Ahead of Halloween, a Co Down Guide Dogs trainer has opened up about raising her own ‘Pumpkin’, the puppy who is now a life-changing guide dog for someone living with vision impairment in Bangor.
Newtownards woman Christine Gordon is a volunteer puppy raiser for the charity, Guide Dogs Northern Ireland and welcomed baby Pumpkin into her home in June 2021.
The black Labrador-cross-Golden Retriever pup wasn’t an instant guide dog, though.
“Each puppy we’ve raised has had a unique personality,” Christine explained.
“Pumpkin was affectionate and eager to please, but also very excitable. It took time and patience to channel her energy and build her self-control.”
As a puppy raiser, Christine plays a critical role in preparing eight-week-old puppies for their future careers.
Over the course of a year, she teaches them the basics before they move on to full-time training.
“A big part of the puppy raiser’s role – the part that I find so fulfilling – is building that bond, creating a two-way conversation with your pup, far removed from the outdated ideas of dominance-based training,” she continued.
“These pups aren’t required to be robots, they need to be problem solvers. They really do want to please even though their exuberance can test our patience at times!”
Baby Pumpkin
Christine is currently awaiting her ninth puppy who she will raise for Guide Dogs NI, and she recently bid her most recent 14-month old ‘paw prodigy’ Milo goodbye.
She admitted that the role isn’t for those expecting a perfect family pet.
“It’s no part-time job, it’s 24/7. It’s a huge commitment, but a lovely one.
“Puppy raisers are dealing with real life at the same time, with all the pressures of family, health, jobs, etc.
“However, what we get out of it in terms of job satisfaction is immeasurable. It’s very different to raising a family pet, where outcomes are less critical.”
Guide Dogs Northern Ireland are currently celebrating their 40th anniversary of qualifying partnerships – matching people in need with guide dogs.
Initially established at Lanesborough House in east Belfast, the charity now resides at Heron Road in the city, with over 600 people matched with guide dogs in that time.
The in-demand puppy raiser role was recently reopened for recruitment to help create the next batch of much-needed guide dogs, particularly for those in Ballyclare, Banbridge, Bangor, Belfast, Hillsborough, Lisburn, Moira, Newtownards and the surrounding areas.
Christine added: “Every day we need to gently fill our pup’s head with fun, confidence and a feeling of security. We gradually expose them to the big world they will encounter.
“A guide dog owner entrusts his life to his dog. If I do my job as best I can, there’s one more owner living life as fully as they can, with their canine guide and soulmate by their side.”
Pumpkin is now fully qualified, having completed her training at the Belfast office, and one of the many incredible working guide dogs across Northern Ireland. Christine says this is what makes saying goodbye slightly easier.
“When Pumpkin and her new owner qualified as a team, it was fabulous to get feedback from Guide Dogs that the partnership is working very well, and that Pumpkin is much loved. That alone makes our contribution feel worthwhile. Little life-changers is exactly what these pups are!”
For more information on Puppy Raising, and to apply, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer