greater mobility, independence, social interaction – as well as companionship.
“It’s also our way of saying a huge thank you to our many clients who, without their support over the past 15 years, we wouldn’t be in a position to sponsor this adorable pup!”
Guide Dogs’ CEO Andrew Lennox said: “It costs approximately £56,000 to support each guide dog through from birth to retirement, and without all the contributions of our donors and the efforts of our fundraisers we would not be able to do what we do.”
For further information or to donate to Guide Dogs visit www.guidedogs.org.uk
