Retired guide dog trainer welcomes four-legged friends to care home

A Bromsgrove care home resident who used to dedicate his time to training guide dogs has experienced a special visit from a retired companion. 

 

James Lawson, 86 and resident at Care UK’s Chandler Court on Recreation Road, spent many years volunteering as a puppy walker alongside his late wife, Glenys. Together, they prepared young guide dogs for their future roles supporting people with sight loss.

His days were filled with bus and train rides, trips to shops and plenty of socialising to ensure the puppies were confident in everyday environments. 

To celebrate Jim’s lifelong love of canines and his contribution to the guide dog community, the care home team arranged a special visit from local guide dog trainers, who brought along a retired guide dog. 

Jim said: “It was a very fulfilling thing to do, to get to see the dog and be in touch again. A very nice follow on from one of the best things I have ever done.”

During the visit, Jim shared stories from his time as a puppy walker, including teaching basic commands like sit, stay and recall, and helping the dogs adjust to busy environments such as traffic and public transport. He also mentioned the pride he felt watching the puppies grow into confident, loving companions.

Lilly Dhams, Home Manager at Chandler Court, said: “We were so pleased to surprise Jim with a visit from the guide dogs. It’s something he and Glenys were passionate about and it was special to help him reconnect with those memories.

“We always encourage residents to pursue their passions and revisit moments that hold personal meaning. It was rewarding to see James’s dream come to life.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to Guide Dogs For The Blind for making the day so memorable.”

Designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence, Chandler Court incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities. The expert team provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, while the layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.