A YOUNG puppy is set to grow up into a life-changing guide dog thanks to the support of a Rugby businessman.
Six-week-old Guide Dogs puppy Selsey is being sponsored by Dave Simmonds, who runs oven valeting service Ovenu Rugby.
He is contributing to the cost of supporting Selsey through her training until she becomes a fully qualified guide dog at around two years of age.
The black Labrador who has six siblings – Cosmo, Peegee, Dougall, Polly, Jessie, and Billy – was recently placed with a puppy raiser who will start to teach her the skills essential to become a future guide dog.
Dave, who has operated the business since 2010, said: “The past year has been difficult and challenging for everyone, not least Guide Dogs, which has experienced a fall in income due to the pandemic.
“As a business owner I want to give something back by contributing to a charity that helps provide life-changing independence and freedom to blind and partially sighted people.
“It’s also a way of saying a huge thank you to my clients who, without their continued support, I would not be in a position to sponsor this cute ball of fluff!”
Victoria Noyce-Guthrie of Guide Dogs said: “We rely on donations and Ovenu’s kind support will allow us to make a life changing difference to someone living with sight loss, by providing a guide dog.
“We hope that during these difficult times the news of Selsey being born and the pupdates about her training journey will be something positive to look forward to.”
Rik Hellewell, the founder and managing director of the Ovenu franchise, said: “I’m delighted that Dave is supporting such a wonderful and deserving charity and I’m sure his clients will be interested to follow Selsey’s progress.”
Ovenu has set up a Just Giving page that allows clients to make further donations to Guide Dogs. Visit https://tinyurl.com/4t48v332 to donate.
Visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/nameapuppy for more information on naming and sponsoring a Guide Dogs puppy.
