A SALTCOATS couple have raised money for Guide Dogs with donations sponsoring their puppy’s first walk.

Claire McCrae and Kevin Paterson wanted to make the most of 13-week-old Cooper’s big journey and decided to set up a fundraiser.

Claire said: “I’ve fundraised for the Guide Dogs for a number of years, I’ve ran the Edinburgh Marathon, I’ve done Pedal for Scotland, but everything is off at the moment so their charities aren’t getting the funding.”

Because Cooper’s first walk was delayed due to issues around coronavirus, they knew it was going to be an even bigger deal for him so they decided to make the most of it.

The labrador’s first walkies has raised £213 for Guide Dogs on JustGiving.

On a sunny Sunday evening last week, Claire and Kevin put on their Guide Dogs t-shirts and Cooper sported his branded bandana for a saunter down promenade from Saltcoats to Ardrossan, where Kevin is the police sergeant stationed with the coastguard.

Claire said: “Cooper absolutely loved it. We met his puppy sister and they had a play on the beach and a swim, then we walked back along the front.

“A big day for a little pup.”

Claire, who is a computing science lecturer, said the couple had wanted a pup for a long time and when she was told to work from home they saw their opportunity.

She said: “Dogs are always going to be a massive part of my family - it makes a house.

“There’s nothing like the love of a dog.”

But, Claire said, they like everyone needed to consider it carefully, taking into account all the time, attention, affection and care looking after a furry friend demands.

Dogs Trust has warned of an increase in the number of people searching for a puppy or dog during lockdown.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “Dog ownership is a wonderful thing, but it is also a huge responsibility.

“As our saying goes, ‘a dog is for life’ and, in this case, not just for lockdown.”

The charity has created an online quiz to judge whether you are ready for a canine companion which can be found on their website at dogstrust.org.uk.

Claire said: “They are the most wonderful creature you can own.

“Along the walk everybody wanted to say hello to Cooper, and he wanted to say hello to them.

“The only downside is with social distancing, he’s not allowed to be all over them.

“But he absolutely loved his walk.

“He came home and slept all night.”

You can donate to Claire, Kevin and Cooper’s fundraiser for Guide Dogs at justgiving.com/coopermcpat.