The nature of our work means that we always have dogs on premises.  Even if it's a special holiday like Christmas, we always have staff on duty to care for our special brood!  Fortunately, we are also supported by a fantastic group of volunteers who step in to lend a hand. 

Pictured here is volunteer Catherine Daly who has just popped in to collect Zander who will be staying with her over the Christmas period. A number of our dogs have similarly gone to spend the Christmas holidays with volunteers who have offered to foster them. 

This year, we have 16 dogs staying in with us in Kennels over the Christmas period and the Team on duty have already planned what they'll be doing with them on Christmas Day.  Their day's activity will include grooming, a number of play sessions and of course, a little Christmas Treat (rawhide chews).  Afterall, everyone deserves a Christmas present, don't they? 

Our group of 16 will be staying together in our Pod Kennel which has underfloor heating. We recently took delivery of some new beds and fleece blankets, so all will be snuggled up and warm.  Each dog will be paired with a Kennel buddy so there will be lots of playing going on! 

And while a small group of the 16 dogs will continue to be trained during the holidays in preparation for our first Guide Dog Class starting on the 10th of January, the others will get some time off to relax and play, making this Christmas a special holiday indeed.