Guide dogs Blue and Star pay special visit to Bluestar depot

Bluestar welcomed two very special guests to its Southampton depot this week. 

 We played host to our two namesake guide dog puppies - Blue and Star - as they prepare to embark on their training. 

 “We were delighted to meet Blue and Star for the first time since our £26,900 donation to Guide Dogs,” said Bluestar general manager, Richard Tyldsley. “The charity is our official good cause, and we have been spending time raising funds and awareness to help it provide a range of services and support to people living with a vision impairment. 

 “Guide Dogs is a crucial resource, helping people to live actively, independently and well through its life-changing dogs and other services. As well as our financial donations we allow pups and their trainers on-board our vehicles to help them progress a crucial aspect of their education - hopping on-and-off buses. 

 “It is important to us that our buses are accessible to all - and we understand the issues faced by those who are blind or partially sighted when they travel by bus. 

 “Many rely heavily on these special dogs to help them go about their daily lives. We are confident both Blue and Star will offer their future humans a whole new lease of life and we wish them much success as they continue their training.”

 Gemma Spencer, Guide Dogs community fundraising manager, added: 

 “Thank you to the team at Bluestar for their generous donation that will enable more guide dog puppies to begin their training. As well as this monetary gift, being able to socialise the pups by getting them used to being on buses is hugely helpful for their training and development. 

 “We really appreciate all the support from Bluestar, and it will contribute to helping more people with sight loss live the lives they choose.”