Kyla McVicar has been proudly supporting Guide Dogs in her role as Business Development Manager for 13 years. Passionate about food, travel and advocating for the rights of people affected by sight loss, Kyla tells us more about her furry best friends and fabulous work for the charity.
Kyla the Dog Lover
“Luna is like a little sticky plaster – always ready for a cuddle.”
Firstly, and most importantly, do you have any dogs?
I have two dogs, who are my absolute world! Jagger, an eleven-year-old Labradoodle & Luna, a seven-year-old Cockapoo.
Describe your dogs in three words?
Jagger is friendly, food-obsessed and affectionate. Luna is cuddly, mischievous and energetic.
What do you love most about your dogs?
Luna follows me around and loves being next to me. She’s like a little sticky plaster and is always ready for a cuddle. I love how Jagger greets me at the front door with a soft toy or my slipper, no matter how long I’ve been out she’s always super excited to see me.
“They love ALL food – there are no fussy eaters in our house.”
What are their likes?
We love going out on adventures, especially to the park or the beach where they enjoy playing fetch. Luna could play with a ball for hours! Jagger is a big fan of the sea and really loves meeting other dogs and people when we’re out, she basks in the attention. At home, they both love a comfy spot on the sofa and a tasty treat.
What are their dislikes?
Jagger hates getting fed any later than usual – she’s very food motivated and will let us know when it’s time for her breakfast and dinner! Luna hates being left alone, she would go everywhere with me if she could.
What’s their favourite food?
They love ALL food – there are no fussy eaters in our house. Their absolute favourite is a yak chew.
Do they have any cheeky habits?
Luna can be a little food thief – she has been known to steal food from the worktop and once ate a hole in my coat pocket to get to a dog biscuit!
Do they have any party tricks?
The usuals like sit and paw, plus Luna can roll over and Jagger can bow.
Kyla the Advocate
“I’m very lucky to work with amazing supporters like Coffi Lab who fundraise for us.”
Can you describe the work you do for Guide Dogs?
I’m a Business Development Manager for Guide Dogs. My role specialises in corporate fundraising where I’m responsible for securing new opportunities for Guide Dogs and the marketing and development of our Name a Puppy product.
I’m very lucky to work with amazing supporters like Coffi Lab who fundraise for us. A favourite part of my role is connecting with supporters and volunteers: I get to see the incredible fundraising that makes our life-changing work possible and then witness first-hand the impact it has had for people who are benefiting from our services.
What is the biggest challenge for the charity?
The social and economic world hasn’t got any easier for people with vision impairments. Health and social care services are stretched. The quality and availability of support are inconsistent, and embedded cultural attitudes and inaccessible spaces and places continue to drive isolation – reducing social and work opportunities.
People with sight loss want a world where they can get on and do what they want, when they want. They want a level playing field – it’s not just about accessing places, it’s about accessing opportunities – living actively, independently and well. Guide Dog’s biggest challenge is making this a reality.
“You can help us by buying a dog biscuit or making a donation in your local Coffi Lab.”
How can we do better?
Our services help thousands of people with sight loss to lead confident, independent and fulfilling lives, and we plan to help many more. What we do simply wouldn’t be possible without our incredible volunteers and supporters. You can help us by buying a dog biscuit or making a donation in your local Coffi Lab, holding a fundraising event for us or putting us forward for ‘Charity of the Year’ in your workplace. You can also volunteer your time – whether you can commit to an hour a month or take on a role like puppy raising or fostering, we’d love to hear from you. Find out how to get involved by visiting our website.
What are you goals for the next 5 years?
In work over the next five years, my goal is to partner with lots of new organisations, community groups and individuals as well as continuing to support our incredible existing supporters. Together we can aim to raise awareness of the range of services Guide Dogs offer, and generate the funds required to ensure that we can support anyone with a vision impairment who comes to us for help.
Work-life balance is really important to me, so during my time off I plan to dive into travel and new adventures, as well as spending quality time with family and friends. Whether it’s attending a gig or festival, a day trip with the dogs, ticking a destination off my bucket list, or simply catching up over a cuppa, I’m always excited for these moments.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with countless dedicated supporters whose generosity, passion and drive to help have truly left me in awe.”
Can you name any individuals who have inspired you along your journey?
In my role at Guide Dogs, I have the privilege of meeting and collaborating with an incredible variety of inspiring individuals, and there are so many that picking just three would be impossible! I’ve met guide dog owners from all over the country, including those who’ve had to adjust quickly to losing their sight, sometimes very suddenly.
I’ve worked with guide dog owners who’ve conquered mountains like Yr Wyddfa, Ben Nevis, and Everest, as well as those who’ve taken on marathons and ultra marathons in aid of Guide Dogs. I’ve been inspired by volunteers who dedicate their evenings and weekends to fundraising and raising awareness. I’ve met young children with buddy dogs who’ve confidently shared their stories in media interviews, highlighting the incredible impact their dogs have had on them and their family. And I’ve had the privilege of working with countless dedicated supporters whose generosity, passion and drive to help have truly left me in awe.
What’s your favourite book?
I’m a huge fan of reading, so picking just one book is tough – there have been so many stand outs over the years. Some of my all-time favourites include Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman, Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, Caimh McDonnell’s Dublin Trilogy, and pretty much anything by Mike Gayle!
