Aylesbury business owner sponsors ‘sweet and charming’ Guide Dogs pup Ralph

The yellow Golden Retriever/Labrador cross replaces black Lab Selsey, which Ovenu franchisees first started sponsoring in 2021.

Despite excelling in training, Selsey developed a slight weakness in one hip which meant she was unable to progress to become a working Guide Dog. However, despite the setback, Nigel wanted to continue his support for the charity.

Ralph, now 10-months-old, is spending time with Puppy Raisers Toni and Adrian, two of the 16,000 volunteers that work with Guide Dogs. He will remain with them until he’s 12 to 14-months-old before being considered for full Guide Dog training, with the longer-term ambition of being assigned to a visually impaired person.

So far Ralph is settling in well and is described as “sweet and charming.” His latest report card says he is brilliant at boarding public transport and is confident in busy environments, while his food manners are ‘almost there.’

Nigel, who is from Aylesbury and previously spent almost three decades working in retail for Marks & Spencer, decided to change career in September 2021, joining Ovenu Aylesbury as a technician, before buying the business in August 2022 from former franchisee Kerry Corney.

He said: “Guide Dogs is a fantastic charity and I’m pleased to be able to give something back by supporting its life changing work. These dogs provide those with sight loss greater mobility, independence, social interaction - as well as companionship.

“It’s also a way of saying a huge thank you to my clients who, without their continued support, I wouldn’t be in a position to sponsor this adorable pup!”

Guide Dogs’ CEO Andrew Lennox said: “It costs approximately £56,000 to support each guide dog through from birth to retirement, and without all the contributions of our donors and the efforts of our fundraisers we would not be able to do what we do.”