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Once a puppy is sufficiently well-behaved I take them further afield. Leclerc and Leader Price at Fumel always welcome the pups, it's important they get used to supermarket shopping. If you see me there, or in Prayssac, at Montcuq market or in Cahors do come up and say 'hello'. The pups wear a jacket emblazoned with the school logo and 'FUTUR CHIEN GUIDE D'AVEUGLE'. I often have to deal with public services, from the local Mairie to the Préfecture and the architects of 'Bâtiment de France'. The pups come with me, and I have found they can helpfully melt the hearts of even the meanest bureaucrat.
At weekends they soon get the hang of preparations for a classic car or motorbike sortie, and are quickly in the back of the car on a Sunday morning. At the traditional rally casse croute of pain de campagne, paté, jambon de pays & cabecous they will sit in cute begging mode with head on one side and a paw raised. It never fails to work.
Puppy walking families – familles de tutelle – are fully supported by the school's puppy staff. We are given a comprehensive set of instructions and helpful advice, and the team are on call to answer questions. The young pups are visited at home, and from 4-5 months are assessed in Bordeaux, spending short training periods in school which also accustom them to kennel life. We use an agreed list of basic commands including assis, pas bouger, en avant, to ensure all dogs going into school are used to the same words. Once a month there is a puppy class at the school. These are great fun, and aside from the formal obedience sessions there's the opportunity to swop experiences with other families. A visit to Bordeaux can happily be combined with a bit of shopping or a decent lunch.
The school is always in need of puppy walkers. Food and veterinary treatments are paid for by the school, all you are asked to give is your time and your love. Could you help? It doesn't matter if your French is limited. If you love dogs, think about trying it. Owning your own dog or other pets isn't a bar, it's good for the puppy to learn not to chase cats or tease the hamster. If you have to go to England for a wedding, or you're going into hospital for a few days the school will take care of the puppy. The system is flexible; you're not obliged to take on one puppy straight after another, many of us take a break.
Guide dogs have to be superbly fit with the right temperament, but even with a selective breeding
programme some puppies are not suited to the job. These are offered to loving families for adoption as pets. Retiring guide dogs are often in need of a home too. If you could welcome one of these lovely dogs do get in touch with me, or the school.
To find out more about puppy walking and about guide dogs in general please contact me or go
http://centrealienor.unblog.fr.
Mary Hall, Rue Paul Tourseiller,46700 Duravel tel 05 65 24 66 46
The next edition will be available in June. Contact us -
info@quercylocal.com hall.bureau@neuf.fr
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