THE owner of an oven cleaning service is sponsoring his second Guide Dogs pup.

Phil Davidson, who runs oven cleaning businesses Ovenu Colwyn Bay and Ovenu Denbighshire, is supporting Guide Dogs’ pup Ralph throughout his extensive training programme.

The yellow Golden Retriever/Labrador cross replaces black Lab Selsey, which Ovenu franchisees first started sponsoring in 2021.

Although excelling in training, Selsey developed a slight weakness in one hip which meant she could not become a working Guide Dog.

Despite the setback, Phil, who opted to become his own boss in 2014 following redundancy, is continuing his sponsorship to support the charity.

Phil, who covers Denbigh, Bodfari, Llandyrnog, Groes, Henllan, Nantglyn, St George, Rhyl as well as Conwy, Rowen, Dolgarrog, Tal-y-bont, Ty'n-y-groes, and Llandudno with his business, 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.

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“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.”

Now aged 11 months, Ralph is spending time with Puppy Raisers Toni and Adrian, two of the 16,000 volunteers that work with Guide Dogs. He will remain with them until he’s 12 to 14-months-old before being considered for full Guide Dog training, with the longer-term ambition of being assigned to a visually impaired person.

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.’

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.”