Proud Ribble Valley couple train 40th guide dog (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Proud Ribble Valley couple train 40th guide dog

12:32pm Friday 27th March 2009 in News By Tyrone Marshall, Reporter

AN East Lancashire couple who have helped train guide dogs for more than 35 years have just taken in their 40th puppy.

Doris and Fred Milligan, from the Ribble Valley, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary last year and recently welcomed the latest addition to their family, Una.

The couple, both in their 70s, help prepare the puppies for life as the eyes of blind or partially sighted people, by taking them on trains and buses and visiting busy shopping centres and high streets.

Fred, who is general manager of the charity Blackburn with Darwen Churches Action, said his wife started puppy walking because of her love for dogs.

He said: “I have helped Doris for the last 13 years or so but it was she who first got involved with puppy walking.

“It keeps us both really active now, we walk up to five miles a day and are always getting out and about with the puppies.

“We get an incredibly proud feeling when we see puppies go on to become guide dogs.

“We have blind people visit us with the dogs and it is fantastic to see, it’s very rewarding.

“But the worst part is seeing these puppies you look after for a year or more leave, it is heart-breaking and even now I can’t be in the house when they leave.”

Doris and Fred’s current puppy, Una, is a five-month old golden retriever.

“Puppy walking is very challenging,” added Doris, “and it’s a real commitment to take a puppy in to your home for a year, but with the support of Guide Dogs staff, it is also extremely rewarding and worthwhile.”

Doris also pleaded for future puppy walkers to volunteer their services.

For more information about volunteering, call Guide Dogs’ on 0854 371 7771, or e-mail volunteer @guidedogs.org.uk.