Shoppers in Swansea city centre will have the chance to meet some of Wales’ most remarkable working dogs when Guide Dogs Cymru sets up stall in the Quadrant Shopping Centre this Thursday and Friday (22–23 August).
From 10am to 4pm on both days, volunteers will be selling the charity’s latest merchandise and inviting visitors to stop for a “Pat and Chat” with guide dogs and puppies in training.
Among those attending will be Izzy James and her labradoodle Souly, who are marking two years as a qualified guide dog partnership. “Souly changed my life and pulled me out of depression,” said Izzy. “He’s given me confidence I never had, and the independence to go places I’d never been before. During the heatwave I had to go back to using a long cane, and it made me realise just how much easier he makes it for me to get around – not to mention how fast we walk.”
The Quadrant has been a long‑time supporter of Guide Dogs Cymru, with shoppers raising more than £30,000 for the charity since 2013. The centre even named a black Labrador puppy, Kaypea, who went on to qualify as a working guide dog in Gwent.
Ruth Evans, community fundraising development manager for Guide Dogs, said: “There is always great interest from shoppers in the Quadrant Centre and some have even joined us as volunteers. Swansea has a thriving and enthusiastic group of fundraisers, and our dogs love the attention.”
