A "sweet and charming" guide dog puppy is being able to put his best paw forward thanks to a Suffolk business.

Chris Gilmore, who lives near Ipswich, has been sponsoring guide dog puppies since 2021 and is now supporting his second puppy.

Ralph, a 14-month-old golden retriever/Labrador cross is going through an extensive training programme and is being looked after by volunteers.

Chris Gilmore, the owner of Ovenu Suffolk South, has been sponsoring Guide Dogs since 2021.Chris Gilmore, the owner of Ovenu Suffolk South, has been sponsoring Guide Dogs since 2021. (Image: STEWART TURKINGTON www.stphotos.co.uk)

Ralph will remain with his trainers until he is ready for full Guide Dog training, with the longer-term ambition of being assigned to a visually impaired person.

So far Ralph has settled in well and is described as “sweet and charming”. His latest report card says he’s brilliant at boarding public transport and confident in busy environments.

Mr Gilmore owns Ovenu Suffolk South which operates across the county previously supported black labrador Selsey.

Although excelling in training, Selsey developed a slight weakness in one hip which meant she was unable to become a working Guide Dog

Mr Gilmore, who launched the business in 2012, said: “Guide Dogs is a fantastic charity and I’m pleased to be able to give something back by supporting its life changing work.

"These dogs provide those with sight loss greater mobility, independence, social interaction - as well as companionship.

“It’s also a way of saying a huge thank you to my clients who, without their continued support, I 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.”