Nally/Moran Family

Hugh came into our lives on 1^st November, 2021. We are a family of five with our own family pet Bailey. From the moment we met Hugh we fell in love with his soulful eyes and spirit. Hugh brought joy, cuteness and fun. It was evident from the very beginning how intelligent and insightful Hugh is. He taught us so much over his time with us, he is in our hearts forever. Hugh was a very gifted puppy, and it was our privilege as a family to support him on his very important journey.

I had always wished to be a puppy raiser with the Irish Guide Dogs as I was aware of the wonderful, life changing work they do and I hoped, as a family, to contribute to this work by volunteering to be a puppy raiser.  As a family we signed up to volunteer and the experience has left a life changing impact on each of us.  The memories we created in training Hugh will last a lifetime and to see Hugh go on to be the incredible Guide Dog he is today with Maria feels each of us with such pride.

We learned so much about the care and training that Irish Guide Dogs provide to all their puppies, we joined a community of volunteers, and we were supported the whole way through the process every step of the way.

Our typical day with Hugh would begin with an early morning walk along Portmarnock Beach, Hugh has a gorgeous temperament and loved nothing more than to be exploring outdoors. Hugh would keep us company in the office on the days we worked from home. We would take turns to bring Hugh on his lunchtime walk and evening walk. Hugh loved to travel to Galway, he enjoyed being in the car or train. We enjoyed our Zoom classes with our puppy raising supervisor, I learned a great deal about training Hugh to walk on his lead without pulling, how to keep his focus when training in shopping centres and out and about, encouraging positive behaviours. As Hugh could go anywhere with us, it was lovely to bring him shopping, to restaurants and on holidays with us. In his early months, Hugh had a mischief side too; if there was a remote control left within his grasp, it was fair game. I saw first-hand how gentle Hugh was around young children, and my Mum; he'd be playful with my sons James and Conor, but be as gentle as a feather with young children.

We, as a family, understood when we volunteered to raise Hugh that the day would come when he would return to Cork for his final training before graduating to become an Irish Guide Dog. We knew it would be very hard to say goodbye when this time came, however we always knew that Hugh was destined to be a Guide Dog and would be life-changing for the person who would go on to be paired with him. We knew Hugh would change someone’s life and enable them to live their life to the fullest with Hugh as their companion. We have been very fortunate to meet Hugh’s owner, Maria and see what a dynamic duo they both make and how happy and loved Hugh is. Hugh does incredible work in guiding Maria, and their bond is truly special to witness.

Congratulations Irish Guide Dogs on your 50th Anniversary of changing lives.

We are very proud to be part of the Irish Guide Dogs community, wishing continued success to an incredible organisation.

Hugh will always be part of our family.

Marie, Declan, Amy, James, Conor & Bailey xxxxx