New Guide Dog ready for training at Wirral school (From Wirral Globe)

New Guide Dog ready for training at Wirral school

3:43pm Thursday 6th September 2012 in News

THE Mosslands school in Wallasey has welcomed a new puppy as part of a pioneering training programme with the Guide Dogs Association.

Three-month-old Golden Retriever Morris replaces Guide Dog Petal, who spent a year at the school and is now entering her first year of intensive training at a Guide Dog school, in preparation for being matched up with a new blind or partially sighted owner.

Mosslands was the first school in the country to team up with the national charity, to bring a Guide Dog puppy into school as part of its early development.

Morris will spend the next nine months with puppy walker and Faraday House office manager Chris Kemp.

Chris said: “Guide dog puppies start their training from the age of six weeks, which includes coping with busy social situations, noise disturbance and basic obedience.

“A school is therefore a perfect starting point, although the pupils now understand – having welcomed Petal for a year – that Morris will be a working dog in training, not a pet.

“The Guide Dog Association has been very supportive throughout the process.

“They have seen first-hand how beneficial bringing a puppy into school can be, and were happy for us to take on Morris for this school year.

“All the correct procedures and necessary Health and Safety checks have been followed and now Morris can start his training.”

The Mosslands School headteacher Adrian Whiteley said: “We are delighted to welcome Morris to the school and look forward to a continued partnership with the Guide Dogs Association.

“As the charity was founded here in Wallasey 80 years ago, our school definitely feels a strong affinity and we will continue to support their work through fundraising and awareness events.”