Warm memories of a guide dog which changed his life during the nine years they were together have inspired visually-impaired Keith Woolgar to launch an appeal to raise at least £1,000 for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Keith’s guide dog, Burnie, died in July after losing a battle with cancer and sadly Keith’s own state of health has not allowed him to keep a new dog he was given.

“To me, Burnie was much more than a guide dog. He was one of the best things that ever happened to me and I miss him dreadfully,” Keith, from Williton, said this week. 

“I will never forget the day he arrived as long as I live because Burnie dramatically changed my life from that moment on. We were out and about, going to new places, getting back safely, going on holiday, to the theatre, even taking up bowls and winning competitions.

“Whatever we wanted to do or wherever we wanted to go, we did it together. He would take me to work and spend the day relaxing under my desk, supposedly sleeping but always keeping an eye on me.”

Keith said that, although he did qualify for a new guide dog, after a few weeks it became clear that his disability had got worse and he was not able to hold a dog harness.

Looking back, Keith said that with Burnie’s help and support he was able to take on some surprising new challenges, including joining the local bowls club as its only blind member - and winning the men’s singles and pairs competitions.

“Burnie took me to the club and lay watching me play for up to four and a half hours,” he said.

“To me, Burnie was much more than a dog. He was my best friend.”

Keith added: “Burnie would have been 12 in September and in memory of him Keith recalled that Burnie’s last illness was found during a routine visit to the vet to have his teeth cleaned. A growth was discovered on his palate and found to be a very aggressive form of cancer.

“Guide Dogs For The Blind retired him and started the process of finding me another dog. When the new dog arrived, it was clear that Burnie would not cope with such a young and boisterous playmate, so a foster home was found for Burnie.

“He wasn’t expected to last more than a couple of weeks but in fact he lived over four months. To me, Burnie was much more than a dog. He was my best friend.”

Keith added: “Burnie would have been 12 in September and in memory of him and the number of times he saved me from danger, I would like people to help raise £1,000 to help with the cost of training new dogs to the same high standard as my best mate Burnie was.

“Burnie will then be remembered with every new guide dog and visually-impaired person who become a guide dog unit.”

To contribute to Keith’s fund-raising, go to https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/memorial-to-burnie.