A GUIDE dog trainer from Croft said she was proud as punch after hearing that the puppy she is training would be the star of a Christmas charity campaign.
Gino – a 13-month-old Golden Retriever-Labrador cross – featured in Guide Dogs charity’s 12 days of Christmas advent calendar.
The fundraiser aims to raise enough money to pay for 12 life-changing guide dogs for people who need them by showcasing 12 amazing pooches.
Gino lives with his puppy walker Joan Hughes and her husband David in Croft, and he opened the campaign by featuring on December 1.
And Joan could not hide her pride when speaking about the moment she was told that he would feature in the appeal.
She said: “Our role is to give Gino as many life experiences during his time with us as possible, so he will be a confident young dog ready to enter training.
“Hopefully one day, he will change the life of his guide dog owner.
“I was so proud when I found out he had been selected to be part of the 12 Guide Dogs of Christmas advent calendar.
“Guide Dogs is an absolutely wonderful charity and really needs support right now. If you can, please donate, as we would be so very grateful.”
Joan and David have been volunteer puppy walkers since 2015 and Gino is their fourth puppy.
In her role, she takes Gino with her to speak to local schools, youth groups, care homes and adult groups such as WI and church clubs.
Val Goldbold, volunteer branch treasurer for Guide Dogs Warrington, said the charity was ‘delighted and very proud’ that Gino had been picked to be a part of the campaign.
She added: “This has been a tough year for all of our branches.
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“We are a very active branch and are used to being out and about to meet with the public, visit schools and youth groups and hold fundraising events.
“We have really missed the interaction with the public this year and the dogs are missing it too.
“We understand that times are tough at the moment, but we would be really grateful if you can spare anything and make a donation.”
The 12 Guide Dogs of Christmas advent calendar is available to view at guidedogs.org.uk/12-dogs-of-christmas
If you would like to make a donation, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/starringgino
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