Oswestry Guide Dogs Fundraising Branch

15/08/2026

Looking for something to do this summer? Come along to our North West Regional Centre visitor experience! 🐾

Ever wondered how a playful puppy becomes a life-changing guide dog? Join us for an exclusive 2-hour guided tour and discover what goes on behind every guide dog’s journey.

✨ Highlights include:
Expert-led tours
Meet dogs in training
Hands-on sensory experience
Browse the gift shop
Complimentary tea & coffee

📅 Spaces are limited – book early to secure your spot.
👉Find out more on our website: https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/about-us/guide-dogs-centres/visitor-experiences/ -centres-classic-experience

[Image description: A Guide Dog Mobility Specialist is sitting on a chair in the arena, encouraging a trainee guide dog to settle under his legs.]

15/08/2026

Did you know you can support us via our Amazon Wishlist?

Our Amazon Wishlist mean you can support Guide Dogs by getting gifts sent directly to our dogs, buying them the things they really need to thrive during training 🐾

Our Wishlist for Atherton: https://amzn.to/47zDjuk

Our Wishlist for Liverpool: https://amzn.to/3PvFsSy

Our Wishlist for Shrewsbury: https://amzn.to/3O4NX6B

[Image description: a black Labrador x Golden Retriever is lying on a blue dog blanket. To her side is lots of donations off our Amazon Wishlist, including dog treats, toys, and a large cardboard box.]

15/08/2026

Thank you to the customers and staff at Tesco’s Ellesmere who helped us raise £173.31 for Guide Dogs 🦮 today ###

23/07/2026

Whilst most of our puppy raisers provide full term care for approximately 12-16 months, we are now offering volunteers the chance to provide temporary starter homes.

This involves looking after a young puppy for a few weeks up to the completions of vaccinations (subject to an individual’s availability). If you are an existing puppy raiser who could provide a temporary starter home, please contact your Puppy Development Advisor or email [email protected].

[Visual description: A young yellow lab puppy in a Guide Dogs puppy in training jacket, is stood on the pavement getting ready to cross the road with their puppy raiser]

23/06/2026

Keeping our dogs and puppies safe in extreme heat

Due to the current extreme temperatures in many parts of the UK we are currently advising that our dogs and puppies should not be doing any exercise at all if it's hotter than 24 degrees.

We know this is disruptive but it's essential that dog welfare comes first in current temperatures. This does differ from the advice we have shared before but due to how hot it is and how long the heatwave is due to go on for we have to go beyond our usual advice in order to protect dogs and people.

Clinical signs of heatstroke in dogs include panting, pale gums, lethargy and drooling. In severe cases dogs can show reluctance to move and seizures. It is vital that dogs don’t overheat, but dogs exhibiting symptoms should be gradually cooled down with cool (not ice-cold) water, then taken to the vet.

If you are concerned about your dog or puppy please contact Guide Line during working hours on 0800 781 1444 or email [email protected] and for out of hours support ring our emergency line on 0345 143 0217.

Our guidance page includes helpful advice on keeping dogs cool and recognising the signs of heatstroke, but please note it hasn't yet been updated with our latest extreme heat advice: https://bit.ly/HotWeatherGuidanceForDogs

17/06/2026

To provide temporary accommodation for a dog at home on behalf of Guide Dogs and to comply with the Fosterer Agreement in relation to the welfare and handling of the dog or puppy.

14/06/2026

Thank you to the customers & staff at Morrisons, Oswestry who helped us raise £79.72 for Guide Dogs today 🦮 🙏

31/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1cKUDK8co6/?mibextid=wwXIfr

'The Film I'll Never See' is now on iPlayer 🎬

The amazing documentary follows The Blind Poet Dave Steele as he navigates the final stages of sight loss and works to capture memories that matter. It’s an honest and powerful insight into the impact of sight loss on an entire family.

As Dave says, "There are always good times around the corner".

We loved it, and can't wait for you to experience it too!

Watch the film on iPlayer today: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002fxv5/our-lives-series-9-the-film-ill-never-see

23/05/2026

Some guide dogs may wear a red and white checkered harness, but do you know what it means?

This type of harness indicates that the guide dog owner has dual sensory loss, meaning they are visually impaired and also deaf or hard of hearing.

The red checkers help others recognise that the person may not be able to rely on visual or audio cues in the same way, encouraging greater understanding, patience and accessibility in public spaces.

Every partnership is unique, and small details like this can make a big difference in helping people navigate the world with confidence. 💛

[Visual Description: A black Labrador guide dog wears a harness with red and white checkered markings, and stands in front of a park bench outdoors on a sunny day. The dog is looking towards the camera with its tongue slightly out. Part of the guide dog owner can be seen sitting on the bench behind the dog, wearing a light blue top and holding the guide dog handle.]

23/05/2026

With high temperatures incoming, what does a heatwave mean for our dogs?

Temperatures over just 20°C can start to have an impact, and when the mercury reaches 25°C, greater care should be taken to prevent your dog getting too hot and risking heatstroke.

Help your dog safely enjoy warmer temperatures by following our tips:

1. Create a cool space in your house - pick the coolest area of your home and provide a cooling mat or cold damp towel for your dog to lie on.
2. Ensure your dog is well groomed to remove excess hair - allowing your dog’s skin to breathe and trap less heat in their coat.
3. Keep your dog’s water bowls filled with fresh water, including an extra one outside if needed.

You can find more hot weather tips and information via our website 👉 https://bit.ly/3PvtVD9

[Visual description: One of our dogs (golden retriever) enjoying splashing in a paddling pool which is placed in a shaded outdoor area at the National Centre.]