“We always wanted a dog, but our work and lifestyle was never compatible with full time ownership. Fostering is great for so many reasons, it enables us to have dogs at home without the worry of financial costs or hassle of day care" Eugene, Guide Dogs volunteer fosterer with partner Tim. Our new research estimates that “DINKWADs” - Dual income, no kids, with a dog - now make up 15% of dog owners in the UK with almost half (42%) admitting to delaying parenthood in favour of their canine companions 🐶 However, despite this unwavering affection, over a third are hesitant to commit to owning another dog, due to financial constraints. Becoming a Guide Dogs Fosterer or Puppy Raiser offers both DINKs (dual income, no kids) and DINKWADs the opportunity to have a dog with all costs covered alongside expert guidance, while playing a vital role in supporting people with sight loss 🐾 Read more about our research and find out all about becoming a volunteer for Guide Dogs 👉 https://bit.ly/3xJx3lL [Visual description: Guide Dogs fosterer Eugene lies on the grass in an empty park. A black Labrador guide dog in training lies beside him with his tongue out. A silver water bowl is in front of Eugene and the dog] #Volunteering #Dogs #GuideDogs #DogsOfInstagram #Fostering #Opportunity #Volunteers
Yes, it's a fantastic way to get your dog fix whilst contributing to a really worthwhile cause. My partner and I love doing it!
Very informative. Great photo.
I love this! 😍
Retired Scientific Director EMQN CIC | Expert in quality assurance in genomics healthcare | Expert in Molecular Genetics and Pathology and HCPC registered Clinical Scientist | Experienced Quality Manager and Trainer
4moCouldn't agree more. My husband and I said goodbye to our family pet a few years ago but were hesitant to comitt to another 16 years of dog ownership. However, I really missed having a dog and persuaded my husband to become a joint puppy raiser with me. It has been an amazing experience which I couldn't recommend more highly. It has been hard work but very rewarding and as we can work from home we even managed to raise her whilst working full time. In September we will have to say goodbye, but I know our pup will be going on to change someone's life. Guide dogs always need more volunteers and I would definitely say we have gained as much as we have given.