WIMBORNE town centre will be wagging with excitement on October 25, as the mayor will officially open a charming canine treasure trail at 9am in Wimborne Square — all in support of Guide Dogs.

Shoppers are invited to take part in this playful town-wide hunt for toy guide dog puppies, cleverly hidden in shop windows across Wimborne.

Rather than ‘how much is that doggy in the window?’ – it’s ‘where is that doggy in the window?’

Clue sheets are available for just £1 from the Guide Dogs information stands at Wimborne Square and Crown Mead, with all proceeds going to the many life-changing services provided by Guide Dogs.

Once completed, trail sheets can be posted into a special treasure chest at Wimborne Square, where the fun continues with a tombola, raffle and a chance to meet real guide dogs and puppies in training.

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Visitors are kindly reminded to ask handlers before approaching puppies, as these young trainees are learning vital skills for their future partners.

Fiona Pawsey Chair of Wimborne BID centre with Roger and Susan Picture: Wimborne BID

The treasure hunt prize giving will take place at Café on the Square on November 1 at 11am, where lucky winners will be awarded a delightful array of prizes including a weekend break, luxury hamper, garden centre vouchers, Wimborne Town Football Club match tickets, cinema tickets, dining and shopping vouchers and many more surprises.

Local schools are also joining the cause, welcoming Guide Dog presentation visits to help children learn about sight loss and the incredible work these dogs do.

One local Guide Dogs volunteer shared: “As a Guide Dog Puppy Raiser, I hope to contribute to someone with sight loss enjoying a more independent life, making happy memories, and gaining a ‘pawsome’ life changer.”

Susan Merrifield Guide Dogs Picture: Wimborne BID

Wimborne is proud to be known as a guide dog-friendly town, with many shops welcoming puppy trainers and their pups as they learn to navigate real-world environments.

Puppy development manager Elli Cavazza said: “We are so grateful to Wimborne businesses for their support with the event, from providing a space for the treasure hunt to brilliant prizes for participants.

“The funds raised help directly support our work including the purchase of enrichment toys, games and other equipment for our puppies in training.”

Sam Devlin, Wimborne BID deputy chair and owner of independent veterinary business Vetsmiths said: “Over twenty Wimborne businesses have got behind this campaign by taking part in the treasure trail and many others have been so generous with donations for raffle and tombola prizes.

“It looks set to be a great day of canine charm and community spirit to help raise vital funds for this charity and these amazing dogs who are life-changing companions for those without sight.”

The funds raised through initiatives such as this allow Guide Dogs to continue to be able to fund the charity’s life-changing services for people living with sight loss.

To learn more about Guide Dogs, including how to help by fundraising or volunteering, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help.