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Life-changing role for canine friends
FOR Dales resident Alan Foster the arrival of his first guide dog 26-years-ago was a life-changing moment.
The Wirksworth man, who is blind, received his first canine companion when he was 20.
And he says the support and companionship his guide dogs have shown him over the years has been invaluable.
Mr Foster, 46, has now had four dogs and his current dog Daisy has been with him for about two years.
He added: "I always wanted to have a dog – since I was old enough to know what guide dogs did.
"I had to have an interview and talk about my lifestyle and take a physical exam to test my walking speed before being matched up with a dog."
He added: "It has given me confidence and independence to go out on my own with my dog, instead on relying on other people."
Although The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association was founded in 1934, the modern guide dog story started in Germany in 1916-17 when dogs were trained to lead soldiers blinded in the First World War.
The first four British guide dogs completed their training in 1931 and three years later The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association was born.
Today, the association is the world's largest breeder and trainer of working dogs. Thanks to the work of dedicated staff and volunteers, some 21,000 blind and partially-sighted people have experienced the independence that a guide dog can bring.
The charity receives no Government funding for the guide dogs service and is entirely dependent on donations.
Mr Foster said: "When Daisy has not got her harness on she is a pet but when she puts her harness on she becomes more alert. I think she realises she is doing something to help. I wouldn't like to be without her."
Mr Foster and Daisy's daily routine involves shopping, visiting friends
and going to the town's leisure centre three times a week.
He said: "Occasionally I go out and don't or can't take Daisy. When I come back and open the front door she runs down to see me. It is so nice to walk in to the house and have her there to greet me."
Mr Foster campaigned against controversial plans for a shared space system – which removes barriers, street signals and raised kerbs – in Crown Square in Matlock. The scheme has now been ruled out of the design.
The Guide Dogs charity hailed council chiefs for rejecting the 'dangerous' road scheme.
Guide dogs factfile
Most people who own a guide dog still have some vision. You do not have to be formally registered as blind or partially-sighted, either.
There's no upper age limit – and people in their seventies, eighties and even nineties become successful guide dog owners
.
It costs just 50p to have a guide dog. All essential equipment and training is provided by the Guide Dogs charity which can also cover the cost of vet bills and dog food if people wish.
No previous experience of keeping or caring for a dog is necessary. Training will be given.
It's not just about improving your mobility. A guide dog and its owner exist as a partnership, and the companionship, loyalty and fun can be immensely rewarding
To contact the East Midlands District Guide Dog team call 0845 372 7424 or email east.midlands@guidedogs.org.uk
For more information click here.
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Weather for Matlock
Thursday 16 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
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