The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association “Sponsor a Puppy Calendar” for 2022 features a few black Labradors and this reminds us why we support this very worthy cause. 

Both Ian Terry and Chris Patten have been the proud owners of Labrador dogs in the past but it was Ian’s dog Hector that become Orchards “chairman”.  Some customers may remember seeing him when they visited the Orchard office.  Over several years, he slept through numerous important meetings in his favourite brown chair – hence being nicknamed the Chairman!

As a tribute to Hector when he sadly passed away, Orchard began sponsoring Guide Dog puppies.  That was several years ago now and our current “puppies” are Ginger and Sprout.  Their predecessors have included Rufus, Tilly, Angel, Star, Zac, Una, Lexi, Eve and Spirit.   

These amazing dogs provide such a valuable service and companionship to their owners.  Ginger and Sprout are nearing the end of their training so we will soon be notified of their replacements.  Maybe it will include a Hector