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Wearing darkened glasses, unsighted Tim Gutteridge stands outside The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association's offices in Reading, England with Lewis, a one year-old Labrador Retriever who has been groomed to become a guide dog. Tim is hoping to forge a strong relationship with his new-found companion whose job is to confidently leads the way anticipating and avoiding obstacles and dangers. Animals like Lewis don't start learning with a guide dog trainer until they are 12-15 months old. There are around 5,000 working guide dogs in the UK today, though the Guide Dogs charity care for around 8,000 dogs, including breeding stock, puppies, dogs in training and retired dogs. A sign in bright yellow says 'Please don't distract me I'm working.'

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Filename: guide_dog01-15-12-2007 _1.jpg
Copyright: Richard Baker
Image Size: 3381x5120 / 1.5MB; http://www.bakerpictures.com; England Britain UK Richard Baker reportage photojournalism Guide Dogs for the Blind animal diversity education environmental issues health medical people relationships social issues traveler travel travelling work dog guide dog assistant reliant friend companion association charity training trainee student blindness unsighted labrador visible sightless handicap solution aide help negotiate protection serve working pet worker walker trust need absolute owner visually-impaired mobility sight loss impairment visual avoidance obstacles guiding care individual partnership working relationship closeness blindfold dark glasses lifelong commitment grooming teaching leader leading leash independence standing Berkshire Reading
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Wearing darkened glasses, unsighted Tim Gutteridge stands outside The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association's offices in Reading, England with Lewis, a one year-old Labrador Retriever who has been groomed to become a guide dog. Tim is hoping to forge a strong relationship with his new-found companion whose job is to confidently leads the way anticipating and avoiding obstacles and dangers. Animals like Lewis don't start learning with a guide dog trainer until they are 12-15 months old. There are around 5,000 working guide dogs in the UK today, though the Guide Dogs charity care for around 8,000 dogs, including breeding stock, puppies, dogs in training and retired dogs. A sign in bright yellow says 'Please don't distract me I'm working.'