Guide Dog Makes Entrance Into House of Lords

Recently the first ever guide dog to be formally introduced to Peers entered the House of Lords.

Chris Holmes who now carries the title of Lord Holmes of Richmond took an oath of allegiance at a special ceremony in Westminster before the Lord Speaker with his guide dog sat firmly at his feet.

Lord Holmes received his peerage back in September as a result of the work he did as Director of Paralympic Integration with the Olympics for the organizing committee.

“ I’m absolutely delighted to be elevated to the House of Lords, it’s a real honour and a privilege and I look forward to getting to work on pressing issues in a number of areas.” Lord Holmes said

Lord Holmes was paired with a cross between a retriever and black Labrador called Lottie in 2011.

“It’s fantastic that I will be accompanied at all times in the House by Lottie. Both she and my first guide dog, Unity, have been an essential part of being able to get to this point in my life and I couldn’t have done it without them.” He added

“This is a very proud moment for Guide Dogs. Lord Holmes thoroughly deserves this honour for his exceptional work on the London 2012 games, and we are always delighted to talk about the fantastic achievements of our guide dog owners. We are extremely pleased for him and we wish him well.” Guide Dogs Chief Executive, Richard Leaman, said