- By Brodie Owen and Michael Checker
- BBC News
A blind man said he was at risk of losing his independence due to a delay in guide dog training.
David Gailey, from Exmouth, Devon, is preparing to part ways with his guide dog Tarka, a 10-year-old Labrador who is due to retire soon.
However, he is unsure when a replacement dog will be allocated to him due to a long waiting list.
Guide Dogs UK said the delays were caused by a pause in breeding and training during the pandemic.
“Kept me safe”
Mr Gailey, who has had Tarka for eight years, said he was going to struggle without a service dog.
Tarka is expected to be relocated after reaching retirement.
Mr Gailey said: “I’ve had Tarka for just over eight years now and he’s a wonderful guide dog – I can’t fault him at all.
“He gave me my independence, he ensured my security.
“He just changed my life…I can’t do without him.”
He said the shortage of guide dogs meant he would have no choice but to return to using a long cane, which he found difficult to use.
“Without (Tarka), I would definitely struggle,” he said.
“People recognize a guide dog more than a long white cane.”
Pete Osbourne, operations director at Guide Dogs UK, admitted that waiting for a suitable dog could be “very difficult”.
“It takes about two years to breed, raise and train our dogs, so we are still feeling the impact of the pandemic, when we had to suspend our breeding and training for five months,” he said.
“Our staff is working to reduce wait times and increase the number of guide dog partnerships, supported by our incredible family of volunteers.
“The national average wait time is currently 15.5 months, but every guide dog owner is unique, with different needs and circumstances, and it is essential that we match them with the right dog to may the partnership be fruitful for years to come.”