It’s weird to think that, once upon a time, I was never particularly fond of dogs (Picture: Elle Manners)
Walking into the Guide Dog school, I spied our golden Labrador, Alissa, a mile off.
She was sprawled out on her back, her paws up in the air as she lay fast asleep, relaxing after a busy day of training.
When she finally stirred and saw us, her tail wagged furiously as she bounded over. My heart swelled with warmth and affection.
A greeting like that never gets old and I count myself lucky that we decided to become fosterers to guide dogs in training.
Because even though the day that Alissa left us came, in the brief time we had her, she filled our home with such unique joy and companionship.
It’s weird to think that, once upon a time, I was never particularly fond of dogs.
Growing up, I’d always had cats. I was actually quite scared of dogs – I’d never been around them so didn’t really know how to act.
But then I met Adam. Unlike me, he’d always been passionate about dogs as his father, who is registered blind, always had a working guide dog around – as well as a retired one.
These four-legged creatures were Adam’s best friends growing up. They provided him with companionship, loyalty and so many treasured memories.
I felt like my fear of dogs was somewhat irrational so it was something I was willing to try and overcome (Picture: Elle Manners)
In the early days of our relationship, I loved watching his face light up as he shared stories about his childhood pooches.
Around dogs, Adam’s joy was always plain to see. He seemed happier and at ease. Seems like, to him, anywhere is home if there is a dog there.
But it also made me realise how much he missed having a dog around. I knew how happy having a dog would make Adam, and I felt like my fear of dogs was somewhat irrational so it was something I was willing to try and overcome.
However, we work 9-5 jobs – Adam works in property, so he travels a lot and I work a corporate role in an office. We’re not often home during the day, so, for years, I made it clear that it’d be impossible to have a dog of our own.
I discovered that Guide Dogs were looking for volunteer fosterers for dogs in Bristol (Picture: Elle Manners)
Then, in late 2020, I discovered that Guide Dogs were looking for volunteer fosterers for dogs in Bristol.
Responsibilities, if we went ahead, would include: providing a home for the dogs during their advanced training, dropping them off at and picking them up from the training centre Monday-Friday, and ensuring they had a relaxed environment after their busy days.
We’d also get to take them on fun outings and activities on weekends when the dogs were home full-time.
Essentially, it was the ideal way to have a dog in our lives without the full-time commitment that comes with ownership. Plus, Guide Dogs would be there to support us throughout the whole process and help with training techniques and welfare.
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Source:: Metro
