Guide Dogs UK

It's time for another caption competition! 📸

What would you caption this photo of retired guide dog Woody, guide dog Rosie, guide dog puppy Delphi & guide dog Uska? Let us know in the comments 👇

[Visual description: Image shows four dogs stood in a diagonal line in a grassy park. From front to back the dogs are Woody (golden retriever), Rosie (black Labrador cross golden retriever), Delphi (black Labrador) and Uska (black Labrador). All four dogs are smiling happily with their tongues sticking out.]

Meet one of our newest recruits, guide dog puppy in training Clyde. Could you sponsor his journey to become a life-changing guide dog? 💙

Sponsor a Puppy today 👉 bit.ly/3A5ihXi

[Image description: two images of yellow Labrador, Clyde, laying down with rope toy and headshot looking to camera]

Did you know that with smart bulbs you can control your home lighting to suit your preferences? 💡 This is especially helpful for people with sight loss who may have specific lighting preferences to make the most of their vision. Scroll the images below for more information or check out Tech Selector for advice about smart bulbs 👉 guidedogs.org.uk/tech-selector

✨ What is Tech Selector?

Over 2 million people in the UK live with sight loss and technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing their independence.

Guide Dogs has been working with a range of sight loss sector partners and people with vision impairment and have launched Tech Selector. This innovative tool is poised to empower individuals with vision impairment by delivering personalised recommendations for tech products and services tailored precisely to their needs 👉 guidedogs.org.uk/tech-selector

[Visual description: a carousel of four images showing text on a pink and dark blue background. The first image shows a person using their smart phone to control their home lighting and text below the image reads "Three benefits of using smart home lighting for vision impairment". The second image reads "Set exactly the type of lighting that benefits your vision the most, including brightness and colour hue". The third image reads "Use your voice to control your lighting via a smart phone or smart speaker, saving the need to navigate your smart device". The fourth image reads "Smart bulbs have a long life span, so less bulb changes!"]

Life really is better with a dog... don't you agree? 🐶

Shop now on our brand NEW Guide Dogs Teemill Store 👉 bit.ly/3xRUU2U

[Image Description: two images of lady on beach, laughing and wearing a stone blue and mauve t-shirt, with writing that reads 'Life is better with a dog']

“If I didn’t have to worry about pavement parking, there'd be less anxiety in my journeys just getting to and from work, doing normal things, going to the shops. And I wouldn't be late for work, appointments, buses, or whatever I'm doing.” Mandy, guide dog owner 🚗

Cars blocking pavements are a problem for everyone, but are particularly dangerous for people with sight loss, wheelchair users and older.

Please sign our open letter asking party leaders to tackle pavement parking 👉 https://bit.ly/4d7AaDd

[Visual description: Guide dog owner Mandy is kneeling next to her guide dog (black Labrador cross golden retriever wearing her Guide Dogs bright yellow flash and harness) Mandy is looking forward and smiling to camera. In the background are lots of white coloured flowers and greenery]

We are urgently looking for more Puppy Raisers all over the country! 👉 bit.ly/3PgRTOc

“It’s nice to be part of a community, and I enjoy taking Unity to puppy class. People often approach us when we are out walking and ask me what puppy raising entails. I tell them you get all the joy of having a dog and none of the stress or the bills. All you've got to give is your time.”

[Image description: Puppy Raiser Tom crouching down next to Golden Retriever Unity to give her a neck scratch, while she looks like she’s smiling.]

Guide dogs in training Cassie and Zion have been enjoying the paddling pool at their training centre this week! 💦

Do you have a pup who enjoys a dip in the pool on a warm day? Post your pics in the comments below 👇

[Visual description: Image one shows Cassie, a golden retriever, stood in a shallow paddling pool. She wags her tail as she walks towards the camera. There are two dog toys in the pool. Image two shows Zion, a dark yellow Labrador, he has his wet nose close to the camera as he stands up in a shallow paddling pool.]

Have you had any BBQs yet this year? Now that the UK has finally got some sun, maybe you are planning on firing up the grill and cooking outdoors this weekend! ☀️ 🍔

Follow our tips to safely enjoy BBQ season with your dog -

🐶 Be aware of where you place candles and grills, as wagging tails and curious paws can knock these over and cause a risk of burns

🐶 Don't feed your dog BBQ food, as often the seasoning or sauces include onion, garlic and other ingredients that are toxic to dogs

🐶 Avoid giving your dog cooked bones to chew on, as these can splinter or break and become a choking hazard

For more advice on keeping your dog safe throughout the seasons, visit our website - https://bit.ly/3PDxIJV

[Visual description: Image shows a yellow Labrador laying outdoors on the grass, behind him is a stone barbeque. He is smiling happily at the camera with his tongue out.]

Guide Dogs UK Charity For The Blind And Partially Sighted Guide Dogs: Providing mobility for the blind and partially sighted. Supporting research, raising awareness and campaigning for the visually impaired

Meet Hans, sisters Bev and Thelma, Chip and Pippa 👋

The group have all recently been accepted to our breeding programme, in the hope to become future guide dog mums and dads 🐾

Our National Centre is home to our world-class breeding programme, find out all about the National Centre 👉 https://bit.ly/3K8PQty

[Visual descriptions: The first image shows guide dog dad, golden retriever Hans, sitting in a sandy area looking up to camera with sand on his nose and mouth open. The second image shows sisters Thelma and Bev (both black Labradors) sitting in a grassy area of our National Centre. Both girls have their tongues lolling in a similar manner. The third image shows a close-up headshot of guide dog dad, yellow Labrador Chip, looking up at the camera (His nose is the focal point) The fourth image shows guide dog mum, yellow Labrador Pippa, lying on the ground with her head up looking to camera with tongue hanging out]

Different technology can offer ways to make your life simpler and easier – if you know how to use it 📖

Apple Watch can help you with tasks while out and about. Scroll the carousel below to find out more about it 👇

Check out the new Tech Selector for more smart watch information.

What is Tech Selector?

Over 2 million people in the UK live with sight loss and technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing their independence.

Guide Dogs has been working with a range of sight loss sector partners and people with vision impairment and have launched Tech Selector. This innovative tool is poised to empower individuals with vision impairment by delivering personalised recommendations for tech products and services tailored precisely to their needs 👉 guidedogs.org.uk/tech-selector.

[Visual description: a carousel of four images showing text on a light and dark blue background. The first image includes a close up picture of someone using their Apple Watch and the text above the image reads "Three simple ways using an Apple Watch may help you if you have a vision impairment". The second image reads "Use VoiceOver to quickly and easily access your messages and emails on the go". The third image reads "Use Maps while you're out and about to navigate to your destination". The fourth image reads "Set up Apple Pay to quickly and efficiently pay for your shopping in just a tap"]

With the warm weather finally hitting the UK this week it's important to remember the dangers the heat can pose to our canine companions. 🌡️

As humans we sweat in order to cool down, however, dogs can only perspire around their paws so need to pant in order to cool off. The ability to do this is severely affected when a dog is confined space, for example in a car.

Even on a mild day, with the windows open, the temperature inside can reach around 49 degrees celsius in less than 30 minutes. Never leave your dog in the car. 🚗

Read our other hot weather tips here - https://bit.ly/3sFU6uZ

[Visual description: Image shows a yellow Labrador cross golden retriever sitting in long grass so that you can only see their head. The dog is looking off to the right with their mouth slightly parted as if gently panting.]

*Long post* We’re looking for a home for one of our special dogs. Meet 15-month-old, athletic Labrador Zen who’s looking for a specific home (Due to Zen’s needs we can only contact applicants who can clearly demonstrate how they can meet these) 🏡

He displays a high drive and strong work ethic - best suited to a home who do dog sport activities such as scent trials.

He can become bored and display undesirable behaviours such as jumping up and mouthing if he is not sufficiently stimulated mentally.

Zen will take time to adapt to change and needs a patient and considerate rehomer willing to support and work with him to allow him to fully settle into his new home.

We don’t feel he is suited to living in urban environment and would do best in a rural home to enjoy all the benefits the countryside can offer active dogs like him.

Zen has lived with other dogs but can be boisterous in his interactions. He could possibly live with another confident dog providing interactions are managed carefully, ideally a home as the only dog with no children under 13 would be preferable.

His recall is good once a bond is established, and any home must be able to provide safe, daily off lead running opportunities for him.

A great traveller and can be considered for an appropriate home anywhere in the UK, the rehomer will however have to travel to the location he is currently residing in to meet him in the first instance.

Zen’s a sweet dog who has the potential to be a great friend in the right home. If you feel you can offer this home, please complete an application using ‘Zen’ as a keyword in the application and detail how you can meet his needs using the personal statement section 👉 https://bit.ly/3Rl1HJi

[Visual description: Zen, yellow Labrador, is standing in a grassy field looking forwards to camera]

Long post 📢 Today the new government announced their plans in the King’s Speech. Among the new bills announced, a number could have a particular impact on people with sight loss.

Railways will be brought back into public ownership, with the aim of improving the quality of the service. This is a real opportunity to set clear standards on safety and accessibility for disabled people 🚆

There is an urgent need to improve the design of stations and carriages, and ensure that passenger assistance provided by staff is reliable and consistent across the network.

A bill on buses aims to give local councils more control over bus services in their areas. We were delighted to secure the requirement for buses to have audio-visual announcements in the last parliament 🚌

But there is much more that needs to be done to make them accessible, from ensuring consistent driver training to improving the accessibility of ticketing and the layout of buses.

The bill announced today provides an important opportunity to improve what remains by far the most used form of public transport across the UK.

The Children’s Wellbeing Bill aims to raise standards in education, and will require schools to cooperate with local councils when providing education for children with Special Educational Needs and Disability 👩‍🎓

We look forward to seeing further details, and how we can work with the government to ensure that children and young people with a visual impairment get the support they need.

For a number of years, larger employees have been required to publish data on the pay gap between men and women. A new bill aims to introduce a similar requirement covering race and disability to help close the gap in pay for people doing the same or similar roles.

Government statistics show that there is a significant gap in pay between disabled and non-disabled people.

While we welcome these measures, to unlock barriers to opportunity for people with sight loss, a great deal more needs to be done to make our communities more accessible.

Guide dog access refusals, problem pavement parking, anti-social e-scooter use and poor street design need urgent action 🦮

We will continue to press these issues, and we look forward to working with the government and politicians from all the parties in the months ahead.

[Visual description: a woman using a white cane is walking along the pavement towards the camera, away from a bus stop. On the right of the photo is a blue and red bus that is parked at the bus stop]

Celebrating World Emoji Day with these precious pups! We think they have some mixed emotions about the weather this week 😘😒

Which emoji describes your mood today? Post in the comments below! 👇🥳

[Visual description: Image shows two black Labrador puppies sat in an outdoor pen with two emoji shaped soft toys in front of them. One of the emojis is the kissing face and the other is the unamused face.]

A double dose of tongue out Tuesday cuteness today from guide dogs in training, Chester and Ben! 💛

Do you have a pup who likes to smile with their tongue out too? Post them in the comments!

[Visual description: Image shows two guide dogs in training stood on the grass. Chester, a pale yellow Labrador cross golden retriever is stood at the front looking up at the camera and smiling with his mouth open and tongue out. Ben, a yellow Labrador is stood behind him and is looking off to the left, he is also smiling with his mouth open and tongue out.]

We’ve put together fact files on incredible guide dog owners who are superstars in the world of sport, especially for schools and youth groups. 🌟

With the Paris Games fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to celebrate these inspiring athletes and their amazing guide dogs. 🦮

Look out for these new resources, created alongside Twinkl Resources, in our Fund Race pack. Discover these athletes’ stories and get inspired! 👉bit.ly/FundRace24.

[Visual description: photos of Josh Murphy (credit Goalball UK) and Libby Clegg smiling to camera.]

Forget the Golden Boot it's all about the Golden Paw at Guide Dogs...Step up Puppy Predictor captain Harry Kanine to collect your trophy 🐾 ⚽

[Visual descriptions: The first image shows guide dog puppy Harry (black Labrador) sitting on grass in a fenced off area at our National Centre. Harry is looking to camera and there is a golden coloured football trophy next to him which features a large paw print and the words "Golden Paw Euro 2024 Guide Dogs Best Puppy Predictor Pup" The second image shows guide dog puppy Harry (black Labrador) sitting on grass in a fenced off area at our National Centre. Harry is turning towards a golden coloured football trophy next to him which features a big paw print and the words "Golden Paw Euro 2024 Guide Dogs Best Puppy Predictor Pup. Harry is giving the trophy a lick. In the background is a colourful banner promoting the Euro 2024 football tournament]

Join the Guide Dogs Kiltwalk Team at a Kiltwalk location of your choice and be part of the biggest team of Kiltwalkers yet! 👉 bit.ly/3UkUTgu

[Image Description: Image of a group of fundraisers smiling for a photo on a bridge, wearing fundraising t-shirts and fluffy ears]

Walk the talk, honour our life-changers and show loyalty to your favourite breed with our brand NEW Guide Dogs Teemill Store! 🤩

View our exclusive range of sustainable clothing, homeware and stationery 👉 bit.ly/3xRUU2U

This Summer you may be planning on going on holiday! 😎🏖️

If you plan on bringing your dog with you, there are things you can do to help them feel settled and comfy while with you on your travels:

🐶 Bring their own bedding, bowls and toys – having their own items will help your dog feel more at home.

🐶 On longer journeys, be sure to take regular breaks for your dog to drink water and go to the toilet.

🐶 When you’ve arrived at your destination ensure their bed is placed in a calm, quiet place, so that they can relax in a safe space.

For more advice on looking after your dog through different seasons, visit our website - https://bit.ly/3tit0du

[Visual description: Post has two images. Image one shows a black Labrador stood on a sandy beach, her fur is damp and she is smiling up at the camera with her mouth open. Image two shows the same black Labrador on the same beach, she has her eyes closed and tongue out with her nose close to the camera.]

Ahead of the big game this weekend - please meet our elite Euro 2024 Puppy Predictor squad, headed up by team captain Harry "Kanine" - Harry, Frankie, Dodger, Levi, Hazel, Pam, Gordon, Ellie, Fiji, Ella and Imran ⚽

Who will be awarded the coveted Golden "Paw"?...🐾

[Visual descriptions: All images have been taken at our National Centre and all pups are sat in a grassy area with two soft toy footballs placed either side of them. There's a fence in the background of all photos with a colourful banner which promotes the Euro 2024 championship. The first image shows guide dog puppy Harry, black Labrador, sitting down and looking to camera. The second image shows guide dog puppy Frankie, golden retriever, sitting down and looking to camera. The third image shows guide dog puppy Dodger, chocolate Labrador, sitting down and looking to camera with head tilted. The fourth image shows guide dog puppy Levi, golden retriever, sitting down and looking to camera. The fifth image shows guide dog puppy Hazel, German shepherd, sitting down and looking to camera. The sixth image shows guide dog puppy Pam, yellow Labrador, sitting down and looking to camera. The seventh image shows guide dog puppy Gordon, black Labrador, sitting down and looking to camera. The eighth image shows guide dog puppy Ellie, yellow Labrador, sitting and looking to camera. The ninth image shows guide dog puppy Fiji, black golden retriever cross German shepherd, sitting and looking to camera. The tenth image shows guide dog puppy Ellie, yellow Labrador, sitting and looking to camera. The eleventh image shows guide dog puppy Imran, yellow Labrador, sitting and looking to camera]

Meet volunteer Fundraiser Tommy and his guide dog Toby, who have found a whole new group of friends in their local Guide Dogs Fundraising group. 💙

Tommy explains “If anybody is interested in volunteering, please do come along, and join in because it’s good fun. We all have a lovely time, and we raise awareness and money. So, if you’re sitting at home, or looking for something to do come and be part of the family.”

Become part of the pack 👉 bit.ly/4eaAWR2

[Image description: Volunteer Fundraiser Tommy crouching down next to his yellow Labrador guide dog Toby, holding a collection bucket at an event, smiling.]

A huge round of 'a-paws' to Gwynedd Guide Dogs and our very own Chief Executive, Andrew Lennox, for climbing to the summit of Snowdon this weekend for Guide Dogs 💙

[Image description: Gwynedd volunteer Sioned, Ian (Nottingham volunteer) and Andrew Lennox (Guide Dogs Chief Executive - wearing wet weather gear, plus some Guide Dogs branded tops and yellow fluffy ears. In the distance are the green hills of the mountain, a lake and plenty of clouds]

We brought the top (man) to the top yesterday. Guide Dogs UK Chief Executive, Andrew Lennox, become an honorary Gwynedd volunteer for the day and hiked to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).

We were also joined by another top guy, and that's Ian from the Nottingham Fundraising Group. He's preparing for his own epic trek from Nottingham to Portugal to raise money for Guide Dogs. He certainly got his steps in yesterday and his positivity kept us all going.

You can still donate by visiting our JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/yr-wyddfa-2024

Guide Dogs Midlands and East Guide Dogs Cymru Guide Dogs Events (UK)

Image description: Gwynedd volunteer Sioned, Ian (Nottingham volunteer) and Andrew Lennox (Guide Dogs Chief Executive. They are wearing wet weather gear, plus some Guide Dogs branded tops and yellow fluffy ears. In the distance are the green hills of the mountain, a lake and plenty of clouds!

Today is national ‘Thank You Day’! 👏

How could we not mention the incredible work of our volunteers, on a day like today?

Always ready to lend a hand, your generosity has no limits.

Never underestimating the impact of your time and talent, you change lives.

Kindly giving us your best, everyday you make a difference.

You and everything you bring allows us to support those with sight loss.

Outstanding volunteers like you make us better.

United in purpose, together we achieve more.

Thank you for everything you do. Your contributions are the heart of Guide Dogs, and we are forever grateful. 💛

[Visual description: Image shows Tracey, Head of Volunteering, smiling and holding up a card with the words ‘Thank you’ inside a big blue heart.]