Tell us about your job

I’m 18 months old and in the last part of my training to be a guide dog. I go to school in Shrewsbury and lodge with Jacky Ruston who works as an income team leader for Severnside Housing. 

How did you get into housing? 

Jacky and her husband Craig had lost their previous dog. Jacky heard on the local radio that the charity Guide Dogs was looking for homes in Shrewsbury where dogs like me could stay while we complete our training. Severnside Housing’s office is near to the Shrewsbury Mobility Team and Jacky’s managers said that I’d be welcome in the office.  

I go into work with Jacky before school in the morning and check how her team is doing at the end of the day. They work very hard, talking to customers and collecting rent. I have a bed under my desk. I don’t know why they don’t have beds under their desks, too.

What is the best part of your job?

The best part of my job at the moment is making Jacky smile. She says it’s lovely having a dog in the house again and that I give her a reason to get up and have fun at the weekend. The second best thing is rawhide chews. I get those as a reward for good work. Jacky gets a biscuit.

I’ve been told that I am a very good girl because I brighten people’s day in the office. I enjoy seeing the other guide dogs at school each day but it feels good to know that I can get everyone’s tail wagging in the income collection team.

I’ll have a new job soon after I graduate and move in with my owner. It will be really exciting when we start to lead an independent life together.

What’s the worst part?

I’m not allowed to chase balls and Jacky says that I can’t be trusted around water.

What’s the most private thing you’re willing to admit to your colleagues?

I found where you put the dog food in the Food Bank collection. What can I say, at the end of the day I’m still a Labrador!