Adorable guide dog puppies in training treated to rare day off – to meet Santa

SOME of the nation’s adorable guide dogs in training have been given an early Christmas present – to meet Santa Paws.

John Lewis has launched the Santa Paws grottos across nine of its stores, giving dogs who have made the nice list the opportunity to meet Father Christmas this festive season.

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Four well-behaved puppies, who are currently in training to become fully fledged guide dogs, have had a rare festive day off and were treated to a trip to one of these Santa’s grottos with a difference.

The grottos have been specifically tailored to be the ultimate space for a dog’s dream Christmas – with the pups being treated to a present and a photo with Santa himself.

One of the future life changing puppies who made the trip to the Cambridge shop is golden retriever Timber, aged seven months, who will hopefully qualify as a guide dog around this time next year.

He was joined by Bailey, another golden retriever, who at just six months old is already making leaps and bounds with his puppy training.

Louise Black from John Lewis said: “We all know Santa has his naughty and nice list every year – but it goes without saying which one these pups will fall into.

“When we decided to launch the Santa Paws grotto, we knew we wanted to give some of the nation’s hardest working pups a chance to experience some festive magic and be part of a beloved Christmas Tradition – meeting Santa.

“We were thrilled to welcome so many into the store today.”

Puppies start their training from as early as eight weeks old when they transition to the care of a volunteer puppy raiser.

Here, they are introduced to the world around them, experiencing all the different sights, sounds, smells, and different situations that will help them become confident young adults.

Their formal training at around 14 months of age, at one of Guide Dogs’ centres.

Accompanied by skilled trainers and cared for by dedicated dog wellbeing staff, they go through a comprehensive curriculum, learning 37 key behaviours.

This includes learning skills and responses to verbal, visual and environmental cues, all taught through marker training.

Visiting the grotto also gives an opportunity to familiarise the dogs in training with some unusual sights and sounds of Christmas they haven’t experienced before.

Haley Andrews, head of puppy raising at Guide Dogs, added: “As these dedicated guide dogs in training approach the culmination of a year filled with hard work, their unwavering commitment deserves a pause for celebration.

“While the journey has been filled with purpose, training, and transformation, these extraordinary canines also deserve to share in the festive joy.

“Just like us, they too bask in the magic of the season, taking a well-deserved break to embrace the holiday spirit and perhaps, share a moment with Santa – a delightful reward for their dedication to a life-changing mission.”

Four-legged companions can explore the grotto, get a professional picture with Santa and take home from pet brand Rosewood.

It is available at John Lewis shops in Cambridge, Cheadle, Cribbs Causeway, High Wycombe, Liverpool, Oxford Street, Peter Jones, Southampton and Welwyn Garden City – and tickets can be booked here.

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