Chepstow puppy Umber wins stud dog title with Guide Dogs
Umber, a black Labrador, has been selected as a stud dog, meaning he will help produce future generations of life-changing puppies.
He spent his first year with volunteer puppy raiser Cara Moulton in Chepstow, where his potential as a guide dog dad was quickly spotted.
Now 16 months old, he has moved to the Worcester area with Cara's son, Haydn, so he is within easy reach of the Guide Dogs National Centre in Leamington Spa.
All three of Cara's guide dog puppies have been black Labradors.
The first, Hunter, has gone on to qualify as a guide dog in Cumbria.
Her current puppy, Diesel, is also being assessed as a potential stud dog.
Cara said: "It is a joy and honour being part of these puppies' lives and helping them become confident, relaxed dogs.
"They are all different, but they all love to play and learn and they give us so much back.
"We are so proud to have raised Hunter, Umber and Diesel and we are already planning the arrival of the next guide dog puppy."
To find out more about volunteering for Guide Dogs, visit guidedogs.org.uk/volunteering.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Scotsman
Two volunteers celebrate 3,500 hours of dedicated devotion to dogs
Two dog-loving volunteers who have racked up a total of nearly two decades of dedicated devotion to Dogs Trust West Calder's handsome hounds are encouraging others to come and join the volunteer team. Free weekly newsletter Join our weekly YourWorld newsletter for updates, behind-the-scenes insights from editor David Summers, and your chance to shape what's next. Free weekly newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Having spent over 3,500 hours volunteering, Isabel Taggart and Kay Wallace are urging others this Volunteers' Week to consider joining the Dogs Trust West Calder team. Isabel Taggart from Livingston has been a firm fixture at the rehoming centre since 2011, when she first joined the volunteer team as a dog walker. Isobel has always liked dogs, but as she worked full-time, she didn't have a dog of her own, so volunteering allowed her to help dogs in need. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When Isabel retired in 2017, everything changed as she adopted her first dog from Dogs Trust and continued to volunteer cleaning kennels. Isabel is so committed to the charity that both dogs she has rehomed from Dogs Trust, Jovi and Suzi, had experienced very unsettled starts in life and were proving difficult to rehome until Isabel came to the rescue. Dogs Trust West Calder Volunteer Isabel Taggart Isabel says: 'You can't take all the dogs home, but by volunteering, you are making their lives better. By cleaning the kennels, the staff can spend more time with the dogs, which makes me happy. 'As I am now retired, I feel it's nice to still be making a contribution. I enjoy coming in in the morning and seeing the dogs' faces. The longer-term dogs get to know us and respond in a positive way. I feel a real sense of achievement volunteering with Dogs Trust.' Kay Wallace, also from Livingston, began volunteering for Dogs Trust in 2021 after losing her beloved dog Pepsi the year before. Despite working full-time as a Treatment Room Nurse, Kay volunteers on Saturday and Sunday at the rehoming centre. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Kay said: 'When I lost my Labrador Pepsi, I decided not to get another dog as it's too heartbreaking when they die, so instead I've been volunteering ever since. My role involves cleaning the kennels and ensuring the dogs have a comfy, clean bed, which I love doing as no dog should have a scruffy bed. Dogs Trust West Calder Volunteer Kay Wallace with Volunteer Co-ordinator Garry Lee 'Volunteering gives me so much joy. As much as I enjoy my job as a nurse, coming to the centre on the weekend are the best two days of the week. Spending time with the beautiful dogs is wonderful, especially saying good morning to them and seeing their reaction when they get to know you. I feel very much like I am part of the team at West Calder, where everyone is so hard-working and friendly. I recommend volunteering to anyone with the time and love of dogs.' Dogs Trust West Calder is currently seeking volunteers for different roles at the centre including: ·Canine Assistants who spend time helping clean the kennels and being with the dogs; Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad ·Administrators who carry out tasks such as answering the phones, filing and carrying out internet research; ·Meet and greet volunteers who are often the first point of contact for visitors, ensuring people receive a warm welcome, and have an enjoyable visit; ·Volunteer Laundry Assistants to make sure dogs have clean and fresh blankets and bedding when it's time to rest and enjoy a snooze; ·Home from Home foster carers who care for dogs in their home temporarily until they find their forever homes. Dogs Trust meets all costs involved in caring for the dog. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Although more than 60 people currently give their time to help at the centre, Volunteer Co-ordinator Garry Lee, says they would love more to join. Garry says: 'Our volunteers are amazing and go above and beyond for our dogs here at West Calder rehoming centre. They devote so much of their free time to us and are always willing to help whenever possible. Without them, giving the dogs everything they need would be much more difficult. 'Isabel has been a core member of our volunteer team for many years. When she retired, she moved closer to the centre and was then able to volunteer more often. She also helps other volunteers by giving them lifts to and from the centre. Kay is also a valued part of the team. She works extremely hard Monday to Friday as a nurse and yet spends her weekend mornings with us, looking after our dogs. We really appreciate their hard work and dedication. 'Every volunteer makes a huge difference to what we can achieve at the centre, and we welcome more local dog lovers to come and join us.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Volunteers must be aged 18 and over, and all are welcome. It's a fantastic way to develop new skills, gain further experience and meet new friends. All that's required is a positive attitude and a love of dogs. To find out more, please go to or contact Garry Lee, Volunteer Co-ordinator at [email protected]
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Scotsman
Top dogs meet top hats! Guide dog puppies discover Ascot's wildest headgear
At a socialisation event at Ascot, the dogs also got used to the other sights, sounds and smells of the racecourse Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Ascot racegoers saw a different kind of head turner as a group of adorable guide dogs puppies took to the racecourse as part of their training, getting up close and personal with some of the huge hats and frilly fascinators on display. The initiative comes as research from Guide Dogs reveals that over three in five dog owners (60%) have seen their dog react with fear or confusion to unusual or unfamiliar characteristics they have not been exposed to before. Nearly one in eight dogs react this way when confronted with oversized hats (13%) - equating to a huge 1.6 million of the UK's pet dogs. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The puppies, who will hopefully one day change the lives of people with sight loss, were invited to the racecourse for the training session in style ahead of Royal Ascot. They met individuals showcasing some mighty millinery and top hats and tails - after research showed those in uniforms also elicit reactions from dogs (12%). Ranging from 12 weeks to ten months, the puppies enjoyed playtime, treats and positive interactions such as cuddles, to help prevent any future fearfulness. Guide dog puppies interact with racegoers wearing big hats at Ascot Racecourse, as part of their socialisation training to become comfortable around unusual headwear. Research from charity Guide Dogs reveals that dogs can be afraid of hats or objects on people's heads, as they can make it harder for them to recognise even familiar individuals With its elaborate fashion and lively atmosphere, the races proved the perfect setting for the pups to encounter new sights, sounds, and scents, all of which are crucial for their development. To help support new dog owners, Guide Dogs Puppy Development Advisor, Chloe Southby, has shared her list of top tips that owners should look to follow within the first 16 weeks of their puppies lives, to help them with confidence in the world around them: ● Hats and headwear - Hats, hoods and even sunglasses can totally change how a person looks, which can confuse or unsettle a puppy. Practise wearing different headwear during play or feeding time, and encourage friends to do the same. Early, positive exposure will help your pup stay calm around all kinds of get-ups Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad ● Crowded spaces - A busy crowd can bea daunting and overwhelming experience for a puppy. Start slow with small gatherings of friends and family and then build up to livelier settings like dog friendly pubs or markets. Short, positive visits help your pup learn to stay relaxed even when things get busy. If at any time your puppy looks uncomfortable, go back a stage. Progress isn't always linear Guide dog puppies interact with racegoers wearing big hats at Ascot Racecourse, as part of their socialisation training to become comfortable around unusual headwear. Research from charity Guide Dogs reveals that dogs can be afraid of hats or objects on people's heads, as they can make it harder for them to recognise even familiar individuals ● Loud noises - It's important to remember that dogs' ears are more sensitive to noise than ours. With a puppy practise playing everyday sounds your puppy may hear like busy roads or café nosies. This will help your puppy when you start to visits these locations. Gradually build up time, keeping sessions short and positive, and reward calm behaviour around noise ● Other animals - Prepare your pup by letting them meet friendly dogs on walks and visiting places where they can see other animals at a comfortable distance. No need for nose-to-nose contact but seeing them from afar, whilst on the lead, is a great start ● New smells and environments - Every new setting is a sensory overload for young dogs. Let your pup explore, giving them plenty of time to sniff and investigate. Encouraging them to sniff is hugely calming for dogs and helps them settle into new environments at their own pace Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Chloe Southby, Puppy Development Advisor at Guide Dogs, explains: 'Royal Ascot offers a unique training opportunity for our guide dog puppies. Alongside the crowds, smells and sounds, it's one of the few places in the UK where extravagant hats and fascinators are the norm – which can be confusing or even frightening for some dogs. 'Some dogs are wary of new or unusual objects like hats and may find them unsettling, especially when worn by someone they know. It can make familiar people seem unfamiliar. 'That's why environments like Ascot are so valuable for socialising our puppies – helping them grow into confident guide dogs who can support people wherever life takes them.' Jacqui Greet, Corporate Social Values Manager at Ascot Racecourse, added: 'It was fantastic to have Guide Dogs here socialising their puppies, not only does it help prepare the dogs for real-world environments, but we hope it will encourage more people to visit. We are proud to provide an accessible environment for all racegoers and welcome any guest with an assistance dog.'
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
I'm a vet – here's the five dog breeds that shed the most and how to avoid a hairy home
Scroll down to see the top five offenders PET HATE I'm a vet – here's the five dog breeds that shed the most and how to avoid a hairy home DOG and cat owners are daft about their furry friends. But many have one big pet hate - how much fur they leave all over your home. Advertisement 2 Cleaning up after your pet doesn't have to be a chore A recent survey by Vileda revealed that three in five women would rather share the sofa with a pet than their partner when watching telly. But with many households struggling to keep on top of cleaning up after their fluffy friends, one pet expert has revealed the top shedding breeds that will wreak havoc in your home. Vileda, the expert cleaning brand behind the Pet Pro range, has teamed up with pet expert, and influencer, Cat The Vet to spill the beans on the breeds most likely to leave your home covered in fluff. Cat said: "Unless you've got a non-shedding dog breed like a poodle cross, you'll know all about the pet hair struggle. Advertisement "While some breeds shed all year round, for most, their coats change with the seasons." She adds: "Did you know that how much your dog sheds is all down to their genes? "Some breeds are seasonal shedders, losing their coats twice a year in a big 'blow out' – think Akitas and Huskies. Others, like Labradors, shed non-stop!" Coming top of the list of doggy offenders are Labradors. These gorgeous dogs have a dense undercoat and a thicker outer coat. Advertisement This allows them to regulate their body temperature - but also means they have lots more fur to shed. In second place is German Shepherds which also have a double coat. They tend to shed their coat fully twice a year, in spring and autumn. The Supervet's Noel Fitzpatrick reveals how a dog exposed man's affair in the most astonishing way Meanwhile, third on the ranking is an Akita. Another double coated dog, they tend to leave clumps of fair coloured hair during the main shedding season. But don't throw in the towel if you're struggling to win the battle against fur and dander. Advertisement Cleaning expert Clare Bolland, from Vileda, has some brilliant hacks to keep your home gleaming, even with the fluffiest of breeds. She says: "On average, we spend more than four hours a week on cleaning tasks caused by our pets and 35 per cent of pet owners admitted they underestimated how much cleaning they'd have to do before getting their pet. "But there are loads of handy hacks to make cleaning quicker and easier – leaving you more quality time to spend with your pet.' Advertisement Brush them OUTSIDE Clare warns: "Brushing your dog or cat regularly will seriously cut down on indoor shedding – and the trick is to do it outdoors. "Take them into the garden at least once per week to brush their coat. "Doing this inside might not seem like a big problem, but fine hairs will be dispersed in your home – then settling and creating more work to clean up later.' Fur-free forty winks Clare said: "We love our pets so much that 79 per cent of us let them sleep in our beds. Advertisement "But here's the main tip: change your bedding every three to four days. Even if your dog or cat looks clean, they'll bring dirt and debris into your bed that hides in their fur or on their paws. That ends up on your sheets, pillows, and duvet cover." Stray pet hairs will cling to your bedding and fabric headboards. The expert added: "Leave it too long and it can become trapped inside your pillows, duvet, and mattress, making it even more difficult to remove later down the line." Her secret weapon is Vileda's Pet Pro Electrostatic Brush - which you can keep in your bedside drawer. Advertisement Clare says: "A quick once-over of your bed each morning removes pet hair in minutes, so you can enjoy plenty of cuddles from your furry friend every night. And give your duvet and pillows a good shake when you change your bedding to stop fur getting embedded." TOP SHEDDING OFFENDERS HERE are the top offenders according to the pet experts: Top five dog breeds for shedding: Labradors German shepherds Akitas Huskies Basset hounds Top 5 cat breeds for shedding: Maine Coon Long haired moggy Short haired moggy Ragdoll Persian Make cleaning a BREEZE The expert said: "Having the right products on hand is vital to streamline your cleaning routine. "We designed the Vileda Pet Pro Always Clean Broom for ultimate ease and speed. Its rubber bristles attract and collect dirt and pet hair from any floor type – including hard floors, carpets and rugs. "The angled bristles make it quicker to reach and clean corners, and it's easy to clean: simply rinse it under the tap after use.' Advertisement
