Golden Retriever guide dog puppy Ruby visited the Nottingham Panthers at the Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham, to mark the start of their support for Guide Dogs.
The ice hockey team have chosen to support the sight loss charity and hope to raise enough to name their own guide dog puppy.
Guide dog puppy visits Nottingham Panthers
Daniel Kerry, Media Manager at Nottingham Panthers, said:
“We’re delighted to be supporting Guide Dogs. We’re lucky to have a generous community of fans and supporters who are always willing to get involved for important causes.
“The team loved meeting Ruby and finding out more about the journey of a guide dog, from a puppy through to a partnership supporting someone with sight loss.”
Jane Shelley, Regional Community Fundraising Manager, said:
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to be working with the Nottingham Panthers.
“They are such a community minded club and have a huge enthusiasm for making a difference.
“Having their support will help us provide vital services to people living with sight loss, raise funds and awareness and reach more volunteers in the area.”
5-month-old puppy Ruby is currently staying with volunteer ‘Puppy Raisers’.
Puppy Raisers are vital to the early development of guide dogs, teaching basic commands and helping them get used to different environments.
The role supports puppies for the first 12-16 months of their lives before they begin their specialised training.
If you could provide a loving home to a guide dog puppy for the first year of their life, call 0800 781 1444 or visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteering