The most pup-ular

September’s #PicturePerfect competition called for photos showing the impact you have in your local community.

Mark Johnson took home another winning prize as his photo proved most pup-ular – a cute puppy who Mark had trained to become a guide dog.

It all came about ‘following a conversation with a colleague about “puppy walk” and my wife and I decided to apply’ said Mark.

Mark and his wife were successful in their application and soon welcomed little Barney, their first guide dog puppy (the little guy in the photo).

‘I have always had an affinity for visually impaired charities (my Auntie and Uncle used to live and work at Henshaw’s School for the Blind)’ said Mark when explaining his passion for training guide dogs.

‘It is very difficult and time consuming being a puppy walker, especially in the early days. Eventually they learn all you teach them and become part of the family. Then comes the hardest part, when they are 12-14 months old you have to hand them back, and they continue training to become a working Guide Dog.

‘The puppies usually go on to work with their owner for 8-10 years, which makes the year we had with them even more rewarding.’

Congratulations to Mark on winning £200 worth of shopping vouchers, which he is kindly donating to the local Guide Dog charity. As this was our community month in support of the Great Big Fundraising Challenge, an additional £150 will also be going to our national charity partner, British Heart Foundation!

If you’d like to get involved in #PicturePerfect, our theme for October is all about scenic shots, so get your cameras at the ready and find out more here.