RNC unveils ‘Judy's Groom Room’ - A pampering paradise for guide dogs

The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) celebrated the grand opening of its refurbished dog wash facility recently. The project was spearheaded by student friends Izzy Theophanous and Sonal Sumaria as part of their individual Extended Project Qualifications (EPQ) and is a testament to their dedication and teamwork.

Pictured L-R: Phil Mayne, Site Operations Supervisor/Engineer; Dean West, Administration Assistant with guide dog Boris; Leanne Moore, Teacher of Assistive & Digital Technologies with guide dog Noah; Ada Wojtkowiak, Manager, Pets at Home Hereford; Sarah Matthews, Area Manager, Pets at Home; Izzy Theophanous, student with guide dog Judy; Sam Smith, student with guide dog Arnold; Phil Marshall, Building Maintenance Worker

Driven by the desire for a more user-friendly space to bathe her guide dog Judy, Izzy meticulously planned the refurbishment. Joining forces with her friend Sonal, Izzy liaised with RNC’s Estates team to decide on what was needed for the refurbishment while Sonal organised a charity hair chop to raise funds.

Sonal along with staff members Lisa, Flea, Nina, and Jennifer bravely volunteered for haircuts in exchange for donations (the hair was donated to the Little Princess Trust). Their efforts raised a fantastic £1,300 towards the project and a generous grant of £2,500 from Pets at Home’s charity, the Pets Foundation, ensured the project's completion.

The Estates team worked incredibly hard to fit out the washroom in between their regular duties. The newly revamped facility has been christened Judy's Groom Room – a tribute to Izzy's loyal companion.

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony included Izzy, along with Sarah Matthews, Area Manager from Pets at Home and Ada Wojtkowiak from the Hereford Pets at Home store. A small audience, including some of the guide dogs who will benefit from this space assembled to watch Izzy cut the red ribbon. Canine decorum held strong for a short while, but true to their nature, playful chaos soon erupted!

Sarah from Pets at Home said:

'I'm so pleased that the Pets Foundation has been able to fund this project at the Royal National College for the Blind, and to have witnessed it first-hand. Their work is truly inspiring. It's clear how beneficial the grooming unit will be to their community, and will empower them to continue their life-changing work. I wish them all the best!'

Beyond a shiny new bath with grooming arm and non-slip steps, the refurbishment boasts a grooming table, a convenient pet hair dryer, non-slip, easy-clean flooring, shelves, hooks and storage along with drying mits, towels and everything that a guide dog about town might need.

Izzy, beaming with pride, said: ‘I’m thrilled with the refurbishment and would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who raised money through sponsored haircuts, to the Pets Foundation and to the RNC Estates Team who completed the refurbishment work. A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to make my plans a reality. It’s turned out amazingly and Judy has already tried it out and is loving the new space for pampering.’

The College is extremely proud of Izzy's accomplishment and the positive impact ‘Judy's Groom Room’ will have on the College’s community of guide dogs.

For more pictures click here.