The NWRC in Atherton is just one of five of the larger sites for the charity, who collectively train 1,000 new guide dogs each year.
We’ve caught up with Prue’s Trainer, Laura Taylor, and her Fosterers, to see how Prue is getting on.
During the day, Prue is at the centre learning the skills she needs to become life-changing guide dog. During her evenings and weekends, she gets to relax and unwind with her volunteer Fosterers.
The charity’s Fosterers take care of trainee guide dogs while they complete their formal training, which takes around four to six months.
Terry and Margaret Pemberton from Leigh have been fostering trainee guide dogs for a number of years, and Prue is the eighth dog they’ve cared for. Terry said: “Prue is very relaxed and well socialised at home and is very friendly and caring for our daughter’s 11-year old dog.
“Prue loves to select toys from her basket and bring them to us, but she does prefer to bring item of clothing from the washing basket. She is a lovely girl, full of affection, loves cuddles and loves to free run.
“Our fostering experiences have been wonderful, with each of the dogs having their own characteristics, they have enhanced our lives through socialising with other dog walkers, and with the affection and bonding that they have all displayed.
“People ask how we part with them, and our answer is simple: When you see what a guide dog means to someone with sight loss, and we have had an input into this persons’ life through fostering that is what it’s all about! It’s a very rewarding experience and one we will continue with”.
Laura Taylor, a Guide Dog Trainer who is training Prue, said: “Prue loves people and other dogs and makes friends wherever she goes.
“Prue has accepted wearing the harness well and is now learning to give consistent guiding tension through the handle. This is vital to help a visually impaired person have something to feel and be able to follow when working the dog.
“She is stopping at kerbs well and moving around obstacles on the pavements. like a parked pram or bike. We have also been on bus journeys, and she was perfect - sitting nice and calm and taking in the sights, smells and sounds.
“Prue goes home with her fosterers after a day or training and gets to relax. I know she will be well looked after and come in the next day bright eyed and bushy tailed!”
Guide Dogs Fosterers drop trainee dogs off at ‘school’ in the morning, and they spend their day with a Guide Dog Trainer, learning how to guide someone with sight loss.
At the end of the day, they’re Fosterer takes them home where they can enjoy some cuddles, playtime and relax – ready for the next day.
The charity says they need more Fosterers to take care of dogs like Prue, so they can create more guide dog partnerships.
Being a Fosterer for Guide Dogs is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to be a part of their journey and help prepare them for their future role supporting someone with sight loss.
Guide Dogs provides all the support and training you need, so you feel well equipped to care for your dog when they arrive with you. Guide Dogs pays for essential costs, including food and vet bills, you just need to provide a bed, bowl and a couple of toys for him or her to enjoy.
“With your support, Guide Dogs can help train more life-changing guide dogs for people in the UK living with sight loss. If you’d like to find out more about becoming a Fosterer for Guide Dogs around Atherton in Greater Manchester, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/fosterer or call 0800 781 1444.
Volunteers must be aged over 18 and have suitable housing. You must be able to give a guide dog pup the love and attention they deserve.