Nicola Cornick

No, I’m not talking about the Charlotte Bronte classic today although it’s irresistible to post up a picture of Toby Stephens doing his best Rochester smoulder. Today I am feeling like a very proud parent because our local Guide Dogs Calendar for 2013 has been published and the cover star there in the centre  is none other than our guide dog puppy in training, Rochester. I think he looks absolutely gorgeous, as do all the other adorable guide dogs and puppies featured in the calendar. If you want to see a close up, click on the picture!

The shoot took place a few months ago with photographer Steve Iles of Capture Photography UK doing a wonderful job of capturing images of all the dogs in Rochester’s puppy class. Since many of them were quite young and couldn’t keep still for more than a few seconds, even when bribed with biscuits, this was a major challenge and underlined the old adage of “never work with children or animals.” Congratulations to Steve on a wonderful result!

Since the photo shoot Rochester has continued to work very hard on his guide dog training and has had many exciting experiences, travelling to London and Edinburgh, visiting historic houses, attending concerts and festivals and appearing on television, as well as his day to day training on the buses, in the supermarket, hospital and around town. He “writes” about his experiences in his own blog, Puppy with a Purpose.

All profits from the guide dog calendar go back to the charity and we are very proud of Rochester in all the work he does.