Retired Renfrewshire police officer raises guide dog puppies

Alison Calderwood, from Houston, spent 29 years serving in the police before retiring due to ill health.

A long-time volunteer in her local community, Alison now dedicates her time as a puppy raiser for the charity Guide Dogs.

She is currently caring for Judy, a one-year-old guide dog puppy who will stay with the family until she is ready to begin formal training.

Alison said: “We sadly lost our pet dog, and our three kids really wanted another.

“We’re a very volunteer-oriented family, and the children have done lots with me locally in Houston.

“That’s what I want to promote to them.

“If you can’t give money, you can give time.”

Alison is currently caring for Judy, a one-year-old guide dog puppy (Image: Supplied)

Judy now joins Alison at community activities and events throughout Houston.

Alison said: “Judy has been amazing and it has been good for me too.

“She comes with me to community groups, litter pickers and gardening, and she doesn’t bat an eyelid.

“Houston is a very community-focused area, where people are generous with their time, and she has loved it here.”

Alison praised the puppy’s calm nature, highlighting how, after she spent some time in hospital, Judy was calm and settled around her, even on walks, and it isn’t just Alison that has benefited from Judy being in Houston.

She said: “I support two adults with disabilities, in a volunteer role, and Judy has been fantastic with them.

“I can also see the joy Judy brings my children.

“She treats them all differently and really adapts to them, like playing games with my younger kids and more calm with my eldest.

“Before we approached Guide Dogs, we had to have a chat with the kids.

“We felt it best to prepare them for the dog leaving, but they have had such a mature attitude towards it.

“They all said they would be so proud to see Judy graduating and can’t wait to see her photo.

“They’ve even been really on board with the training.

“Different stages have their own challenges, but it has been easy for us to adapt and embrace it.

“We will absolutely miss Judy when she goes on to the next stage, but they’ve been well prepared for it.”

Alison is currently caring for Judy, a one-year-old guide dog puppy (Image: Supplied)

Despite her health challenges, Alison remains committed to giving Judy the best start in life and encourages others to consider the role.

She said: “People may think they’d be too busy to become a puppy raiser, but I do loads in the community and have three children.

“What more generous way can you commit your time than raising a guide dog puppy who will go on to give someone their freedom and independence?

“When Judy leaves us, we’ll be doing it all over again.”

Puppy raisers provide a vital foundation for a pup’s future role as a guide dog through training, socialisation and the introduction of new environments and experiences.

Guide Dogs is currently recruiting new volunteers across Renfrewshire.

The charity pays for essential costs, including food and vet bills.

To find out more or to apply, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/puppyraiser.