The Brunswick Brewing Company is creating a bespoke beer which will raise much-needed funds for charity the Seeing Dogs Alliance.
Dawn with her seeing dog Rosa
Double Vision will launch at Brunswick’s 36th annual beer festival, which takes place from 4th-8th October.
It will be sold at The Brunswick Inn, Derby, and also at The Dead Poets Inn, in Holbrook. Ten pence from every pint sold will go to the Seeing Dogs Alliance, to help train dogs. The beer will also be available for pubs in the East Midlands region to stock from October.
The Brunswick Brewing Company also uses by-products from the brewing process to make healthy dog treats.
More than 2 million people are estimated to be living with sight loss in the UK, and every day 250 people start to lose their sight. This is equivalent to one person every six minutes.
Current shortages of dogs and dog trainers are leaving blind people waiting for up to two years for a fully-trained seeing dog to enter service. This leaves thousands without the independence, confidence, and companionship an assistance dog brings.
It costs approximately £20,000 and takes 12 months to train a fully-qualified seeing dog. The Seeing Dogs Alliance offers a personalised service for its blind clients, ensuring dogs and their new owners train together and build a vital working relationship.