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A Tale of Resilience

Your support has a lasting impact on many lives. Just like Monica...

In the quiet countryside of Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo, a tale of resilience unfolds, where Monica Wims, once a vibrant part of her family's farm, found herself grappling with darkness after a tragic accident in 2011. Despite the daunting challenges, Monica's story is not one of despair but of courage, community, and the unwavering bond with her faithful Guide Dog, Piper.

Raised alongside her sisters on the family farm, Monica's life revolved around hard work and family. With a loving husband and four sons scattered across the globe, her days were filled with tending to the land and nurturing her growing family. However, fate dealt a cruel blow when a farming accident robbed Monica of her sight, leaving her world plunged into darkness.

The journey from the accident to acceptance was arduous. Monica battled through surgeries and rehabilitation, surrounded by the unwavering support of her family, friends, and community. Despite the darkness that enveloped her, Monica found light in the kindness of those around her.

With determination and the encouragement of her loved ones, Monica embarked on a journey of adaptation and resilience. Learning to navigate the world without sight was a daunting task, but Monica faced each challenge head-on, refusing to let her disability define her.

Two years after the accident, Monica took a significant step forward in her journey towards independence with the arrival of her first Guide Dog, Guinness, from the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. With Guinness by her side, Monica regained a sense of freedom and companionship that she thought she had lost forever.

As life continued to unfold, Monica's path led her to Piper, her current Guide Dog, in 2021. With Piper's steady presence, Monica finds the courage to step out of her comfort zone and embrace life beyond the confines of her home. Together, they embark on daily walks through the countryside, with Piper guiding Monica through each step of the way.

Despite the challenges she has faced, Monica's heart overflows with love for her eleven grandchildren scattered across the globe. While she may not see them with her eyes, Monica's love knows no bounds, transcending the limitations of sight.

Reflecting on her journey, Monica's words echo with wisdom and resilience. "I could not do it all at once. I took on each challenge one by one."

Monica’s story serves as a testament to the power of the human spirit and the bonds of companionship that light our way through the darkest of times.

As Monica and Piper venture into the unknown, their story serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that with courage, perseverance, and the support of loved ones, we can overcome even the greatest of challenges.

Monica is pictured presenting a €5,000 holiday voucher to the winner of our raffle, Patrick Coleman. Also in photo are (l-r) Ray Wims, Sam Wims with Guide Dog Guinness, Zac Wims, Patrick, Monica with Piper, Nathy Wims, Collette Coleman and Louise Kilbane (chairperson of Tubbercurry Old Fair Day Committee). Photo by Barry Clavin.

Families Share the Magic of Assistance Dogs through LEGO

We had an amazing time last weekend at BrickCon, Ireland’s biggest LEGO convention, held at the National Basketball Arena, Dublin.

On display were a number of incredible creations from our Assistance Dog families, all featuring a very special new LEGO friend — Puppy Bricky! You can check out their wonderful designs here.

A huge thank you to the Autism Assessment Centre Servisource, and of course, to all the Assistance Dog families who took part and helped share the magic.

Ambassador Dogs: Making a Difference Beyond Training

Sometimes a dog must be withdrawn from our training programmes. Many go on to make a big difference as career change dogs—becoming pets, companions, or IGD Ambassador Dogs.

Taylor, for example, was withdrawn due to elbow dysplasia and rehomed with her Puppy Raiser, Rachel McCrossan. She has since qualified as an Ambassador Dog—you may remember her from last year’s Christmas cards as the puppy in the snow.

Ambassador Dogs play a vital role in raising awareness of our work. They support local fundraising events, from collections and sponsored activities to table quizzes and golf classics. Wearing their jackets or lead sleeves, they proudly represent our cause and sometimes visit schools or businesses with their owners, inspiring communities to get involved.