Dundee United teams up with Guide Dogs Scotland to support 60th anniversary puppy appeal

Dundee United has teamed up with Guide Dogs Scotland for its annual Puppy Appeal as the charity marks 60 years of changing the lives of people with sight loss.

At Dundee United’s training ground, players swapped footballs for fur balls as they met future guide dogs and their handlers.

Supporter Jon Attenborough came to the grounds with his guide dog Harry, volunteer fundraiser Ian Wallace, and two puppies at the start of their journeys.

Anne Rowse, community fundraising manager at Guide Dogs Scotland, said: “We are very grateful to have the support of Dundee United FC, as we highlight our Guide Dogs Puppy Appeal and raise awareness of how we support people living with sight loss in our communities.

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“Every year around 1,350 puppies begin their journey to become a guide dog, with each costing £77,000 to breed, raise and train.

“As a charity, we are almost entirely dependent on donations from the public to turn these pups into life-changing guide dog partnerships.”

With its training centre based in nearby Forfar, Guide Dogs Scotland has long-standing ties to Dundee.

Guide Dogs Scotland and Dundee United have teamed up for 60th anniversary campaign STV News

The connection with Dundee United extends beyond the pitch, with the club already supporting blind and partially sighted fans through matchday commentary and accessibility services at Tannadice.

Jon added: “It’s fantastic to see my club showing their support to Guide Dogs Scotland and inclusion more widely.

“In promoting the Guide Dogs Puppy Appeal, Dundee United is helping to make a real difference to supporters like myself who rely on a guide dog to live life to the fullest.”