Puppy enrolls at Wirral school in preparation for very important role

Sep 19 2012 by Linda Foo Guest, Heswall News

A CUTE bundle of joy is the latest pupil to enrol at a Wirral school in preparation for a very important role.

Morris, a three-month-old Golden Retriever, has joined The Mosslands School in Wallasey as part of a pioneering training programme with the Guide Dogs Association.

He replaces guide dog Petal, who spent a year at the school.

The Mosslands was the first in the UK to team up with the national charity, to bring a Guide Dog puppy into school as part of its early development.

Morris will spend the next nine months with puppy walker and Faraday House office manager Chris Kemp.

Chris said: “Guide dog puppies start their training from the age of six weeks, which includes coping with busy social situations, noise disturbance and basic obedience.

“A school is therefore a perfect starting point, although the pupils now understand – having welcomed Petal for a year – that Morris will be a working dog in training, not a pet.

“The Guide Dog Association has been very supportive throughout the process. They have seen first-hand how beneficial bringing a puppy into school can be, and were happy for us to take on Morris for this school year.”

Morris was born on the May 28 – the same day as Petal.

Petal is now entering her first year of intensive training at a guide dog school, in preparation for being matched up with a new blind or partially sighted owner.

Chris said of Petal: “She really became a part of the family at the school, taking every day in her stride. despite the distractions from loud bells, noisy break times and students playing sports. “Petal settled in very quickly and we allowed pupils to come and see her in the Faraday Office at appropriate times.