Hi there.  I'm Olive and one of the Kennels Team Members and today, we had a break in our normal routine as a group of us participated in a training demonstration at the Cork Clipper Festival at Albert's Quay today. 

The place was abuzz with visitors and excited pups and dogs, and then of course, the heavens opened as we got started. None the less, we presevered and did a Dog Training Demonstration where each Trainer and their dog had to demonstrate different disciplines such as sit, wait, down, stay, etc.

Crowds watched on as we went through each routine and were very impressed as to how well all the dogs behaved and even though it rained, all the dogs made us proud as usual!  Also on the day was a 'puppy parade' with some of puppies our Puppy Walking Programme showed how well their training is progressing.  Thanks to our many volunteer Puppy Walkers who brought their pups for the event.

The Demonstration Team included Trainers Susan Turtle, David Kenneally, Simon Osbourne, PJ Hogan, and Eoin Slattery along with Kennels Staff Catherine Gallaghar and Ian Freyne who took along dogs Fran, Egan, Ewan, Zelma, Tato, Yasha, Vico, Calem and Francine. 

On the left here is me, doing a demonstration with Shepherd x Retriever Fran.  Featured further back in the photograph is Ian with Golden Retriever Tato.   

Just in case you didn't know, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind were fortunate enough to have been chosen by the Cork Clipper Crew as their charity of choice.  Spearheaded by Crew Member Jacqui Browne, they have diligently been fundraising for us while on participating in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.  They are specifically raising much needed funds for our assistance dog programme. 

For find out more about the event, read the full story in news section of the site.