:quality(75))
Why did you decide to do it?
Community – it was one way we could make a contribution and it suited our new lifestyle. We always loved dogs but couldn’t commit to one just yet, for a lifetime, so a commitment for one year really suited us
What has the puppy raising experience been like for you and your family?
Fun, consistent fun. And a consistent responsibility which sometimes is not always fun. But, we totally recommend puppy raising.
What does puppy raising mean to you?
Opportunity. We are given an opportunity to nurture a vital animal in a formative stage of its life. It’s a privilege.
Do you enjoy it?
Absolutely, without hesitation. We now treasure too many stories about Sultan and us. We meet so many new people, so interesting and giving in their own ways. And a lot of fun. And we learnt new things about dogs, fascinating really.
What is the hardest thing about it?
Patience, particularly at the beginning, but it gets way easier. The support from the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is outstanding. You are never alone, so there isn’t really anything hard about this adventure.
Oh, and dog farts. Sultan could really make his presence felt sometimes.
And giving him up. It will be joyful, tearful and just hard. And so worth it.
:quality(70))