Ovenu

Winchester business owner sponsors ‘sweet and charming’ Guide Dogs pup Ralph

29/04/2024

Barrie Neilon of oven cleaning service Ovenu Winchester is supporting Guide Dogs’ pup 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.

Now aged 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 ‘almost there.’

Barrie, a former chimney sweep and keen member of Winchester School of Martial Arts, launched the business last October. 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’ CEO 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 visit https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF OVENU

For further information contact Andrew Douglas 01325 363436

Photo caption: Trainee Guide Dogs pup Ralph and Barrie Neilon of Ovenu Winchester

Editors’ Notes:

As well as the cathedral city, Ovenu Winchester covers all surrounding areas covered by the 01962 dial code, including Cheriton, Hursley, Owslebury, Sutton Scotney, Colden Common and Sparsholt. For details call 01962 458438, email winchester@ovenu.co.uk or visit https://www.ovenu.co.uk/oven_cleaning/winchester/

Ovenu is the leading UK and international domestic oven cleaning and valeting specialist. All cleaning products used by Ovenu are environmentally friendly, bio-degradable and conform to the latest government REACH regulations. Ovenu’s Carbon Remover is also approved by the Vitreous Enamel Association. The Ovenu valeting process involves dismantling key components of an oven and placing them into design-registered equipment, which uses non-caustic, non-toxic and biodegradable products to clean the oven parts. Ovenu was a founder member of the Approved Franchise Association (AFA).

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Trainee Guide Dogs pup Ralph and Barrie Neilon of Ovenu Winchester
Trainee Guide Dogs pup Ralph and Barrie Neilon of Ovenu Winchester
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Trainee Guide Dogs pup Ralph
Trainee Guide Dogs pup Ralph
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Barrie Neilon of Ovenu Winchester
Barrie Neilon of Ovenu Winchester
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