Nick helps Ralph through guide dog training

Businessman Nick Cummins is supporting guide dog 'trainee' Ralph throughout his extensive training programme.
The yellow golden retriever/labrador cross replaces black lab Selsey, which Ovenu franchisees previously sponsored.
Although excelling in training, Selsey developed a slight weakness in one hip which meant she was unable to become a working guide dog.
Despite the setback, Nick, of oven cleaning service Ovenu Torquay, is continuing to support the charity.
Now aged over 12 months, Ralph is spending time with puppy raisers before he is considered for full guide dog training, with the longer-term ambition of being assigned to a visually impaired person.
So far Ralph is settling in well and is described as “sweet and charming”.

His latest report card says he’s brilliant at boarding public transport and is confident in busy environments, while his food manners are said to be “almost there”.
Nick, a former mechanical engineer who has operated the business for 18 years, has three dogs himself, including two labradors - so it’s a cause close to his heart.
He 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’ chief executive 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.”
For further information or to donate to Guide Dogs you can go online and visit https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/