Happy International Guide Dog Day, From All of Us at Basil's!

April 8, 2025

April 30, 2025

Pop the kettle on and gather ‘round, dog lovers – it’s International Guide Dog Day, and here at Basil’s, we’re celebrating the unsung heroes of the canine world: guide dogs!

These incredible dogs are more than just clever companions, they’re lifelines, helping people with visual impairments and various other disabilities navigate the world with confidence, independence, and dignity. And yes, they still manage to look absolutely adorable doing it.

The journey of a guide dog is nothing short of magical. It starts with a bouncy puppy, full of beans and tail wags, and ends with a calm, focused partner who can handle the hustle and bustle of city streets, unexpected obstacles, and even the dreaded escalators!

It takes around two years of dedicated care, expert training, and patience to prepare just one guide dog. And only the best of the best make it through. It’s a bit like being picked for Team GB—these dogs are that special!

In the UK alone, over 7,000 people benefit from assistance dogs trained to support various needs. And with organisations like Guide Dogs UK investing over £65 million a year in training and services, it’s clear just how valued these four-legged legends are.

Now, we know it’s tempting—who wouldn’t want to say hello to such a well-behaved good boy or girl? But if a guide dog’s wearing their harness, they’re on duty. That means no fussing, no feeding, and no photoshoots, no matter how cute they look.

If you need to speak, always chat with the handler first, it’s the polite (and safest!) thing to do.

Whether your canine companion is a working dog or simply working hard at chasing tennis balls, what they eat matters. Just like guide dogs rely on top-notch nutrition to stay sharp and strong; your dog thrives on food that’s natural, nourishing, and full of goodness.

At Basil’s, we believe every dog deserves the best. That’s why our meals are made with human-grade meat, absolutely no nasties, and packed with all the nutrients your dog needs to feel fantastic. Whether it’s our Superfood Complete range or our comforting Country Kitchen range, there’s something in our bowls to make every tail wag.

So today, we’re raising our bowls to the dogs who guide, support, and inspire, and to the brilliant humans who train, raise, and love them.

If you’re feeling inspired, why not support a guide dog charity or even sponsor a future superstar? You’ll be helping someone gain not just a guide, but a friend for life.

And for your own furry friend? A belly full of Basil’s and a few extra cuddles wouldn’t go amiss.

Happy International Guide Dog Day, from all of us at Basil’s! 🐶🦮🍖

References

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