An eight-week-old golden retriever named Graham has become one of the first guide dog puppies of 2026 to arrive in the South West.
Graham has moved to Chippenham, where he will spend the next year living with volunteer puppy raiser Vicky Welsh as he begins his journey towards becoming a working guide dog.
The puppy left the Guide Dogs National Centre in Leamington Spa on Thursday, January 8, alongside eight of his littermates who have gone to homes across the country. Born last November to guide dog parents Sandy and Tiggy, Graham spent his first weeks being cared for with his mum in a volunteer’s home before attending the National Centre for health checks, vaccinations and assessments.
He will now live with Vicky for around 12 to 16 months, learning basic training, social skills and how to cope with new environments. If all goes well, Graham could begin formal guide dog training next year and qualify as a working guide dog at around two years old.
Vicky, who is raising her 14th guide dog puppy, said being part of the process is both challenging and rewarding.
“As a puppy raiser, I love being involved in the journey of our fabulous puppies on their way to becoming guide dogs,” she said. “It’s hugely rewarding to know that the pups who qualify go on to change lives, giving people their independence and also becoming their cherished companions.
“Graham is gorgeous. He’s settling in nicely and is certainly enjoying playing with all the toys we have, although he can’t resist running off with my slippers if he gets the chance. He’s a clever, inquisitive and affectionate puppy who loves a cuddle.”
Guide Dogs Puppy Development Advisor Barbara Clark, who covers Wiltshire, said more puppies are expected to arrive in the area throughout the year and the charity is keen to recruit additional volunteers.
“We’re very excited to welcome puppy Graham to the area,” she said. “To help care for these pups, we’re looking for more volunteers in areas including Chippenham, Swindon and Calne.
“Being a puppy raiser is hard work, but it’s highly rewarding. Without the support of our amazing volunteers, we simply wouldn’t be able to train the hundreds of life-changing guide dogs that support people with sight loss across the UK each year.”
Volunteer puppy raisers must be aged over 18, have suitable housing and enough time to dedicate to caring for a young dog. Guide Dogs provides full training and support, as well as covering essential costs such as food and veterinary care.
More information about puppy raising and other volunteer roles can be found at www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteering.
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