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Welcome to Paw Prints!

July 2025 Edition

You've changed lives!

Your support has helped us to change the lives of many families. We are forever indebted to the Brood Stockholders, Puppy Raisers and Temporary Boarders who made these partnerships possible.

  • Lysander standing with Guide Dog Mobility Instructor Alison and Guide Dog QT sitting at his feet

    Lysander Preston (Dublin) with Guide Dog QT. (Pictured with Guide Dog Mobility Instructor Alison Ardern)

  • Dara standing in the grounds of the Training Centre with Quipps sitting in front

    Dara Kennedy (Kerry) with Guide Dog Quipps

  • Carmel standing in the grounds of the Training Centre with Rian sitting in front

    Carmel Boyle (Donegal) with Guide Dog Rian

  • Clair standing in the grounds of the Training Centre with Oshi sitting in front

    Clair Butler (Cork) with Guide Dog Oshi

  • Joan Anne standing in the grounds of the Training Centre with Reggie sitting in front

    Joan Anne Brosnan (Kerry) with Guide Dog Reggie

New Arrivals to our Training Centre!

  • Allannah lying across a step at a red door

    Allannah - Thank you to Puppy Raisers Patricia Kavanagh & Anthony Church

  • Amber sitting on grass looking straight to camera

    Amber - Thank you to Puppy Raiser Ann McLaughlin

  • Apollo sitting on grass

    Apollo - Thank you to Puppy Raiser Damodar Solanki

  • Apricot sitting on a kitchen floor

    Apricot - Thank you to Puppy Raiser Kate Guzik

  • Aria sitting on grass with head tilted

    Aria - Thank you to Puppy Raiser Grainne Walsh

  • Ariel sitting on grass

    Ariel - Thank you to Puppy Raiser David Kenny

  • Ash standing on a river bank

    Ash - Thank you to Puppy Raiser Monica Megraw

  • Aslan sitting on grass

    Aslan - Thank you to Puppy Raiser Paul Mullin

  • Axel standing in a wooded area

    Axel - Thank you to Puppy Raiser Richard Eibrand

  • Becky sitting on grass wearing puppy in training jacket

    Becky - Thank you to Puppy Raiser Asena Ozdemir

  • Bonnie lying on the floor with a blue toy octopus in front

    Bonnie - Thank you to Puppy Raiser Mieke Scholte

  • Brodie sitting in a wooded area

    Brodie - Thank you to Puppy Raiser Sophie Ivers

  • Buddy sitting on grass wearing his puppy in training jacket

    Buddy - Thank you to Puppy Raiser Tim O'Brien

  • Cara sitting on a paved area

    Cara - Thank you to Puppy Raiser Michael Morris

  • Casey lying down with toys in front

    Casey - Thank you to Puppy Raisers Aisling Magee & Ornaith Woodley

  • Connie sitting on a tiled floor

    Connie - Thank you to Puppy Raiser Olga Lambert

  • Crowley sitting on a pavement wearing puppy in training jacket

    Crowley - Thank you to Puppy Raisers Ciaran Martin & Brendan Flanagan

  • Uma running about in a sand dune

    Uma - Thank you to Puppy Raisers Eileen O'Mahony & Laura Kelly

  • Valco sitting on grass beside a fence

    Valco - Thank you to Puppy Raisers Ray & Noeleen Barry

  • Vicky sitting on a pavement wearing puppy in training jacket and looking over shoulder

    Vicky - Thank you to Puppy Raisers Deirdre & Paul Fahy

  • Winifred sitting on a raised area with a mountainous landscape in the background

    Winifred - Thank you to Puppy Raisers Anne & Gerry O'Riordan

  • Yann sitting on a path wearing Puppy in Training jacket

    Yann - Thank you to Puppy Raiser Caroline Ginty and Temporary Boarder Tadhg O'Connor

  • Yara lying on a wooden floor

    Yara - Thank you to Puppy Raiser Edward McBride

  • Yasha lying on a pavement looking up to the camera

    Yasha - Thank you to Puppy Raiser Anna Strzelecka

  • Yogi standing looking up to the camera

    Yogi - Thank you to Puppy Raisers Bernadette Dockery & Derek Ryan, Temporary Boarder Padraig Sheehan

  • Yohan sitting on a pebbled beach looking out to the water, wearing puppy in training jacket

    Yohan - Thank you to Puppy Raiser Jo Parsons

Breeding Programme Additions!

  • Tara sitting on grass looking up with mouth open

    Tara was puppy raised by Tara Walshe, and her Breeding Dog Volunteer is Sinead Hand

  • Tandi standing on cobble in a garden

    Tandi was puppy raised by Ruth Frost, who is now also her Brood Stockholder

  • Walnut, soaking wet, sitting on a rock with water in the background

    Walnut was puppy raised by Judi Pheysey, who is now also her Brood Stockholder

  • Yasmin lying on a bed holding feathers between her paws

    Yasmin was puppy raised by Dana Lunakova, who is now also her Brood Stockholder

You can help change the future

Leave a lasting legacy

In 2024, more people than ever left a gift in their will to support our work, and thanks to their kindness, countless lives have been transformed. You can leave a legacy too. Click below to watch the stories of people who are leaving a lasting legacy. You can also find out how to write your will for free through our partnership with Free Will Ireland.

Yellow pup lying on grass looking up at the camera
Collage of 3 images of Pirge and Vonny, Ornaith and Casey and Crowley all taken in front of a plaque in the grounds of the Centre

PAWsome High Fives for Puppy Raisers

A real pleasure to recently honour three of our amazing Puppy Raisers who have each raised their fifth puppy: Pirge Murray with Vonny, Ornaith Woodley with Casey, and Brendan Flanagan and Crowley. All three dogs have now entered formal training at our Centre in Cork. Casey is named after our Ambassador Shane Casey and Crowley after our Ambassador Jack Crowley!

New Litters!

Lacy lying with her pups on a brown rug

Q Litter

The Q Litter, comprising of 9 pups, were born on May 22nd. They have been named Quentin, Quartz, Qi, Que, Quaid, Quinley, Quilah, Quinn and Qeo. Mum is Lacy and Dad is Serou. Many thanks to Brood Stockholder Lisa Wall for her support and care to these beautiful pups.

R Litter lined up on a step in a garden

R Litter

The R Litter, born on 25th of May, are named Rufus, Rolo, Raga, Ruffles, Rex, Ruby, Riley, Rio and Roxy. Mum is Mile and Dad is Charcoal. Huge thanks to Brood Stockholders Martin and Daphne Gilmartin for the dedication shown to Mile and her pups.

KENDALL & EVAN - THE PERFECT MATCH

Your support has a lasting impact on many lives. Just like Sarah Moran and her family.

Kendall and Evan are the perfect match. Since she joined our family in October 2024, she has made going places so much easier for me, as I know she is protecting Evan. While Evan is attached to Kendall it has given him the independence to walk without me having to hold his hand.

When we visit the park, Kendall keeps a very watchful eye on Evan. She remains focused and is not phased by other kids or adults. I can see the bond between Evan and her getting stronger every day. Kendall also loves spending time with Evan's twin brother, Daniel, and she has also developed a special bond with him.

Sarah standing in a park with arms around both of her sons and Kendall sitting on the ground in front. One child is holding a large Pikachu teddy

We love being out and about now in shops and cafes and we are very lucky that the businesses in our town of Athy, Co. Kildare are so welcoming of us and Kendall. I wanted to make sure other Assistance Dog and Guide Dog owners would know they are welcome so I asked the owners of places that we visit regularly if they would display the IGDB Show Your Paws for Access Rights window stickers. I was blown away by their willingness to support us. A special mention to: Athy Library, Dealz, Pettitts SuperValu, Manleys Menswear, Bradbury's Cafe. Insomnia Cafe, Moore's Pharmacy, Square Cafe. Shaws Department Store, Aldi, Lidl and Town Café.

And THANK YOU for supporting IGDB and making such a difference to our lives!

(Order your FREE access rights window sticker here)

Guide Dog Nelson pictured with his Puppy Raisers James and Niamh

Raise a Puppy - Change a Life

Give a puppy the best start — and give someone else a whole new future. Becoming a Puppy Raiser is a unique and rewarding way to make a real difference. The whole family can get involved. And don't worry, we'll be with you every step of the way with training, advice and all costs covered. No prior dog training experience is needed — just your time, love, and commitment.

Take the First Step Today

How you can support the journey of a Guide or Assistance Dog

Announcements

A story of love connection & transformation

Luke & Kain

This is a story of just one Assistance Dog and the life-changing impact he has had on a child with autism and his whole family, as told by Luke's mum, Debbie. This is the kind of difference your support has made. Your kindness helps more children and families to turn the page on difficult chapters in their lives and to look to the future with greater hope and confidence.

An illustration of the front cover of a story with Luke and Kain on the front and the words The story of Luke and Kain. A story of love connection & transformation as told by Luke's Mum, Debbie
Jack Crowley standing with two boys who are holding a jersey at the 2024 Open Day

Open Day 2025

Our annual Open Day takes place on Saturday, 30 August in our Training Centre in Cork. Join us for what is always a great day of family fun, with dog training demonstrations, entertainment and of course, some of our four-legged friends. There may even be a surprise or two!

View Events

The PAW Files

Puppy in Training Yann sitting on a path looking up to the camera

Dog Training Know-how & Expert Tips!

Welcome to the Paw Files - your regular insight into how we train our puppies and dogs. You may even pick up some useful tips for your pet PAWsome pal!

Do you know dog language? Find out how our trainers communicate with our pups and dogs-in-training?

Click here

Around the Country

Group staff photo of staff outside Maxol Clonakilty with a back dog in front

Maximising Maxol Group support

Continuing our fantastic relationship with our Charity Partners Maxol Group, saw a collection taking place in their Clonakilty, Cork outlet. Star of the day was Dog-in-Training Yann, who is being temporary boarded by Tadhg O'Connor. Many thanks to Store Manager Sean Walsh and his team.

Large group photo of volunteers and dogs standing in front of IGDB stand at Bloom

Petals & Paws at Bloom

A collaborative and trojan effort by many, many volunteers delivered another successful Bloom in Phoenix Park last month raising over €26,000. Our stand drew the attention of young and old, and some famous faces with the main attraction being our dogs who made appearances whilst being mindful of the hot temperatures.

Calling all Motorcycle Enthusiasts

Join us for the annual Blazing Bikers ride on Saturday 27th September, leaving from our Training Centre on Model Farm Road, Cork. This hugely popular event is dedicated in memory of Lorraine Shanahan. The cost for the ride is €100 per person, with a ride-only rate of €50. Don't miss out on this wonderful, memorable day! Click here for more details and a schedule.

Poster for the Sportive showing an illustration of a cyclist and a guide dog

Get on Your Bike in Galway

Our Galway Branch's Bark & Ride Sportive takes place on Saturday, 27 September starting and finishing at the Connacht Hotel. Three cycle routes in the Burren are available - 60km, 90km, and 125km with a start time of 9:30am. Click here to find out more and to buy your ticket.

Group photo of ICA women with a cheque and Ophelia and Gino lying on the floor in front

Sligo Irish Countrywomen's Association

Puppy in Training Opheila and Ambassador Dog Gino were only too delighted to recently accept a cheque for €1,400 from the Drumcliffe Guild of the Irish Countrywomen's Association (ICA) in Sligo.

Pat handing over a cheque to Des and RDO Annie with Bailey standing in front

Pat's PAWsome 50km Challenge

Leitrim's Pat McTigue took on a personal challenge (along with his dog Bailey) of walking 50kms over 3 days last month raising an incredible €3,400! Pat is pictured presenting a cheque to Guide Dog owner and our Leitrim Branch Chair Des Keaney and Annie Gallagher, our Regional Development Officer in the West.

Eight clay portraits of dogs on a grey background

Stunning Clay Portraits

Letterkenny artist Molly Gallagher (Clay.M8) has created stunning clay portraits of eight of our dogs who are based in the Donegal area. Her exhibition in Bloem Coffee Shop has attracted a lot of interest. You can find out more here.

Guide Dog owner Allie Reilly with Guide Dog Evie, Frank Kelly, John Mitchell, Louise Kelly and Nick Palmer with Ambassador dog Oakley.

Liffey Valley Teamwork

A number of our Dublin Branches, along with representatives from our Navan Branch, ran a collection in Liffey Valley, Dublin raising nearly €5,000! Teamwork most definitely makes the dream work.

Group photo of several volunteers accepting a cheque from Maggie. Ambassador Dog Marina stands in front

Horslips Legacy Lives on

Our Clare Branch volunteers were delighted to accept a cheque for €1,000 from the family of the late Johnny Fean, lead guitarist with traditional rock band Horslips. Johnny's widow Maggie, a much-loved volunteer, and her family are sponsoring one of our puppies, poignantly named Johnny. Through a number of fundraising gigs over the last few months they have raised over €5.000 towards Puppy Johnny's first year of training. Maggie is pictured here in the middle of the group holding the cheque, with Ambassador Dog Marina enjoying the limelight as usual.

Volunteers Teresa and Yuzhe sitting behind an IGDB table with merchandise and information boards

Sun is out in Balbriggan

The sun was shining in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin for the Summer Festival. Special thanks to Garry Tolan, Chairman of the festival and his team, along with Fingal Council for their support. Volunteers Teresa Fitzpatrick and Yuzhe Su are seen here at the stall.

A group standing on grass in Portmarnock listening to a talk from Gerry

Portmarnock Steps into History

Our Portmarnock/Malahide volunteer Branch held a unique fundraiser with an historical walk to mark the 95th anniversary of the "Southern Cross" transatlantic flight from Portmarnock Beach. Many thanks to historian Garry Ahern for his insights and to Naomh Mearnóg GAA Club for the refreshments.

Employment Support for blind & vision impaired

If you are blind or vision-impaired and seeking to find meaningful employment, do you know about our Employment Project?

Our nationwide service provides person-centred services such as career guidance, CV and cover letter techniques, assistive technology assessments and training etc.

We have a number of attractive opportunities available across the country for suitable candidates, so please reach out, and we will support you all the way.

Funding has been awarded from the European Union and is directed by the Irish governmental incentive of WorkAbility, Inclusive Pathways to Employment.

If you are interested in finding out more about our Employment Project please visit our website or contact:

  • Mary Crossin, email or phone 085 804 2234

  • Laura O'Mahony, email or phone 086 032 2962

Government of Ireland, EU and Pobal logos with the words This project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland, through the Department of Social Protection, and the European Union.

Will you help us train more dogs to change the lives of more families?

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Upcoming Events

Green image with paw prints showing the IGDB logo and the words Official Event

Open Day

Cork - 30 August, 2025

Green image with paw prints showing the IGDB logo and the words Official Event

National Ploughing Championships 2025

Offaly - 16 October, 2025

people running

Dublin City Marathon

Dublin - 26 October, 2025

What's New!

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