A GUIDE dog training centre is opening its doors to the public to celebrate its 30th birthday.
On Saturday, September 3 Redbridge’s Guide Dog Training School is hosting an anniversary family fun day to give dog lovers young and old the chance to meet some of its K9 residents.
Just after they turn one-year-old, the dogs at the centre in Manor Road, Woodford Bridge, are put through their paces for their early guide dog training.
Although many are then moved to different centres, some of Woodford Green’s 100 guide dogs stay at the Redbridge Centre for their advanced 10-week training.
If they complete that successfully, they are then paired with a blind or partially-sighted person, before dog and owner go through partnership training to ensure they are properly compatible.
The Woodford Bridge centre is also used to help find homes for retired guide dogs after their owners move on.
Previous year’s events have seen blindfolded dog races judged by local reality TV stars from The Only Way Is Essex Debbie Douglas and Lydia Bright.
The fun will start at 11am on Saturday, September 3.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here