Meet some amazing guide dogs at KGH drop-in event
A chance to meet and find out more about the incredible support given by guide dogs is available at Kettering General Hospital.
The local branch of the Guide Dogs has a drop-in session in the atrium area (right of reception) of KGH on Tuesday, 12 May from 10am to 3pm.
The event offers the opportunity to learn more about the work of the charity, their volunteering roles, and the many ways they offer support to the visually impaired.
KGH Governor Rashmi Shah is blind and has a guide dog - a six-year-old German Shepherd / Retriever mix called Ben.
He said: "Having a guide dog has given me independence. Having Ben means I can get out and about independently. This really helps to improve my physical and psychological wellbeing."
Despite Guide Dogs being a familiar sight in the UK, sometimes in a hospital environment, people might be unsure how to interact with the dogs.
Rashi said: "Many people love dogs, especially if they're in hospital and missing their own pet. However, guide dogs are working animals and shouldn't be treated like a pet. They're specially trained to help their owner navigate the world. Petting them or interacting with them is a distraction and potentially puts them in danger.”
However, at the drop-in event there will be no problem meeting the dogs as they're not working so visitors can interact with them. Plus, there will be merchandise and volunteers on hand to talk about the different roles available.
Rashmi said: "There are so many different ways in which people can volunteer. The Guide Dogs charity is always looking fundraisers, but for the first 14 months of a guide dog's life, they're being raised by volunteers. There are so many ways people can support the charity. Visit us at our event and learn more.”
UHN Director of Estates and Facilities Rob Drabble has supported Rashmi with this initiative. He said: “It's a great opportunity to celebrate and highlight the great work that Guide Dogs provide not only for patients, but for visitors and colleagues”.
Established in 1934, Guide Dogs is a national charity, here to help the two million people in the UK with sight loss, be able to live the life they choose. Currently the charity has more than 3000 guide dogs partnered with individuals across the UK and is almost entirely dependent on donations.
