A PENKETH couple are supporting a Guide Dog puppy through the extensive training programme.

Paul and Andrea Clark run oven cleaning service Ovenu Warrington and are supporting yellow Golden Retriever/Labrador cross Ralph who replaces black Lab Selsey, which Ovenu franchisees first started sponsoring in 2021.

Although excelling in training, Selsey developed a slight weakness in one hip which meant she was unable to progress to become a working Guide Dog. Despite the setback, the husband-and-wife team are continuing to support the charity by sponsoring Ralph.

Now aged 10 months, Ralph is spending time with Puppy Raisers Toni and Adrian, two of the 16,000 volunteers that work with Guide Dogs.

The couple recently put their award-winning franchised business up for sale as part of their long-term preparations for retirement – although they continue to accepting bookings.

Paul said: “We are dog lovers ourselves, having adopted or provided foster care for a number of retired greyhounds over the years, so we couldn’t pass up an opportunity to support this tremendous charity.”

Andrea added: “Guide Dogs provide those with sight loss greater mobility, independence, social interaction - as well as companionship.

“It’s also our way of saying a huge thank you to our many clients who, without their support over the past 15 years, we wouldn’t be in a position to sponsor this adorable pup!”

Guide Dogs’ CEO Andrew Lennox said: “It costs approximately £56,000 to support each guide dog through from birth to retirement, and without all the contributions of our donors and the efforts of our fundraisers we would not be able to do what we do.”

For further information or to donate to Guide Dogs visit guidedogs.org.uk/