Chiswick Guide Dogs Marks its Eleventh Anniversary
Two households have been providing boarding and training since inception
Sarah left, Adrian Chiles centre and Guide Dog owners Chris and Jackie right at the George IV last year
March 14, 2025
Guide Dogs Chiswick is celebrating is 11th anniversary this week and is looking to build on the support it has received from the local community over that time.
The first appeal for volunteers was made on 12 March 2014 and it was reported on that day on this site.
The group was looking for people willing to board dogs in training with Guide Dog Mobility Instructor Wayne Townley.
Four households stepped forward as the result of the appeal and two of them remain involved to this day boarding, fundraising, visiting local schools and groups with the dogs.
Janice and Andy, Tim and Ling started working with Wayne 11 years ago and have been working together with the dogs ever since. They have boarded Guide Dogs in training as well as those working to retirement and those in need of rehoming and they get the dogs together with working Guide Dogs for free running in local parks.
The group has also had steady support from local people who have made donations and businesses who have helped by hosting Guide dog collection dogs and boxes. These include The Eye Studio on the High Road, Busby’s Pharmacy in Grove Park, Youngs Vets and “Short and Tall” who provide coffee and much more at Chiswick overground station. Last year the George IV hosted a special gathering of local Guide Dogs, volunteers and supporters attended by broadcaster Adrian Chiles.
The group is also about to start respite boarding of a working Guide Dog after his medical treatment once again working with Wayne Townley.
Guide dog owner Heather and her new dog Quincey are going well after completing full training and over a year together. Heather has been “free running” Quincey with other Guide Dogs in Chiswick House grounds, Gunnersbury Park and Homefield Recreation Ground.
Chiswick Guide Dogs Community have started their 2025 Appeal after a busy January to March including enjoyable visits to schools and the very welcoming St Andrews Fellowship at Christ Church Turnham Green.
You can support the work of the group through its Just Giving page.
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