Meet Selsey, the six-week-old Guide Dogs puppy officially sponsored by businessman Rob Shand.

Rob, who operates three Ovenu oven valeting firms in the Bournemouth, Poole, and East Dorset areas, is supporting Selsey through her training until she becomes a fully qualified guide dog at around two years of age.

The black Labrador – who has six siblings Cosmo, Peegee, Dougall, Polly, Jessie, and Billy – was recently placed with a puppy raiser who will start to teach her the skills essential to become a future guide dog.

Rob said: “The past 12 months have been a difficult and challenging time for everyone, not least Guide Dogs, which has experienced a fall in income due to the pandemic.

“As a business owner I want to give something back by supporting a charity that helps provide life-changing independence and freedom to blind and partially sighted people.

“It’s also a way of saying a huge thank you to my clients who, without their continued support, I would not be in the position to sponsor this cute ball of fluff.

“I’m also keen to share the regular ‘pupdates’ I will receive, which I hope can raise more awareness about the charity’s work.”

Victoria Noyce-Guthrie of Guide Dogs said: “We rely on donations and Ovenu’s kind support will allow us to make a life changing difference to someone living with sight loss, by providing a guide dog.

“We hope that during these difficult times the news of Selsey being born and the pupdates about her training journey will be something positive to look forward to.”

Rik Hellewell, the Founder and Managing Director of the Ovenu franchise, said: “I’m delighted that Rob is supporting such a wonderful and deserving charity and I’m sure his clients will be interested to follow Selsey’s progress.”

Ovenu Bournemouth, Ovenu Poole and Ovenu East Dorset all continue to accept bookings at their discretion, with the strict stipulation that both parties observe the two-metre social distancing rule, along with guidelines on hygiene and cleanliness.

For details on naming and sponsoring a guide dog puppy click here.

Ovenu has also set up a Just Giving page that allows clients to make further donations to Guide Dogs here.