Guide dogs mark 80th anniversary

More than 80 guide dog puppies and canine friends met in Bankton Mains Park, Livingston, recently to celebrate Guide Dogs’ 80th anniversary by forming a giant figure of 80.

It was just one of many events that went on throughout the country to mark the 80th anniversary, which took place during Guide Dog Week.

In Livingston, the pups and their walkers took part in 80s themed activities such as walking 80 yards and raising £80.

Wilma MacLachlan, puppy walking supervisor, saids: “Puppy walkers give our dogs the best possible start to their training by making sure the pups get used to many different life experiences, like busy streets, public transport or sitting quietly in restaurants.

“It was great to get everyone together to celebrate the work they do and for the pups to have fun. But the event also had the more serious side of raising awareness about Guide Dogs and raising vital funds.”

Guide Dogs receives no government funding so the service relies almost entirely on voluntary contributions to fund services. It now costs almost £50,000 to support a guide dog from birth to retirement.