Standing, from left, Laura Hector, Leona McCarthy, Richard Duck, Sally Reason, Mike Reason, Graham Edwards, Penny Priddy, Jan Aitken, Jan Gale, Charlie Aitken, Tom German, Hester Smith, David Smith and Helen White. Front, from left, Mathew Fuller, Luke Keenan and Andy Strange.
A TEAM of cyclists embarked on a 50-mile cycle ride around the Island to raise money for Canine Partners — a charity which provides specially trained assistance dogs for people with disabilities.
The 18 riders stopped for a break at The Garlic Farm, Newchurch, and met the Island’s puppy satellite trainer, Debbie Flux, and a number of Canine Partners puppies which live on the Island with their volunteer puppy parents.
The cyclists were shown the skills learnt by the puppies in their early stages of training, which are invaluable for working with a disabled person.
The Garlic Farm allowed the use of its lawned area for the demonstration, as well as providing water for the dogs, and tea and cakes for the cyclists.
The event raised £3,000, which will be used to buy puppies, to be trained on the Island.
Canine Partners is planning to recruit more puppy parents on the IW. Volunteers will need to welcome a pup into their home from the age of eight weeks until they are around 12-14 months old.
Through regular classes, puppy parents will teach basic obedience and core tasks.
l For further information about becoming a puppy parent, contact Debbie Flux on 07808 968409.
Reporter: jamiew@iwcpmail.co.uk