Service for guide dogs and owners in Minster

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

By Karen Grattage - The Press

Singing at York Minister was accompanied by howls and barks as dozens of guide dogs and their owners celebrated 75 years of partnership.

Hundreds of people from all over Yorkshire came to the special service to mark the anniversary of the first canine helpers finishing their training by the Guide Dogs For The Blind Association.

New dogs, which have just become fully-qualified, were among those at yesterday afternoon's celebration.

Among them was 15-month-old Ewan, who was being petted by his proud owner Angela Spokes, 36.

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She said: "He is my second guide dog and is doing very well. Guide dogs allow blind people to get about much more easily. You are invisible with a cane - but everyone makes a fuss of a guide dog." Angela, from Hull, said: "It's a really good idea to have a service and a chance for owners to meet up."

Maureen Clark, 66, a puppy walker, from Harrogate, said: "I'm now on my ninth puppy and each has their own individual character. I really miss them when they go - but then the next one comes.

"I take them out on buses and trains to get them used to the outside world and the charity pays for their food and vet bills. It is a really worthwhile job and very rewarding."

When the puppies are a year old, they undergo three months intensive training before being paired with blind people like Angela. Canon Jeremy Fletcher, leading the service, said: "It is the second time we have had a service at the minister, following one 15 years ago for the 60th anniversary.


Sara Gill, left, a guide dog mobility instructor with Lex, the Belgian Shepherd
"I know these dogs are working individuals and need to behave - but if they feel the need to be let off the leash, a bit of barking is not a problem."

Canon Fletcher was presented with a guide dog statue to mark the anniversary, which will be displayed in the Minister.

John Hilbourne, a guide dog owner and trustee of the association, said: "It is the anniversary of the day the first guide dogs came on to the streets of our country when guide dog owners stepped into a new world of opportunity."

He praised the breeding team, charity staff, 11,000 puppy walkers, drivers, fundraisers and trustees who all help start a guide dogs career.