Over the past few months we had the pleasure of welcoming a new recruit to JCI Reading...Paula, the guide dog in training.

JCI Reading member, Lynda, has been looking after Paula for the past 6 months while Paula attended guide dog school in Winnersh. As a result, Lynda often brought "wee P" (as she's known) along to our events. Paula became a regular at our fortnightly Spanish lessons and looked forward to her treats from fellow JCI Reading member, Clare.

Paula's guide dog trainer was really pleased that she was able to come along with Lynda to our social, training and networking events. It gave the lovely Labrador more experience in busy environments, meeting new people and working within a business environment.

During her six months with Lynda, wee P settled well into trainee guide dog life, excelled at Guide Dog school and has now recently qualified with flying colours. We are pleased to hear that Paula has been matched with a guide dog owner and is having a great time with her new family.

At her last JCI Reading event, Paula was spoilt rotten with treats and cuddles from members. It was a sad goodbye but we all knew Paula was about to change someone's life and help them regain their independence which made us all feel immensely proud of her. Lynda has promised to update JCI Reading when she hears how wee P is getting on with her new family.

Having Paula in our lives for the past six months has made us all at JCI Reading even more determined to continue to fundraise £5,000 to name a puppy for Guide Dogs. We're only a few hundred pounds off target so watch this space for a very special Guide Dogs fundraising event from us soon!