Emma O'Neill

This year marks an incredible milestone for our family as we welcome Dory, our fiftieth Irish Guide Dogs puppy, into our home.

Reaching fifty puppies feels especially meaningful in a year when Irish Guide Dogs is celebrating its own fiftieth birthday. For five decades, the organisation has been changing lives, creating opportunities, and building independence for people across Ireland. To play even a small part in that mission has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I’m delighted to have this opportunity to reflect on the experience.

I’ve always loved dogs.

I was fifteen before we finally got a dog of our own, our bichon Monty, and though there were times during puppyhood when he put us through our paces, he was definitely worth the wait.

From a young age my bookshelves were filled with canine characters, from Spot and Clifford to Pluto and Pongo. As I got older, these were joined by books outlining the origins of different dog breeds, or what to buy before bringing home a puppy, or how to train your dog using a clicker. My favourite toys were mostly dog themed too, as were my favourite movies, and dogs were of course one of my favourite topics of conversation.

I still remember the sense of absolute awe and respect I felt whenever I would see a puppy in training or working guide or assistance dog out and about. If I saw a guide dog box there was no way we were passing it until some coins had been deposited and both dogs had been given a pat on the head, and I still have a few old ‘Shades’ pins from when I was in primary school. Even though I doubted I’d ever be able to convince my mum and dad to let us become puppy raisers, as a child I always hoped that I would some day get an opportunity to volunteer for such a fantastic organisation.

That day arrived on September 19th, 2017. UCC Career Services were holding a Volunteering Fair, so off I headed to Devere Hall for a look around. It’s hard to describe how I felt when I read the Home Socialisation flyer at the Irish Guide Dogs stall. I knew that puppy raising still wasn’t an option for us, but surely I could convince mum and dad to let us take two pups for a week, right? It was definitely worth a try! Fast forward to that evening, and (with their blessing) I’m drafting an email to express my interest in this new programme. A few weeks later we attended training at IGD HQ, and by mid-November we were hosting Yoko and Yara for one of the earliest rounds of Home Socialisation.

What began as a simple decision to volunteer has become a huge part of my life, filled with unforgettable experiences, lifelong friendships, and, of course, many, many puppies.

In 2018, we had Clover, Zac, Gilli, Jazzi, Josie and Jojo stay with us. That summer I also had the opportunity to help with the Early Socialisation of Zac and Gilli and their siblings at HQ, at which point I got to tick another aspiration off my list; getting to photograph a yellow, black and chocolate labrador together! All of the puppies that we’ve had have given me ample opportunities to hone my photography skills, and pictures I’ve taken have even featured on Irish Guide Dogs posters and Christmas cards, something I’m very proud of.

In July and August of 2019, we got word that Yoko had qualified as a guide dog and Clover as an assistance dog. The idea that two of the pups that we had helped toilet train and taught to use stairs and introduced to the hoover were now after graduating… it really was unbelievable. Even though the part we had played in their journeys had been a small one, the sense of pride was immense, and I was more than a little emotional looking back at photos of the little future heroes that we had cuddled and cared for knowing that they were now out there changing lives. That sense of pride is still just as strong every time we get word that another of our pups has graduated, and of course we are still very proud of those who choose a different path too.

Out of all the years since we’ve started, 2021 was by far the busiest. I graduated from UCC in 2020 and received my autism diagnosis a few months later, and having a near constant supply of puppy cuddles while I navigated this change was fantastic. Twice that year we took three puppies instead of two or one, and there were even times when a pair of pups were dropped off on the same visit as another pair were collected! The revolving door of wagging tails, puppy supplies, and excited introductions meant life was rarely quiet—but I wouldn't have had it any other way.

I met my boyfriend Michael in 2022, and soon after Monty became a big brother when our miniature poodle Ziggy joined the family. With a personality and a hairstyle to match his name, we weren’t sure how Ziggy would adjust to sharing the attention with not only Monty but a labrador or two as well. Luckily for us though, a couple of super high value treats were enough to get him on board, and so far he’s shared his toys and his family with eighteen puppies in training. As for Monty, he got quite a shock when he realised that Ziggy was in fact staying (unlike the thirty-two pups that had come before him), but thanks to all the puppy practice he adjusted to his new role very quickly.

Given that none of this could have been achieved without the support of my family, I think it’s only right that I take this opportunity to thank them. I’m so lucky to have had my mum, dad and sister Áine by my side throughout this journey as our home welcomed puppy after puppy. Their support has made every milestone possible, and though Michael missed the first thirty pups he’s more than made up for that with all the help he’s given with the following twenty. Ziggy too has been a fantastic help, especially as Monty has taken up a more supervisory role in recent years.

Speaking of Monty, there simply aren’t enough words to thank our amazing boy for making all of this possible. If he had decided all those years ago that puppy sitting wasn’t for him, we might never have made it to five puppies—never mind fifty. Instead, he embraced every single one. He’s been there for every puppy who has come through our door and watching him and Ziggy welcome each new arrival continues to make me proud every day. The joy they bring to our lives is impossible to measure, and I am so grateful for them both.

Looking back, it's incredible to think about just how many tiny paws have crossed our doorstep over the years, and as we celebrate Dory’s stay with us and this special milestone, I can’t help but reflect on all the wonderful puppies who came before her:

Yoko & Yara, Clover, Zac & Gilli, Jazzi & Josie, Jojo, Uzzie, Basil & Beslie, Uhtred & Ulrich, Dottie & Davey, Echo, Eden & Edie, Gatsby, Gonzo & Genie, Issac & Iver, Liffey & Laune, Dexter & Donnie, Kaleb & Keely, Ozzy, Olaf, Brady, Cora, Dewey, Homer, Isla, Reilly, Wilson, Yara, Casey & Crowley, Darla, Tina & Tanya, Flynn, Marcus, Que, Bobbie & Brontë. (Some of them are photographed below)

Each puppy has left their own pawprint on our hearts. Every one of them brought something unique, taught us something new, and became part of our story, and fifty puppies later I am more grateful than ever for the opportunity to be part of theirs.

Here’s to the next chapter!