Wishaw charity, Pathfinder Guide Dog Programme, reached a landmark achievement this month qualifying it's first German Shepherd guide dog.

Started in December 2003 by Anne Royle, owner and manager of Priory Lodge Kennels in Wishaw, Pathfinder Dogs has been passionately fundraising to service the UK's blind people with German Shepherd guides, a demand not being currently met in the UK.

Their first puppy Clyde, who will be 3 years old in May, qualified last week with his new handler and now starts his full working life in Wales. His sister, Bonnie, will soon be following in his 'paws-steps' as she waits to be matched with a blind handler.

Pathfinder Dogs currently has 5 pups in training with some more arriving this year. The latest addition to the team was name and sponsored by Overtown Primary School who received a visit from Isis a couple of months ago and will be making another appearance at the school's summer fete this year.

Pathfinder Dogs is keen to hear from people who wish to volunteer a little time to help out or to fundraise for them as the Charity receives no Government or Lottery funding to help them meet their goals. It takes about 21/2 years and £36,000 to raise and train each pup to the qualification stage but the charity will support all their dogs until retirement and beyond.

More information about the charity can be found on their website at www.pathfinderdogs.org or by calling them on 01698 374973.