Welcome

Welcome to our Guidelines magazine. In this edition we share some of the exciting highlights of our year and illustrate the extraordinary commitment and support which we receive from our clients, staff, volunteers and donors.

In the past 12 months we have had many firsts: we trained and matched our first Guide Stability Dog, piloted a new course for young vision impaired adults, hosted our first European Breeders Network workshop and launched a number of new fundraising initiatives. We welcomed Taoiseach Enda Kenny who officially opened our redeveloped National Headquarters and Training Centre. Best of all, we trained more people than at any time in our history. These activities and events are featured in the pages of this magazine. We are delighted to have your feedback or suggestions on any aspects of the magazine or our work. Please feel free to contact me on 1850 506 300.

Delia Webster
Editor

Front Cover Description:

Our December 2011 front cover features a photograph of our co-founder and Board President, Jim Dennehy, with Taoiseach Enda Kenny, taken at the official opening of our redeveloped National Headquarters and Training Centre earlier in the year.

Page 2: Inside Front Cover Advertisement:

Give the gift of independence - Sponsor a Puppy!

Support a puppy through its first year of training, helping it on its journey to becoming a guide dog for a person who is blind or vision impaired or an assistance dog for a child with autism. Each sponsor receives a photograph of their chosen puppy and gets regular updates on its progress throughout the first twelve months of its training.

Sponsoring a puppy also makes a great gift for a loved one or friend, so why not sign up today! Become a sponsor and help us to change a life forever!

To select your puppy to sponsor, visit www.guidedogs.ie or call Bernadette Healy on 1850 506 300.

Page 3: CEO’s Message

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind’s mission is to provide the highest quality of services in partnership with our clients while planning for the future and valuing clients, volunteers and each other. In the pages of this magazine, you will see plenty of examples of this mission being lived out by our staff, clients and volunteers, not just at our Headquarters and Training Centre but in every part of the country. We recognise fully the challenges that the present economic environment is posing for all of us with a shared interest in the success of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Training and supporting clients is at the core of who we are and it is a source of pride to all of us that we continue to train more people annually, adding new services and improving the quality of our supports. We have worked hard to secure the best available deals on dog food and supplies for our clients and we are grateful to Royal Canin and Maxi Zoo for their support in making this happen.

We are grateful to our volunteers for persevering with their fundraising efforts when it is proving more difficult to make a success of events. Their positivity and energy is infectious and is a critical factor in why the public choose to support Irish Guide Dogs in an era of so many competing causes.

Our staff have looked to themselves to ensure that we continue to make the most of scarce resources. They are committed to doing more with less and have helped reduce the cost of running the organisation over the past number of years. They have worked hard to support fundraising initiatives, developing and running their own events, all in addition to their day job in caring for our clients or dogs.

It is through the partnership of clients, volunteers and staff and maintaining the support of the public that we continue to build a great organisation. We have a singular objective which is to ensure our services are available to those who need them and that through training and support, our clients have the opportunity of an improved quality of life.

Padraig Mallon
Chief Executive

Page 4 to 5: Our Official Opening

The Taoiseach officially opens our redeveloped National Headquarters & Training Centre.

June was a very special month here at Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. We celebrated our 35 year anniversary, and on June 13th we were delighted to host Taoiseach Enda Kenny who officially opened our redeveloped National Headquarters and Training Centre.

The official opening concludes a three year project that has transformed our National Headquarters and Training Centre into a world class facility. We have greatly increased our training capacity, adding 10 additional bedrooms and making significant additions and improvements in the facilities for clients who stay with us during their training. There is a lot more space for our dogs and improved facilities to keep them happy and healthy. Our staff and volunteers are delighted with the additional office space, meeting rooms and facilities.
We were pleased to welcome a number of volunteers, supporters and clients to the opening and to celebrate what was a significant milestone in our growth and development.

Speaking at the event, our cofounder Jim Dennehy and former Chair Roger Flack expressed their gratitude for the support of Government and the donors who made it possible to fund such a significant project. Before unveiling a commemorative plaque, the Taoiseach Mr Kenny praised Irish Guide Dogs for completing the project on time and within budget. He expressed his admiration for the training which takes place at the facility and the impact of that training on people and families across the country.

Diana Johnson, grand-daughter of our late co-founder, Mrs Mary Dunlop, who attended the opening said: "It's so special to be here today. I know my grandmother would have been delighted to see how the organisation has grown and how many people have been positively impacted by what she and Jim Dennehy initiated."

The redevelopment was a key feature of our 2008 -2011 strategic plan which aimed to significantly increase the number of people whom we train. In total €910,000 of the overall €5 million cost was received from the Dormant Accounts Fund (through the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs) and the Department of Health and Children. The remaining funds came from reserves: the result of bequests and legacies received from people who had the kindness to include Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind in their will. Because of their generosity and support we have the facilities to deliver our vision. The proof was there when in 2010 we trained 167 clients - our highest number ever - an achievement we are set to exceed in 2011.

We are always delighted to welcome visitors to our National Headquarters. We offer tours on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for groups of up to 20. To book your visit, contact Elaine Walsh on 1850 506 300. We look forward to showing you around. 

Page 6: Built for comfort & growth

Our redeveloped National Headquarters & Training Centre not only helps us train more people but it offers our clients a comfortable “home away from home” experience.

Ken Brydon, our Operations Manager who project managed the redevelopment says, “We wanted to create a modern but homely environment for our clients who can spend up to three weeks with us while in class. We improved our training facilities, accommodation and leisure areas so that clients can have a relaxing environment in which to mingle and unwind when they’ve concluded their day of training.”

“The project also gave us the opportunity to incorporate added features for improving the accessibility of the building. We incorporated features such as additional tactile surfaces, handrails, ramps and an elevator to make the building wheelchair friendly. Indoor décor focused on colour contrast and texture to make it easier for people who are blind or vision impaired to move around confidently.”

In this picture gallery, we highlight some of the changes that are helping us to provide an improved training experience for an increased number of clients.

• Training Kitchen: Our Training Kitchen and Independent Living Skills zone has been doubled in size, making for a more comfortable learning environment. 
• Kennels (Pod Kennel): With the addition of the Pod Kennel, we can now care for up to 120 dogs in training. This new building also includes a large basement and indoor training area. Walls in our existing Kennel Blocks were lowered allowing for better socialisation between our dogs. Improvements to our sanitation and drainage system have made cleaning much easier, ensuring the highest standard of hygiene. 
• Puppy Block: A purpose built Puppy and Breeding Block includes a whelping area for “mother and pups”, a Laboratory testing area and a puppy viewing area which is popular with our many visitors. The new facility increases our capacity - we can now care for up to four large litters at a time. 
• Client Lounge: Clients in residence can relax in the evenings in comfortable lounges, use our compact gym, or stay in touch with friends and family in our computer suite. 
• Client Bedroom: Ten additional client bedrooms enable us to host up to 18 clients on class at any given time.
  

Page 7: Chairman’s Message

"I have been a member of the Board since 2004, having been approached by David Stanton TD at the instigation of the then Chairman, Charlie Daly, acting on behalf of the Board. Charlie persuaded me that my background and contacts would be useful to the Board in its work. He also gave me insights into the great work being done by Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and I can honestly say that it has been both a privilege and a pleasure to be with the organisation for over seven years. My admiration and respect for our voluntary workers and supporters has continued to increase over that period.

It is an honour to be invited to take the Chair and I look forward to playing a full role in this position and helping to advance the organisation’s work over the next two years with our expert, professional and dedicated CEO and staff and with the Board. I share with our volunteers, staff and Board the commitment to provide the maximum possible level of service to people with vision impairment and to families of children with autism.

Board Movements

I wish to record all our thanks to the members who have left the Board during this year. We’d like to acknowledge Birte Schulz-McGaley (Building Subcommittee), Paul Horan (Chairman of the Audit and Risk Sub-committee) and Catherine O’Callaghan for their valued input during their tenure. I welcome four new members: Guide Dog Owner Patrick Costigan, Volunteer Fundraiser Nick Palmer, Chairman and Managing Director for Ford Ireland, Eddie Murphy, and former Chairman Tom Aplin who has joined us once again.

Our Three year Strategic Plan

The Board recently approved the organisation’s three year strategic plan which sets out clear goals for the forthcoming period. It means that our management and staff know what they need to achieve in order to improve and develop all that we do. One of the key themes relates to improving our internal processes, including upgrading our technology platform to support the organisation’s growth. We urgently need this in order to support our staff and volunteers in achieving these goals.

Over the next three years, we can expect the plan to secure improvement in the processes within our organisation. We will be asking our volunteers and members for feedback on our actions and constructive criticism of what we are doing. Please visit our website, join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter; or just telephone or email us to keep in touch.

Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD officially opened our redevelopment in June this year. This event gave us the opportunity to showcase our services, discuss some of our challenges and goals as well as introduce some of our clients. And while we’re delighted with our redeveloped facilities, they are only buildings. Our biggest asset remains our people - be they staff, volunteers, donors, or clients. And of course, we can’t forget our amazing dogs! I look forward to meeting many of you in the year ahead and thank you for your continued support."

Alan Dukes
Chairman
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind

Page 8: Meet Ulan & Coleen - our first Guide Stability Dog Partnership

Coleen Callaghan from Louth Village in Dundalk is visually impaired and also suffers from neurofibromatosis. For Colleen this means that since the age of nine, her eyesight and balance have deteriorated considerably. Up until recently she found walking anywhere outside the comfort of her own home very challenging. She used a long cane as a mobility aid but her struggle with dizzy spells often caused her to lose her balance and stumble. To avoid falling and to get around safely, Coleen had come to rely on the additional support of her family as sighted guides. Life was difficult and Colleen lacked the independence that she as a young person was keen to achieve.

Coleen had always wanted to get a guide dog and when she turned eighteen, she promptly applied to Irish Guide Dogs. During assessment, it became clear that Coleen’s needs were quite unique. Our Training Team Leader, PJ Hogan explains, “The real benefit of having a guide dog is being totally independent, in other words, not needing to rely on another person to guide you. So we set about finding a solution to allow Coleen the freedom to move about without having to rely on a sighted guide for her stability.”

A customised solution for Coleen

From research and contact with Guide Dog schools internationally, it was agreed that a ‘Guide Stability Dog’ was the best solution. PJ explains: “We designed a specific training approach and sourced a manufacturer in the United States to help us produce a customised harness for Coleen’s guide dog. We then set about finding a suitable dog and Ulan was the perfect candidate.”

Guide Dog Trainer Nadine Ruff was part of the team who successfully trained our first guide dog to work with a person in a wheelchair, so she was delighted to apply some of her experience to training Ulan. She says of the training “Ulan adjusted to his new unique harness quite quickly. It feels very different as the handle for guiding is much shorter and it includes a handle positioned across UIan’s back which Coleen uses to lean on when she needs to steady herself. I augmented Ulan’s guiding skills with some unique commands, the key one being to stand still and steady when Coleen stumbles. He learned to walk at a slower pace and to respond quickly when he felt me stumble. He did very well.”

Training at our Centre in Cork As part of her training Coleen stayed at our National Headquarters and Training Centre for over a week where her instructor provided one to one inputs on working with Ulan and caring for him. She was joined by her mum Maeve who also learned how to support Coleen and Ulan’s working partnership.
“When I started training, I was a little unsure, but by the end of it, I couldn’t stop smiling.”

Coleen says of the training, “I knew what guide dogs could do but to experience it first hand is something else entirely. I was amazed at Ulan’s intelligence. The team at the Centre were great and I was in awe of him. I couldn’t wait to get home and start practicing what I had learnt in my own environment.”

A perfect match

Coleen has made a huge success of life at home with Ulan. Her mum Maeve, is very positive about the changes. “In the past, Coleen often got frustrated and sad because of a lack of independence. She’s just so much happier now. Ulan has given her a renewed sense of purpose and the change in her overall wellbeing is just phenomenal. Even her health consultants have noticed the positive change in Coleen! The outcome is better than I could ever have anticipated.”

We asked Coleen how she felt about life now that Ulan has become part of it: “The most significant change is that his need for exercise gets me out of the house. Prior to having Ulan, I never left my home unless I absolutely had to. Now I go for a walk at least once a day. This means that I’m exposed to fresh air, get more exercise myself and have much more contact with people. There’s also the emotional benefit of having him. He’s very affectionate and never more than a few feet away from me and having him in my life has made me feel very safe and secure. I have found a friend in Ulan and nothing compares to the love that he rewards me with. I feel so much happier in myself. I am more confident and find talking to people so much easier now. Having Ulan has changed my life and I would recommend having a guide dog to anyone.”

The work done with Coleen is a credit to the innovation of our training team and their commitment to finding the right solution for our clients’ needs. Everyone involved was pleased to have had the opportunity to work on something new. Ulan, who was puppy walked by Jo Good from Cork as well as Jenny and Roy Dale from Tipperary, is certainly living up to the challenge and doing us all proud. Well done to Nadine and her colleagues -you have helped to make one young woman very happy indeed.

Page 9: A gift in your will can change a life forever

A gift in your will can change a life forever The support of a Guide Dog for a blind or vision impaired person or an Assistance Dog for a family of a child with autism is priceless. The cost to run our organisation and provide training to over 170 people annually is however quite significant -over €4 million each year.

Over 80% of our income comes from fundraising and voluntary donations and right now we are under considerable pressure to raise sufficient funds to continue the valuable work we do. The generosity of the public can never be understated and we are fortunate to have such a loyal group of volunteers whose nationwide fundraising activities account for the majority of our day to day income. We are fortunate also to receive a number of bequests from supporters who have passed on and had the kindness to remember us in their will. Over the years these bequests have helped us to develop our facilities and support the expansion of our services. The foresight and kindness of people who have remembered us in their will has been the rock on which we have built our future.

We would be pleased to discuss our work with you if you are considering making a bequest in your will. Once you have made a decision to do so, it’s quite simple to implement. With a little help from a solicitor, a clause in your will in favour of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind will ensure that your gift will reach us at a future date and through your generosity, we will help people achieve independence and freedom. For family or friends wishing to remember a loved one who has passed on, a gift to Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind in their memory is a wonderful tribute and will help us greatly. This can be as simple as asking for donations in lieu of flowers or sponsoring a puppy named after a loved one. Our staff are happy to advise and help you create a fitting tribute to a loved one or friend.

If you wish to support us by leaving a gift in your will, please contact our Chief Executive, Padraig Mallon, on 1850 506 300 or visit www.guidedogs.ie

Page 10: Charity begins at work

A number of our corporate supporters are featured in the pages of this magazine - happy faces in great events helping to create great outcomes.

We are fortunate to work with an increasing number of companies and their employees who have chosen to support Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. Funding our programmes for blind or vision impaired persons and families of children with autism is an increasingly difficult challenge, in particular as we raise over 80% of our annual income from fundraising. Community fundraising through local events is a major part of our work but increasingly we are getting support from a range of companies and their employees.

The number of employees who donate to charities through payroll is significant and we are keen to target this area. We have a unique opportunity to link payroll giving to the sponsorship of a puppy in training. We provide regular updates on the pup’s progress and can arrange site visits of pups in training which are always a big hit.
Encouraging staff to take time out to support a worthwhile cause is something an increasing number of employers are doing and at Irish Guide Dogs, we have been fortunate to work with some of Ireland’s leading companies. This is a win-win situation for us and for them. We get the benefit of financial support and a host of new volunteers while the organisations are fulfilling their corporate social responsibility commitments and in the process helping to change lives forever.

Paddy Power Working with Paddy Power as their Charity of the Year has been a huge success. Their 1,200 employees both at Head Office and stores across the country are committed to raising as much money as possible for Irish Guide Dogs. Their expertise in marketing and communications has helped greatly in lifting our profile. Ken Robertson Communications Director for Paddy Power says, “The partnership with Irish Guide Dogs has been a real win-win. We thought we were the masters of publicity but a guide dog puppy or working dog at an event will almost certainly ensure media coverage. Our staff are delighted with the public reaction to our choice of charity and their staff have been great too – full of beans and always willing to help.”

Abtran Similarly Abtran, a business fulfilment company, based in Cork have made a significant contribution since “adopting” Irish Guide Dogs in 2009. Management and staff have participated in our community fundraising events as well as organising their own activities, the highlight of which was a family fun day for their 1,000 plus employees. Throughout the year, employees donate their time to provide telephone support for fundraising campaigns and communications initiatives.

Abtran Charity Club Chair, Joana Goldinho says, “Our partnership has been wonderful in helping to build a sense of community spirit among our staff. From time to time, as a ‘treat’ for our staff, we have some of our Irish Guide Dogs trainers come along with their dogs and do a walk through all the departments. This not only makes our staff smile but allows them to see what they are doing really makes a difference. There’s so much that the organisation does for the community that most people wouldn’t be aware of and the Abtran Charity Club together with all the staff at Abtran are really proud to be able to help everyone understand and promote their programmes.”

We are delighted to be working with a number of other great companies including: a number of other great companies including:

• The BIS Unit at University College Cork who are assisting with the development of our IT database.
• Ecco Footwear who have sponsored footwear for our training staff since 2004.
• FBD Hotels and Lynch Hotels who have contributed thousands of euro in holiday vouchers to assist with fundraising.
• Ford Ireland who donated a Ford Focus for our annual raffle as well sponsoring a number of vehicles in our fleet.
• Hayfield Manor Hotel in Cork have donated prizes and hosted fundraising events.
• Maxi Zoo Pet Superstores who provide discounted dog food for clients nationwide.
• KPMG, Ronan Daly Jermyn, AON Hewitt, Pepsi who have freed up their staff to assist with fundraising campaigns.
• Royal Canin who sponsor technical training for our staff and provide key inputs in marketing and communications and discounts on food for dogs in training.
• Salesforce.com whose employees raised over €15,000, which was generously matched by the company.

Our staff, volunteers and clients are committed to supporting fundraising initiatives across the country. We are always keen to attract new corporate supporters. Our staff, volunteers and clients are committed to supporting fundraising initiatives across the country. Our Commercial Director, Paddy Delaney and our fundraising team have a host of ideas and ready-made events through which companies can generate funds and enjoy winning team and individual experiences. We can match companies with volunteers or supporters in their local community which helps them to target their energies on changing lives closer to home. We would be delighted to speak with companies about how their staff can utilise their skills to support our marketing, communications and other business activities. 

Contact Paddy Delaney on 1850 506 300 or e-mail fundraising@guidedogs.ie.

Page 12 to 13: New events bringing out the best in us and in the public

Our fundraising gets a boost from three new successful projects.

The majority of our fundraising income is generated by volunteers and supporters who organise activities in their communities. These events have a strong local appeal and despite the challenging economy, they remain enormously successful. In addition to these activities, we run a number of national events, such as our annual SHADES campaign, which our volunteers are happy to take on in their areas. More recently we had the opportunity to partner with some great companies to create a number of new events which thanks to the wonderful support of our volunteers, clients, sponsors and staff have helped to greatly raise our profile and generate much needed income.

Dunnes Stores National Bag Pack

The first of these events was a National Bag Pack in Dunnes Stores outlets on Saturday, September 24th. Our volunteers, supporters, staff, clients, friends and families made a huge effort to cover 55 Dunnes outlets nationwide and raise over €45,000 in a single day. All who took part were bowled over by the generosity of the public and the affection for our dogs. Dunnes management and staff at Head Office and in the stores were enormously supportive helping to create a real feel good factor.

We are delighted that Dunnes have confirmed September 22nd as the date for the 2012 event. Our aim is to work with our volunteers and friends to have a bag pack in all Dunnes stores nationwide which doubles the amount raised in 2011 - a big challenge but with our supporters and volunteers, anything is possible.

Ford Focus Car Draw

Working with a global brand like Ford is always a great opportunity and our first annual Car Draw proved how generous a partner they can be. Ford sponsored a Ford Focus worth €20,000 for the draw, which we ran as part of our association with the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival in October. We brought the Ford Focus to a number of shopping centres in Cork in the run up to the Jazz Festival and our staff, clients and volunteers worked hard over the weekends selling tickets to hundreds of shoppers. The public were extremely generous and the story got better when we brought the car to Patrick Street Cork for the week of the Jazz Festival.

Ford’s marketing prowess came to the fore when they supplied a super crowd stopping marquee in which to show off the Focus to the thousands of shoppers and visitors who had flocked to Cork for the festival. Our clients and staff with their dogs wowed the public for six days while volunteers, friends and our Board members helped sell thousands of €5 tickets. In the end, the Ford Focus was won by a delighted 21 year old Danielle Hasson from Glanmire Cork.

The car draw raised a phenomenal €78,500, a welcome boost for our fundraising and a real morale boost for staff, volunteers and all involved. It was hard work but everyone agreed it was worth it when they considered the wonderful response from the public and the positive vibe which flowed through the event from start to finish. We look forward to partnering with Ford on our 2012 Car Draw when we plan to sell tickets nationwide. Once again we hope to involve our wonderful volunteers, clients and staff - we simply couldn’t do it without them. Details of the 2012 National Car draw will be available on www.guidedogs.ie. It will be your opportunity to bag a great prize and help support our work.

Family Dog Walk

Those supporters and volunteers were also out in force for our first annual national Family Dog Walk on Saturday, October 8th. Over 40 walks took place in communities across the country kick-starting what we believe will grow to be one of our most popular events. Our sponsors Bayer (manufacturers of Drontal Dog Wormer) and Uniphar played a significant role in sponsoring the reflective bands which were sold to walkers. They also sponsored a major radio advertising campaign andwere leadersinthe distribution of the bands to pharmacies nationwide.

Hector O’hEochagáin and Roy Keane lent their voices to our radio advertising. Roy returned to Cork to lead our walk there proving as always just how popular he is with old and young alike. We were delighted to have the support of the Rotary Clubs of Ireland whose members played a major role in organising walks across the country, selling bands and providing logistical support. Our volunteers were delighted to have the support of Rotary and many new friendships were formed. A significant amount of money was raised by those who took part in the inaugural walk and best of all we now know that the public are willing to support what is a fun filled national event.

Walking and dogs are synonymous with Irish Guide Dogs and we are confident that with the support of our volunteers, sponsors and supporters that we can capitalise on this to build our Family Dog Walk into a significant fundraising and awareness raising opportunity. Details of the 2012 event which takes place in July are available on www.guidedogs.ie.

We are delighted by the success of these events. We are always on the lookout for new ways to engage the public and raise the funds necessary to support our work. If you have an idea for an event or would like to volunteer your time and energy, we would be delighted to hear from you. Contact Paddy Delaney on Kerry MacMahon on 1850 506 300.

Page 14: Hector "keeping her lit for Irish Guide Dogs

A fantastic year for us with one of Ireland’s most popular personalities.

Meet Hector! He’s bubbly and energetic, always up for a “bit of divilment” but also knows when it’s time to knuckle down and work. We are of course talking about the cute puppy pictured here with his namesake, RTÉ 2fm DJ Hector Ó h’Eochagáin. Mind you, as the hundreds of thousands of listeners to Hector’s 2FM show know, divilment and craic are what Hector the DJ does best too.

Hector and the “Breakfast with Hector Show” listeners have been following Hector the puppy’s progress through the socialisation stage of his training, thanks to regular interviews and updates since they adopted him a year ago. The idea came from Hector saying on air that he wanted a pet dog but when he heard about Hector he decided to get his ‘doggie fix’ in another way!

Michele Munnelly, Hector’s volunteer Puppy Walker, who introduced Hector to Hector live on air when he was just 8 weeks old, says pup Hector’s personality is uncannily similar to his “Godfather’s”, which is what Hector the man likes to be called. Michele featured on the programme several times since and each time, the reaction from listeners to Hector’s progress has been really great.

The two Hectors met live on air when Hector visited Galway for his holidays and at the National Ploughing Championships. Hector is delighted with his decision to adopt his namesake, and he says, “Adopting Hector has been such a great way for us to get involved and help one of Ireland’s most valued charities. It’s been fascinating getting to understand the work that goes into turning a fun-loving puppy into a mature and capable guide or assistance dog. There’s really a lot to it and the commitment of volunteer Puppy Walkers like Michele is incredible. We are committed to it. We want to raise the €38,000 which it will cost to train Hector and maintain him as a fully qualified guide dog working with a blind person.”

Hector and the show’s producer Alan Swan have been busy fundraising and have, amongst a number of activities to date, raised €15,000 through an on-air Cheltenham Charity Bet with Paddy Power Bookmakers. The money gained from sales of photographs at the show’s phenomenally successful “Second Chance Debs” event was added to the Hector fund. Hector, along with Roy Keane, was also the face of our national Family Dog Walk, helping us to attract participants from far and wide.

Puppy Hector is just over a year old now and will soon be returning to our National Headquarters where he will start his next stage of training. His Puppy Walker Michele feels that living the life of a celebrity helped Hector’s socialisation and confidence; key attributes for a successful working guide dog or assistance dog.
Hector and the Breakfast Show team have agreed to follow Hector on his journey through training and right on to his eventual qualifiacation as a working dog. This will be an excellent opportunity for us to inform the show’s growing band of listeners about our work and the wonderfully interesting journey that this special dog is making.

It has been a real team effort to date, not least from the show’s team but also from Michele who has opened hers and her family’s life to the public through a regular blog. Hector the pup has played his part also. He is a great dog with real character, perhaps secretly he likes being in the limelight! One thing is for sure: like his Godfather he is a natural talent.

To adopt a puppy or volunteer as a Puppy Walker, contact Elaine Walsh on 1850 506 300 or apply online at www.guidedogs.ie. Follow Hector's progress on our website or by tuning into 2FM from 7am to 9am Monday to Friday each week.

Page 15: Gandon has made life amazing again

Gandon has made life amazing again Claire Hawkins says their Assistance Dog Gandon has opened up a whole new world for her son AJ and for them as a family. This is her story.

It was just before AJ’s 2nd birthday when it was brought to our attention that all wasn’t right. It took almost two years to get a complete diagnosis but by the time we had it on paper, we already knew he had autism. It was an extremely overwhelming time, not only coming to terms with the diagnosis but also realising how much help he’d need: from speech therapy to occupational therapy, the list was endless.

Over the next few years, we did all we knew how to do and tried to get on with life as best we could. It was very challenging and life felt far from normal. We didn’t get to go out much. It was just too stressful, for us as well as AJ. It was very hard on his little brother Alex as we found it so difficult to go places as a family, so we eventually gave up. Even going to the local playground was extremely stressful and would end up in us leaving soon after, often with me in tears.

I would describe AJ as a beautiful, sweet little boy with a great sense of humour but because of his autism, he’s easily stressed and happiest being by himself. If he gets upset and can’t express his fears or frustrations, he panics and unfortunately, he can be aggressive at times. He becomes over stimulated by too much light, sound or large crowds which can cause him to panic. He has no sense of danger and just runs away or hits the floor and has what looks like a tantrum, but it’s just his mind panicking. He finds it extremely hard to communicate with others and can’t read social situations, so has very few friends.

When he was about four, I met a mother of a child with an assistance dog. I did some research and after chatting to her and a few other families, I was amazed at the benefits of the Assistance Dog Programme and sent in my application to Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. We waited for two and a half years, which felt like forever, but were delighted to finally get called for training.

The week’s training in Cork was very busy but fun. We were in a group of six parents training at the same time, which was great as we could share our experiences with each other and laugh at ourselves as we were learning. I couldn’t believe how comfortable and modern the Training Centre is. Every staff member was so welcoming and eager to help. The whole experience was amazing and at the end of the week, I almost didn’t want to leave.

A month before AJ’s sixth birthday, we finally brought Gandon home. I was delighted but had to be patient. It took AJ a while to interact and bond with Gandon. Once settled, our Mobility Instructor joined us at our home and tried our first attachment, which is connecting Gandon’s harness to a belt around AJ’s waist. It took a number of attempts before AJ relaxed and co¬operated but once successful, we started seeing the benefits.

Over the next few weeks, AJ started bonding more and more with Gandon, who was very protective of him. He started asking for Gandon whenever he got nervous or scared, which was huge as he never asked for anyone before.

It’s been just over a year now since Gandon came into our lives and the difference is just amazing. All our friends and family have noticed the progress in AJ’s development. He’s more confident and independent. He’s more responsible and enjoys feeding and grooming Gandon and playing fetch in the garden or park. AJ is much calmer and displays a lot less aggression than before. He finds petting Gandon very soothing, and this helps him when he gets stressed.

Since Gandon has come into our lives, we can do things that other families do, like go to the cinema, play bowling, go to the park or the zoo - the list goes on. I never imagined us ever doing any of these things. We don’t have to feel stressed about AJ’s safety as we know he can’t bolt and try to run away, so we are all calmer. I can’t even begin to express my gratitude to Irish Guide Dog’s staff. Gandon means the world to us, and of course to AJ.

If a parent asks me for advice on the programme or they are sceptical, I can’t encourage them enough to go for it! It can be hard work, but the benefits make it worth every single second. I can’t imagine what life would be like without Gandon now. He is AJ’s first real friend. He has given AJ back his childhood and has opened up a whole new world for us a family.

Page 16 to 21: News & Events

SHADES - 9 years and still going strong!

Nine years ago, we launched our first SHADES fundraising campaign aimed at creating greater awareness of the needs of people living with sight loss as well as raising funds for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. The SHADES campaign remains a firm favourite on our calendar of events and continues to raise significant funds. We have had the privilege of working with the iconic Roy Keane since the campaign began. As the face of the campaign, Roy has helped raise our profile securing extensive media coverage in print, radio and television. His contribution in creating awareness of our work has been invaluable. Roy once again stepped out in support of SHADES when we launched the 2011 campaign at the Radisson Blu St. Helen’s Hotel in Dublin at the end of April.

As ever Roy was delighted to spend time with some of our volunteers and clients providing them with a once in a life time opportunity to get up close and personal with a true legend. He spent time with special guests of our sponsor, Paddy Power as well as RTE 2fm’s Hector Ó’hEochagáin who was delighted to meet and interview his hero. We were pleased to have such widespread public support for SHADES which raised over €120,000 largely through the sale of our SHADES pins by volunteers, selected retailers and Paddy Power outlets nationwide. A key feature of this year’s activity was the sale of pins on city streets by volunteers, staff and clients including a number of sales on O’Connell Street and Grafton Street Dublin. Once again the presence of our pups and working dogs on the streets was a huge hit with the public.

A large number of schools participated in the campaign, raising funds through sales of pins and innovative fundraising events. Apart from supporting a great cause, there was an added incentive for schools; the chance to win a visit by Roy Keane to their school. Sunday’s Well Boys National School in Cork were the winners of the draw and the boys, teachers and parents got their wish when their hero spent hours with them on a sunny Friday in June, a great result all round!

Shades 2012 will take place May 7th - 13th. We are looking for sponsors and volunteers to help make it one of our biggest campaigns of the year. If you'd like to get involved as a volunteer, sponsor or fundraiser, please call us on lo-call 1850 506 300 or e-mail fundraising@guidedogs.ie. 

A Christmas gift that keeps on giving

The sale of our Christmas Cards and Calendars is our most successful fundraising activity, contributing over €250,000 each year. The success is due largely to the work of hundreds of volunteers who sell the cards, many starting in September and they keep going right up to Christmas. Unlike other cards on the market, no margins are paid to retailers so all of the money raised from the sales of over 70,000 packs of cards and calendars comes directly to Irish Guide Dogs.

Launching our 2011 range at The Royal College of Physicians in Dublin, Presidential Candidate and Dragons’ Den star Seán Gallagher praised the invaluable contribution of our fundraising volunteers, in particular, those who were willing to put so much effort into selling the cards and calendars to friends, workmates and the public. He spoke of his own vision impairment and paid tribute to the staff of Irish Guide Dogs whose services for blind and vision impaired persons helped to change lives.

We are grateful to the ESB for their sponsorship of the cards and calendars and for their generosity in providing such a great venue for the launch event. For the third year in a row, Dublin based photographer John Ryan kindly donated his time and expertise to capture the wonderful quality photographs of our dogs, our volunteers and staff that feature in the calendar. John, who is also a Puppy Walking volunteer, is an example of the extraordinary generosity which helps make it possible for us to provide our life changing services. The money raised through the sales of the cards and calendars is only possible because of his efforts and that of the volunteers and the public who contribute so generously.

We have a range of gifts available year round through our online storeat www.guidedogs.ie. Our Fundraising Team will be happy to hear from you at 1850 506 300 if you would like to volunteer for card sales or any other of our activities. 

Mayors pay tribute to our volunteers

Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of Irish Guide Dogs. They are pivotal to our fundraising efforts, our Breeding and Puppy Walking Programmes and increasingly, they provide support at our Head Office with key inputs to finance, transport, kennels and administration. Cllr. Gerry Breen paid tribute to our many volunteers at a special reception held at the Mansion House. The Lord Mayor spoke of his deep interest in the work of Irish Guide Dogs and the important and highly visible role played by our volunteers in the capital.

Cllr. Mary Roche, the Mayor of Waterford held a special reception at the Mayor’s Parlour for our Waterford based volunteers. Cllr. Roche had been struck by the huge effort of Jill McElroy and all in Waterford to raise funds for Irish Guide Dogs and by the sheer number of events which she ran. The event was a great opportunity to bring together the volunteers and the businesses in the area who provide such support. One such business is Rexam Beverage Can, where Irish Guide Dogs volunteer and Rexam employee Paddy Kenneally has had great support from his colleagues in raising thousands annually during our SHADES campaign.

The Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Sean Martin pictured here with Chairman and Managing Director of Ford, joined us at our National Headquarters to launch our Cork Jazz Festival partnership where, he paid tribute to our volunteers and the valuable contribution they make to the life of Cork.

A warm welcome at our Open Day

We were delighted to showcase our redeveloped National Headquarters and Training Centre to the hundreds of clients, volunteers and supporters who attended our Open Day in early September. The Open Day was an opportunity to thank our many volunteers for their ongoing support. It was a great social occasion with volunteers, staff, board members and clients taking time to catch up and renew friendships built over time. Addressing the guests, our Cofounder and President Jim Dennehy spoke of his enormous pride in the growth of the organisation. He said what made him most happy was knowing that an increasing number of people were being trained each year.

Our staff gave a number of demonstrations of training and obedience work which proved hugely popular as did the tours of our kennel complex which had a steady stream of visitors throughout the day. Volunteer fundraiser Chris Malone, who travelled with her daughters and grandchildren from Westport, Co. Mayo to attend the event said “She was delighted to have made the journey”. She added that as a long time volunteer she was delighted with the progress and that the day was a great opportunity to meet up with staff and friends in such a lovely setting.

Crookstown fundraisers have a great year

Our Crookstown Branch led by Tessie Buckley have been supporting Irish Guide Dogs for almost twenty years. Their flagship event, now in its 17th year, is the Crookstown Dog Walk, which takes place on the roads around the county Cork village on the first Sunday in July. Throughout the year Tessie and the members of the Crookstown Branch attend Bingo nights in the Cork area where they run raffles and sell Irish Guide Dogs items as part of the fundraising for the walk. The walk itself draws a huge crowd from the village and the surrounding towns with participants raising significant funds through sponsorship.

Each September, Tessie and the branch along with the participants, local politicians, clergy and the wider community gather for a night of celebration with the highlight being the presentation of the cheque. Through sheer determination, Tessie has managed to increase the amount raised each year and this year was no exception when €16,750 was revealed as the magnificent total. There was a great sense amongst those present that their hard work was worthwhile as they were helping Irish Guide Dogs to help others. The 2012 walk was confirmed for July 1st with Tessie and all committed to making it an even bigger success.

It's 'puppy love' for hill walkers

Some people would walk a thousand miles for love, but fortunately, participants in our Puppy Love Walk in July this year, only had to tackle the hills from Kenmare to Killarney. The walk was lead by Dave Mac from Cork radio station Red FM and match making guru, Avril Mulcahy who founded the dating website singlelista.com. With 50 walkers, many looking to meet that special someone amongst the slopes, the event was a real fun activity which raised over €2,500 for Irish Guide Dogs.

Staff member Eimear Kenneally who organised the event came up with the innovative idea after listening to Dave Mac interview Avril about the perils of dating. They loved the suggestion and helped by calling for participants on air and online. Eimear says, “Dave and Avril were fantastic and we appreciate their support very much. The walk helped us to connect with a whole new group of interesting people, some of whom have become active supporters and volunteers.”

Do you have an interesting and fun idea for a fundraiser? Contact our Fundraising Team on fundraising@guidedogs.ie and they'll help you get it organised.

Cork Flag Day - a great event for volunteers & staff

One of our most important fundraising events in Cork City is the annual flag day which takes place in October. The flag day is a wonderful opportunity for volunteers, clients and staff to take to the streets and meet the public. Each year, we have great support from local schools with the students making sure we can cover all of Cork city and suburbs for the day. The 2011 flag day raised a remarkable €13,700 which is testament to the generosity of the people of Cork and their high regard for our work with vision impaired persons and families of children with autism.

Frank's 21st Amphicat - a great success

Galway Branch Chairman, Frank Downes has been rallying support for Irish Guide Dogs in Galway for the past 33 years. Frank, his wife Mary and their friends in the branch are synonymous with Irish Guide Dogs for the many thousands of Galwegians whom they meet through their weekly fundraising activities and events. One such activity is the Galway Amphicat (canoe paddle) which this year celebrated the 21st year of what has been an enormously successful event.

The row on the River Clare from Tuam to Corofin raised a record €25,000.
A proud Frank stated “The more effort you put into a fundraiser, the more you get out. We raised the most we ever have at this year’s Amphicat Row, so I’m delighted. In spite of challenging times, people are still very supportive of Irish Guide Dogs and we’re so grateful for that. I think a lot has to do with seeing more of our working dogs in action. You can’t but be inspired by how much they help people.”

Frank is keen to see the success of the Amphicat replicated in other counties. He believes it is a wonderful opportunity to take to the water and raise funds at the same time.

We have over thirty boats which are ready for use by work groups, or any group who feel that they could organise their own Amphicat fundraiser on a river in their area. Our Fundraising Team will be delighted to offer their support and encouragement to help you create a memorable event.

Big support from the Big Apple

Dunmore native, Kevin Kennedy has lived in New York for almost 50 years but has never forgotten his home in Ireland and the people here that need help. For the past 20 years, Kevin has been a tireless fundraiser for Irish Guide Dogs, raising some €250,000 for us over this period. Kevin first became involved in fundraising after meeting the late Paul Higgins, a guide dog owner living in Galway, whose courage and determination was such an inspiration. Kevin knew that there were many members of the Irish Diaspora living in New York who would be willing to support people living with sight loss back home improve their quality of life by getting a guide dog. He then set about forming a fundraising branch amongst his friends and contacts. This year, Kevin hosted his 16th fundraising dinner dance at Rory Dolan’s Restaurant in Yonkers New York and our Chief Executive, Padraig Mallon, was delighted to attend in order to show our appreciation for such a generous group of people.

Speaking at the event, Padraig thanked Rory Dolan for his generosity in sponsoring the event as he has done for so many years. Padraig also thanked all of the supporters paying special tribute to Kevin for his hard work. He spoke of how much it meant to all associated with Irish Guide Dogs to know that there was such great support for our work in the busy world of the big apple.

Walking the line for Irish Guide Dogs

A host of Cork stars and politicians joined over 350 people to participate in a charity walk from Carrigaline to Crosshaven in aid of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and local charities. The event was organised by the Carrigaline & District Lions Club and was sponsored by Ulster Bank and Pepsico. On the day our training staff provided a crash course in dog handling for the politicians and local celebrities who led out the walk accompanied by our dogs in training.

Lawyers lunch now in its 5th year

We are delighted to have the support of the Dublin Corporate & Public Lawyers Association (CPLA) who host an annual fundraising lunch in aid of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind each September. Terence O’Keefe, John Savage, Martin Sills and a hard working committee use all of their powers of persuasion to bring together over 150 of the city’s top legal eagles for what is now a firm favourite on the Dublin social calendar.

To date, the CPLA have raised over €150,000 and they show no signs of slowing down. We’re delighted with the opportunity to have one of our clients as guest speaker and this year, Guide Dog owner and barrister Martin Gordon was an inspiration. His story of courage and commitment in qualifying as a barrister despite losing his sight as a 17 year old student was so well received.

We are delighted to be associated with the CPLA, Terence and his committee. The money raised through the years has changed lives for the better -something of which the guests who come back each year can be extra proud.

Staff going the extra mile for Irish Guide Dogs

Aside from their day jobs in caring for our dogs and training our clients, a number of our staff have taken on fundraising challenges to raise funds for Irish Guide Dogs. It is a measure of their commitment and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure that we can reach more people who need our services. It might also mean that they just like having fun.

Kennels Team members Julie Simpson, Linda Madden and Laura Lyons conquered their deepest fears to complete a skydive which raised over €1,500. The whole Kennels team kicked in to help with the fundraising including organising a table quiz for staff and volunteers. A number of staff members preferred to keep their feet on the ground for their fundraising initiative when they participated in the Cork City Marathon, the Dublin Marathon and Cork Women’s Mini-Marathon.

Staff members, husband and wife dynamic duo, Dave and Eimear Kenneally, organised a number of fundraising events between them. Eimear planned the Puppy Love Walk and then was joined by her sister Niamh Daly in organising a “Father Ted” themed Table Quiz, which was a fun filled success. Dave a keen cyclist and founding member of the Cork County Cycling Club organised the Autumn Cycle Challenge where over 200 cyclists took part and raised over €2,500. Dave is planning a number of other cycling events which are sure to be very popular as we are reliability informed that cycling is the latest and greatest way to keep fit.

European Breeders Network comes to Cork

Our work in training Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs is wholly dependent on having the highest quality dogs. Over the past thirty years with dedicated support from of our volunteer Breeding Stock Holders and experts in genetics and veterinary care, we have refined and improved our Breeding Programme to the extent that the quality of our dogs is considered to be amongst the best in Europe. By exchanging stock with other Guide Dog schools across the world and in particular Europe, we have maintained diversity in our breeding lines and helped to build up some of the schools across Europe.

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind has been at the forefront of establishing the European Breeders Network which is made up of Guide Dog schools from over 5 countries. We were delighted to host the network when they held their inaugural workshop in Cork. Across the three days, breeding supervisors and management from organisations in Spain, France, Holland and Scandinavia were joined by our Operations Manager Ken Brydon and our Breeding Supervisor Michael Edmonds for what was a very interesting and informative event. The visitors spent time in our Kennels environment and with our Training Teams and were delighted with the opportunity to observe our dog care and training techniques.

Ken was delighted with the feedback from the group, he says “The group were impressed by the calm temperament of our dogs in training and the overall standard of care from our teams.” Michael Edmonds was justifiably proud that his efforts over the years had been so well recognised. He said “It’s a team effort here, I get such wonderful support from my colleagues and from our volunteers. We are all focused on producing the highest quality dogs. Our joy comes from seeing them go on to work as Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs. It is good to know that we are up there with the best of them!”

Call our Breeding Supervisor, Michael Edmonds on lo-call 1850 506 300 to volunteer as a Breeding Stock Holder.

Innovative online campaign help spread the word and raise funds

As the world increasingly embraces social media such as Twitter, Facebook and the web for communications, business and all aspects of life, we have an increased opportunity to communicate with our stakeholders and to raise funds.

Our supporters are getting in on the act also and have used social media to raise significant funds for Irish Guide Dogs. When Danone Actimel ran photographic competition “Full of Life Winter Moments” on Facebook, Fiona Whooley entered a wonderful photograph of her son Murray and his Assistance Dog Clive at play in the snow. Fiona launched a major Facebook campaign with daily posts to a massive network of contacts to ensure Murray’s photo secured enough votes to get onto the shortlist. The photo was eventually chosen as the winner by a panel of judges and a very proud Murray and Fiona kindly donated the €10,000 cash prize to the Assistance Dogs Programme at Irish Guide Dogs.

Dublin based volunteer Puppy Walkers Aideen and Barry Byrne saw an opportunity when their local Ford dealer, Blanchardstown & Finglas Ford, ran a Facebook competition to identify “Local Heroes”. They entered Ginny their puppy in training. They set about gaining votes for Ginny with a huge campaign amongst family, friends and supporters of Irish Guide Dogs. Ginny made it to the final ten and picked up a cool €1,000 prize. Aideen and Barry were proud of Ginny and proud to present the prize to Irish Guide Dogs.

Frank Hannigan, is a pioneer in the online industry and a devotee of social media who took to Twitter in a bid to raise funds for Irish Guide Dogs. His “Dear Frankie” took a 9 hour marathon session of questions and answer live on Twitter, exchanging business tips for donations. His ‘tweets’ helped raised over €1,000 and made for some interesting online conversation. Thanks Frankie!

At the time of going to print, we had over 7,800 Facebook and 1,500 Twitter followers. Join our community of volunteers and fundraisers to stay in touch. Visit www.guidedogs.ie to link to our social media pages.

Page 22: Getting active for Irish Guide Dogs

Each year hundreds of our volunteers and supporters combine the twin challenge of competing in a sporting event and raising funds for Irish Guide Dogs. For them, they are doing what they love or perhaps fulfilling a long held ambition and in the process they are getting the opportunity to help other people at the same time. We are delighted that we have such an energetic group of supporters and grateful for the considerable funds raised. Here is a selection of what they got up to...

Mizen to Malin

For the last 11 years, the 99’ers Cycling Club has lead a team of cyclists on a gruelling 625km journey from Mizen to Malin Head to raise funds for Irish Guide Dogs. The annual event was started by Eamonn Linnane in memory of his late father, Paddy, a Guide Dog owner and one of our avid supporters. Since then, support for the cycle has grown with almost 70 participants taking part annually. To date, the 99’ers have raised a phenomenal €470,000 from their events and are already planning their 2012 trip.

Eamonn Linnane is justifiably proud of the living legacy which he has created in his dad’s memory. He states “I am grateful to the many people who have helped me to keep my father’s memory alive in such a special way. What I love about the cycle is the way in which vision impaired riders and sighted cyclists take on the challenge together. This is what makes the cycle so special for all of us.”

Guide Dog owner, Tom Kavanagh, a regular participant says, “It’s a lot of fun and there’s great camaraderie between the cyclists, I love the fact that we are all in it together. I particularly enjoy knowing that I am helping to raise funds so that more people can enjoy the life changing benefit of a guide dog.”

Evening Echo Cork Women’s Mini Marathon

Sonia O’Sullivan spearheaded our campaign to recruit participants for this year’s event. As well as fronting a PR campaign, Sonia wrote a weekly blog which gave training and fitness advice for participants. The blog was hugely popular and played a big part in motivating the160 Irish Guide Dogs participants who raised over €8,000. A number of those participants were clients and their family members which made it very special for them and us. We were delighted to host our participants for a reception where plans were hatched for an even bigger effort in 2012.

Sonia on why she’s an avid supporter of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind:

“It all began in 1998 when I participated in a run from Cork to Cobh in support of Irish Guide Dogs. Since then, I have learned so much about the organisation’s work and have met many people whose lives have been enriched through their guide or assistance dogs. I am inspired by the time, dedication and commitment of everyone involved. I really enjoy the time I have spent at the Training Centre in Cork. I always try and pop in when I’m in Cork so I can get my “doggie fix” by meeting some of the pups in training.”

We can offer you a variety of year-round events to take part in and great support from our Fundraising Team. Depending on the type of event, this could include a free T-shirt, a pre or post event gathering including light refreshments and a tour of our facility. To find out more, go to www.guidedogs.ie or call us on 1850 506 300.

Page 23: Training Roudup

New programmes, more clients trained and exciting plans for the future.

In the face of increasing demand and the changing needs of our clients, our focus is on increasing the number of people whom we train. We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with people at either end of the age spectrum when we recently trained two people over 75 with guide dogs and introduced our first Next Step Programme for young students making the transition from school to work or college.

With the number of vision impaired persons set to increase by 2020 through people living longer and a consequent increase in age related sight loss, we see a very real need for our services. We continue to support vision impaired clients through our Independent Living Skills Programme, Orientation and Mobillity Training (Long Cane) and the Guide Dog service. All of our programmes are offered free of charge with intensive support and after care available to all clients.

As part of our strategic planning, we have doubled the size of our training facility providing an increased number of bedrooms for more clients on class. We have increased the number of training staff and invested in their training and development. All of which means that clients have less time to wait for their chosen service: as little as six months from the time of application.

Our Assistance Dog Programme continues to change the lives of families of children with autism across the country. We are at present training over 40 families each year but we have over 200 families on our waiting list. We are aware of the enormous impact of the service and are determined to meet the needs of these families as soon as possible. We are excited by our new programmes and the continuous improvement in our services. Pictured below are a selection of photos featuring some of our training classes. For additional photos, visit www.guidedogs.ie/ourservices.

Contact Deirdre Moriarty, Client Services Manager for an initial discussion about our services. E-mail deirdremoriarty@guidedogs.ie or call 1850 506 300. Full details and an online application form are also available at www.guidedogs.ie.

Page 24: Patricia & Pasha – a perfect pair

Patricia O’Halloran lives with her husband Michael in the village of Ardsallagh near Youghal, Co Cork. She believes that her sight loss was originally caused through a complication with measles, but she isn’t quite certain what happened. She just remembers that her sight was always poor and that as a young girl, she wore large glasses that she describes as thick as milk bottles.

In later life, her sight loss has been diagnosed as age-related macular degeneration. This is a medical condition which usually affects older adults and results in a loss of vision in the center of the visual field (the macula) because of damage to the retina.

Patricia says that all through her life she kept up the pretence that she could see. She found ways to work around her vision impairment; she studied at university and eventually became an English teacher. She always kept her visual impairment private saying “I couldn’t always see the children at the back of the classroom, but the children were too caught up in their own world’s to notice.”

“I thought guide dogs were for people who were totally blind. I didn’t imagine that I would qualify because I have some sight. If I had realised that I could have one back then, I would have applied years ago.”
Patricia is a member of a Macular Degeneration Support Group. It was through this group that she met a person who had a guide dog and the idea of getting her own guide dog took root. Last year, Patricia attended our training course in Cork and was assigned her Guide Dog Pasha, a beautiful Golden Retriever. She describes her as “an absolute friend”.

When asked why she did not get a guide dog sooner, she said “I thought guide dogs were for people who were totally blind. I didn’t imagine that I would qualify because I have some sight. If I had realised that I could have one back then, I would have applied years ago.”

She believed also that her age might be a barrier, but it wasn’t! “It didn’t occur to me that an older person could get a dog, I was delighted that there was no restriction. My trainer Eoin Slattery has me on the list for when Pasha retires in 2018. I may well be in a zimmerframe by then” she chuckles.

On her new found independence Patricia says “I was always aware that I couldn’t go out on my own because I could bump into something, so certainly my dog has made the world of difference. I’m more independent now and delighted to have her as company.”

Watch a special interview with Patricia or listen to the podcast on www.guidedogs.ie/ourservices.

FAQ’s - Some FAQ’s about getting a guide dog

Do I have to be totally blind to get a guide dog?
No, this is a common misconception. In fact, only about 5% of people who are registered blind in Ireland are actually completely blind. Most people have some degree of residual vision. If you are experience difficulty in getting around because of significant sight loss, a guide dog would be most helpful.

Is there an age limit?
We accept applications from people aged 16 years and older. There is no upper age limit.

Is there a specific criterion for applying?
Each application is evaluated individually and there are a variety of factors taken into account during the application and assessment process, including the individual’s health and fitness, mobility requirements, and their perceived ability to care for and work a guide dog.

How do I apply?
You can apply online at www.guidedogs.ie or by calling our Client Services Department on lo-call 1850 506 300.

How long will an applicant have to wait before starting their training?
The waiting time can vary, but generally about six to twelve months.

How long is the training and where is it offered?
The Guide Dog Training Course takes place at our National Headquarters and Training Centre in Cork, for a duration of three weeks in training, followed by a number of visits that take place at your home on your familiar routes. The training, including accommodation and meals, is free of charge.

What happens once I have completed my training?
You will receive regular visits from a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor and the Client Services Team will be there to support you and your guide dog throughout your working partnership.

Do I have to pay for my training or for caring for my guide dog?
No, all our training is offered free of charge, including the provision of the guide dog. The cost of caring for the guide dog however rests with each guide dog owner, including food, pet insurance, veterinary care and other related expenses. The cost for keeping a dog is approximately €25 per week. When required, we can provide financial support for Guide Dog owners to help with the cost of caring for their Guide Dog.

Page 25: The Next Step Programme

A training programme to assist young visually impaired adults in the transition to life in college or work.

Since our foundation in 1976, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind has developed innovative services to meet the changing needs of persons who are blind or vision impaired. The Next Step Programme aims to equip young people who are blind or vision impaired with the skills to manage the transition to life in college or the workplace. It is practical and supportive with hands on activities aimed at overcoming the challenges which participants are likely to face.

The course content is tailored to meet the participant’s individual needs and is delivered in a relaxed, yet focused environment. The opportunity to spend time with peers is a valuable aspect of the course.
The week long residential course is offered free of charge and takes place at our National Headquarters and Training Centre in Cork. Offsite visits include trips to college, accommodation units, retail and leisure outlets.

Our Training Centre provides participants with a home away from home atmosphere which creates the right environment for learning and growth. Our facilities include ensuite bedrooms, a communal dining area with all meals provided, a computer room with assistive technology, gym equipment, TV lounge, fully fitted training kitchen and sensory garden.

Course content includes:

• Travel and Transport/ Using Public Transport
• Visiting Campus Accommodation
• Meeting with Disability Support Services
• Shopping, budgeting and banking skills
• Assistive technology
• Confidence building techniques
• Cooking/ home skills
• Making the most of shared accommodation

“This course was a wonderful and enriching experience. I improved my social skills, met new people, made new friends and became accustomed to new places.”
- Anthony Curran, Co.Tipperary. 

For more details or to register, contact our Client Services Manager, Deirdre Moriarty on lo-call 1850 506 300 or e-mail info@guidedogs.ie. You can also apply online at www.guidedogs.ie/ourservices.

Page 26: Youthlines

Young people are taking the lead
We get fantastic support from young people in schools and colleges around the country. Our clients and volunteers often visit students to discuss our work and to talk about the life changing impact of a Guide or Assistance Dog. We welcome school tours at our National Headquarters and Training Centre. Here are just a few examples of the different ways young people have supported us in the past year, both as volunteers and in fundraising.

Belvedere College go the distance
Since 1986, students from Belvedere College in Dublin have walked from Dublin to Galway pulling a 6ft tall ‘block’ in aid of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and Temple Street Children’s Hospital. This annual tradition was started by the college’s much loved English teacher, Gerry Haugh, who sadly passed away earlier this year. He will be sorely missed on future Block Pulls. The annual Block Pull has raised well over €1 million since its inception. It is part of the rich fabric of school life at Belvedere and a hugely important event for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Sight Loss Awareness Day
The pupils at Christ King Girls Secondary School in Douglas, Cork are regular supporters, both through fundraising and volunteering. They held an awareness day where students were invited to wear blindfolds for a specific exercise, helping to create awareness of the mobility challenges faced by people who are blind or vision impaired. They raised €500 from the event which they were proud to present on a recent group visit to our National Headquarters and Training Centre. Transition Year students from Christ King also volunteered as collectors during our Cork flag day.

Work Experience at Irish Guide Dogs HQ
We’re delighted to welcome Transition Year students seeking to get work experience. Kate Hanny, Niamh Hackett and Will Dennehy joined our Kennels Team to care for our dogs in training, which is a firm favourite with Transition Year students. We also provide work experience opportunities in fundraising and client services and are always looking for extra hands to help us with on street collections. Applicants must be 16 years or older.

Fundraising Treasure Hunt for SHADES
Griffith College Dublin chose an innovative treasure hunt as a fundraiser during our annual SHADES campaign. Students wore their shades for the day and were delighted to meet some of our puppies in training. Organised by teacher Geraldine McGing and student Grainne Stone, the event raised €1,200. The students are pictured presenting the proceeds of the Treasure Hunt to Irish Guide Dogs Board member Patrick Costigan, with his Guide Dog Quandro.

Introducing our services to schools
Guide Dog owners Breege and Tom O’Neill have been welcome visitors to schools in and around Dublin since 1986. They are pictured on a visit at St Peter & Paul’s National School in Balbriggan with their Guide Dogs Unice and Sarge. Tom says “The presence of the Guide Dogs in the classroom is always a cause of great excitement and really help students to get a better understanding of vision impairment and the benefits of having a guide dog.”

We would be delighted to hear from teachers and pupils who wish to volunteer with us or would like a visit by one of our clients or volunteers. Call us on 1850 506 300 or e-mail info@guidedogs.ie.

Page 27: Getting our pups off to a great start

Our volunteer Puppy Walkers play a key role in helping us to train the dogs who will eventually go on to work as Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs. Their role is to socialise and train the puppies from when they are 8 weeks of age to approximately 14 months -a key time in their development. With over 130 puppies in training at any one time, we are delighted to have such a committed band of volunteers. These volunteers are willing to give so much of their own and their family’s time and energy to help us.

Our volunteer Puppy Walkers are based in Dublin city and county and throughout Munster and we will shortly extend the scheme to Athlone. Our team of Puppy Walking Supervisors provide support and encouragement to ensure that the experience is a rewarding one for the volunteers and that the puppy’s training remains on schedule. We provide full support with veterinary costs, food and training equipment.

The training is focused on socialising and developing positive behaviours in the pups through exposing them to towns and cities, transport, retail and the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the home. The presence of one of our pups, in their distinctive fluorescent yellow jacket, in any location is a crowd stopper and we are grateful that so many of our Puppy Walkers are willing to support our fundraising activities. So many VIP’s and celebrities are more than happy to be photographed with our puppies and the presence of the pup in the photo helps us to land the shots in the papers. A big thank you to all Puppy Walkers for their patience while the photographer pushes for that one great shot and for making time to attend so many events and activities with their pup throughout the year.

One of the main questions that Puppy Walkers are asked is how do they manage to give the pup back at the end of the year’s placement. While all will admit that it is always difficult, they will also say that they are encouraged by the fact that the puppy will go on to change the life of a vision impaired person or a family of a child with autism. Our staff ensure that they are updated on the progress of the dog through training and once the dog is matched there is ongoing communication with its owner. For many Puppy Walkers, this has led to new and lasting friendships and is very much part of the culture at Irish Guide Dogs – the connection between staff, clients and volunteers.

Over 60% of our Puppy Walkers go on to have multiple puppy placements and it is their invaluable experience which contributes directly to the high success rates of our dogs in training. Michele Munnelly, also from Dublin, has puppy walked four pups including, her latest puppy Hector who has been adopted by 2FM’s Hector Ó hEochagáin and has had a high profile year in the spotlight. Michele explains why she chose to do it all again, “Seeing a pup you have raised out working as a guide or assistance dog is tremendously rewarding. It’s this firsthand experience that has made it all worthwhile for me and my family. What’s more is that fostering a puppy becomes something the whole family can be part of. My children have benefited greatly from the shared responsibility and the experience of doing something that can make a real difference to someone else’s life.”

We are seeking Puppy Walking Volunteers in Dublin, Athlone and Munster and would be delighted to hear from you. Call 1850 506 300 or apply online at www.guidedogs.ie.

FAQ’s - Some FAQ’s about Puppy Walking

What are the criteria for volunteering as a Puppy Walker?
You must be 18 years or older. You will need to have time available to dedicate to training and socialising the pup everyday and to attend puppy training classes in your area. Your garden must be safe and secure.

Do I need experience as a dog trainer?
No previous experience is required, as one to one support and training will be provided by our team of Puppy Walking supervisors.

Can I apply if I have children or pets?
Yes, most definitely. An ideal situation is one where there are children in the home. Other family pets are fine but in the case of another dog, we may need to assess the temperament of the dog before we choose to place a puppy with a volunteer.

Are there expenses which I will be required to cover?
All costs associated with training one of our pups are covered. Puppy Walkers are supplied with vouchers for dog food and are linked with a veterinary surgeon in their local area.

Will I be able to follow my puppy’s progress?
Our staff will keep you updated on your puppy’s progress as it continues its training.  You are welcome to visit our Training Centre at any time. We will send you a photo of his or her qualification as a Guide Dog or Assistance Dog. We inform the client of the Puppy Walker’s details and ask that they maintain contact to inform you on the dog’s progress through its working life. It is with this contact where some of our most lasting friendships are formed.

Page 28: Outside back cover advertisement

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind Fundraising Trek to Camino Santiago de Compostela, Spain, September 2012

Join us on an exciting trek to explore the beautiful and historical north-west region of Spain. We'll retrace the famous pilgrimage route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela (The Way of St James) in Galicia, where legend has it that the remains of the apostle, Saint James the Great, are buried.

By taking part in this memorable trip, you will be helping raise much needed funds for people living with sight loss or autism. 

Contact Bernadette Healy on 1850 506 300 or e-mail fundraising@guidedogs.ie to book your place.

Visit our events page at www.guidedogs.ie for more details.