Scotland gears up for Guide Dogs Week

by Vivien Richardson on October 3, 2012

For hundreds of years, blind people have been assisted by guide dogs in everything from simply crossing the road to collecting their mail from the letterbox. Next week, to raise awareness of the immeasurable role played by guide dogs in influencing the lives of visually-impaired people, Scotland will be celebrating Guide Dogs Week.

Guide Dogs Week is observed annually and invites residents throughout Scotland to join in with all kinds of activities. The main aim of the week is to broaden people’s awareness on the daily struggles conquered by blind and partially-sighted people. It is set to entice thousands of members of the public to get involved and make a difference. Trained guide dogs will be present at the event, which is set to show people how important a role the dogs play in making everyday tasks simple.

Colin Gallagher, who is the mobility team manager in the Edinburgh region, said:

“Blind and partially-sighted people do the things that the rest of us take for granted.”

It is to be hoped that events at the Guide Dogs Week, taking place from October 6 – 14, will drive this message home and perhaps change people’s opinions. Simulation spectacles can be worn during the interactive tasks, while other events will see members of the public participate in short handle walks, blindfold walks and sighted guiding walks. Those who want to try one of these events, or attempt to walk on the Royal Mile near Glamis Castle, can find out more by visiting the website of the charity ‘Guide Dogs’.

I have loved dogs all my life, ever since I used to work with the border collies and Shire horses on the farm down the road when I was at school. Aged 14, I got my first dog – a black miniature poodle called Susie Wong. Since then, I’ve owned dogs all my life, including miniature poodles and shih tzu, and have over 30 years’ experience of caring for and breeding dogs, having cared for more than 30 dogs in total over the years, and countless gorgeous little bundles of fluff.

Nowadays, I no longer breed puppies and live with my beautiful, black shih tzu called Ouzo – yes, she’s named after the Greek alcoholic drink!

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