We have reached our goal!! I've created a new page to raise  funds for a second name a puppy campaign! If you would like to donate to it, please go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/name-a-puppy-2

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

My name is Anica and I am fundraising for Guide Dogs via the "Name a Puppy" scheme. My goal was to raise £10,000 to help change someone's life with their very own Lassie. Now that we have reached that goal, 

My first guide dog Lassie who is now 10 years old has retired in December 2023. This makes me reflect a lot about how she changed my life, gave me more confidence and a lot of independence. It took  me time to consider applying for a guide dog. Now, I wonder why as I could not have made a better decision. 

From the first time I met her, Lassie's tail has been wagging non-stop, even when she sleeps. She is an amazing guide dog and friend. She is never phased no matter if we are walking around the local area, or go on work or leisure trips all around Europe or even across the pond.  I know she takes care of me and keeps me safe. During the over seven years we've been a partnership, Lassie has saved my life twice as I would have otherwise been run over by electric cars. I owe so much to her. Our amazing partnership was honoured at the 2021 Guide Dogs People Awards when we were runner-up for Parternship of The Year. We were really proud of that. 

While my time with  Lassie has ended, I want to raise money to pay it forward. I want to make sure someone else has a pawsome four-legged life-changing Lassie. 

I am an academic and as part of this fundraising appeal am pledging the (very modest) royalties I get on academic books I published, external examiner fees as well as any money I receive for giving webinars or speaking at events as an expert to Guide Dogs.  I will keep you updated on the progress of those funds below. Also, we renovated our house and donated everything we earned through selling things on eBay to gGuide Dogs as well. My husband has also been baking bread rolls on weekends for our neighbours for almost 18 months now, in exchange for donations. 

Please support with anything you can. There are hundreds of people waiting for their first dog or waiting to have a new dog after their previous guide dog retired. Help everyone gain or regain as much independence as I did due to Lassie. 

If you want to know what Lassie is up to, simply follow her on Twitter (@GDLassie) or on Instagram (@LassieGD) . If you would like to read my farewell letter to Lassie, simply go on: https://drdiary.blog/2023/12/14/a-letter-to-my-retiring-guide-dog-lassie/ 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.