Help us train Paw-Dí to be a legend!
Puppy in Training Paw-Dí is sponsored by the Gaelic Players Association and is named after a GAA legend! Scroll down to follow his training journey with the Kenny's, his puppy raising family in Ratoath, Meath.
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February
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Week 1
Paw-Dí was born as part of the P-Litter on 17 February 2025. Mum Camille's other beautiful pups are Pixie, Parker, Puca, Polly and Peil. Dad is Warner. Breeding Volunteer Sam Healy helped to support Camille and her pups in their first few weeks.
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Week 8
Paw-Dí and one of his siblings move to a volunteer Home Socialiser's home to learn to overcome obstacles like stairs, sleeping away from mum and siblings and travelling in a car. Paw-Dí did really well when he returned to the Training Centre for his Puppy Evaluation.
May
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Week 11
Paw-Dí arrives in the Royal County of Meath to start puppy raising with the Kenny family. Paw-dí is their second pup to raise. Paw-Dí quickly establishes his presence by jumping on the sofa - something he will be quickly taught is not allowed.
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Week 12
Paw-Dí is a real hit in his first big outing - at the Guide Dog Day Take the Lead Walk in Phoenix Park Dublin where he behaves really well around the crowds and other dogs. He even manages to make the news the following day alongside presenter Doireann Garrihy.
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Week 13
Paw-Dí is familiarising himself with his surroundings and getting use to all sorts of environments including meeting the local GAA team in Ratoath and Meath County players. It's also an opportunity to raise awareness in the community for his puppy raising journey.
June
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Week 16
Paw-Dí experiences water for the first time. All part of his training to develop his senses and his comfort with various environments, smells etc. As you can see, he was more than happy!
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Week 17
Paw-Dí visits the local vet to have his third vaccination - an important part of protecting his health and welfare. He was so good and was obviously very alert and curious about the experience.
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Week 18
With the warm weather, it's important to be extra vigilant around the welfare of any animal. Paw-Di's PAWsome puppy raising family has been very clever by being very playful whilst also ensuring he stays cool and hydrated. His walks are also done early in the morning or later in the evening to ensure temperatures and pavements are much more comfortable for him.
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Paw-Di's is getting used to travelling in the family car. The safest place for him is in the footwell. When he becomes a Guide or Assistance Dog, its important he is comfortable travelling to ensure his owner can live as independently as they wish. Short journeys are best at first to ensure he is socialised with the experience as gently as necessary.
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Week 19
Paw-Dí visited the local café for the first time where he was the star of the show among the staff and customers. He loves to bring his vest and lead to his puppy raisers to let them know he wants to go out for a walk. That's huge progress for a service dog to like the vest.
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Puppy Raiser Audrey says, “He is doing great with this training. He knows the cues to sit down, lie down, and get back up. If he has something he should not have in his mouth, he understands "Thank you" and releases it straight away. He’s great at walking by your side and isn't distracted by other dogs or people.”