Stephanie Cliff, who runs oven cleaning service Ovenu Doncaster South, is celebrating after Ralph, the Guide Dog puppy she sponsored, has officially graduated.

After more than 18 months of training and development, Ralph has been successfully matched with a new owner and is already transforming their life. Once a playful pup, the Golden Retriever-Labrador cross has matured into a calm and confident guide dog, whose presence provides greater independence and freedom.

Ralph’s trainer, Leonie, supported him through the final stages of training and matched him with his new owner based on personality and guiding style. She said: “Ralph has already had a massive impact on his new owner’s life. They’ve bonded beautifully and are forming a strong partnership built on trust and teamwork.”

Mother-of-two Stephanie, who previously ran her own domestic cleaning service in the city before launching Ovenu Doncaster South in 2024, said: “I’m really pleased to hear Ralph is now a fully trained guide dog. It’s great to know he’s out there making a real difference to someone’s life, helping them live more independently and confidently. Supporting Guide Dogs is a fantastic way to give something back, and I’m proud to have played a part in his journey.”

Ovenu franchisees began sponsoring Ralph in 2023 via Guide Dogs’ ‘Name a Puppy’ scheme, following the early retirement of their first sponsored pup, Selsey, due to a minor health issue. Determined to continue supporting the charity, they named their next pup Ralph in honour of Ovenu founder Rik Hellewell’s late grandfather, who lost his sight.

A spokesperson for Guide Dogs said: “Such generous support has made a real difference – not just to Ralph’s journey, but now also to the person whose life he’s helping transform.”

Ovenu Doncaster South covers the DN1 to 8 and DN11 postcodes, which includes Doncaster, Wheatley Hills, Armthorpe, Edenthorpe, Sprotborough, Kirk Sandall, Barnburgh, Bentley, Adwick-le-Street, Fenwick, Woodlands, Hatfield, Thorne and surrounding areas.

To learn more or donate to Guide Dogs, visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk