Swanny goes down the pub

The money was raised through a variety of events such as sponsored dog walks, raffles and ice bucket challenges.  

The idea was first put to the landlord, Chris Perkis, by pub regular Andy Patterson.  

Andy explained: “As a guide dog owner myself, I thought this was a perfect fundraising idea for the pub.

“It’s a really dog friendly place and I was pleased that Chris and the regulars were so enthusiastic about naming a puppy after the pub.”

Swanny who is now six months old, was taken to the pub on his first visit by his puppy walker and volunteer Guide Dogs visit coordinator Jennifer Barber.

He met some of the locals and then posed with pub manager Chris and Jennifer outside of the pub.

Chris said: “It was fantastic to meet Swanny and to know that he will soon be starting his guide dog training.  

“We hear first hand from Andy how his guide dog, Tay, has changed his life, and we know that Swanny will eventually change the life of another visually impaired person.  

“It’s been a pleasure supporting Guide Dogs and I would like to thank our staff and customers for all their involvement and donations to enable us to raise the £5000 to name a puppy.”