A YORK guide-dog owner of 50 years has thanked fundraisers by handing over a framed photograph of a puppy.
Brian Smith presented staff at Aviva in York with the photograph on behalf of Guide Dogs For The Blind Association after they raised £1,260 for the group’s regional office.
The donation will pay for nine starter packs for new guide-dog owners.
Brian said: “It gave me great pleasure to present a photograph to Aviva for their wonderful donation to guide dogs, which will help other new guide-dog owners.
“Training with a guide dog in 1963 changed my life. My first dog, Sheba, gave me the confidence and independence to go where and when I wanted with maximum safety that can be built in to a working partnership between man and dog.
“Eight dogs on, I am still active and going strong with the help of my guide dog, Nina. Thank you once again to Aviva.”
Brian was chairman of the York fundraising branch of Guide Dogs For The Blind Association for more than 10 years. He recently handed over the reins to 24-year-old law student and guide-dog owner Kelly Cronin.
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