A young child sits in a turquoise swing while a black dog stands nearby on a playground with colorful play structures in the background.

Tom & Wilma

Assistance Dog Owner Claire shared her story with us:

"My name is Claire from Tallaght in Dublin.My son Tom is 8 years old and in Dec 2021 he was lucky enough to be accepted onto the list for an Assistance Dog from Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Before we had her, Tom was a massive flight risk and would bolt and also sit on the ground during walks, even to the local corner shop. I would have to wait until my husband came home from work to go for a 10 minute walk with Tom who has become too heavy to push in a buggy.

A young boy in a blue shirt leans down to affectionately pet a black dog wearing a red plaid collar while sitting on a brown leather couch.

I went and did my training in June 2022 in Cork and we welcomed Wilma into our home at the end of that fabulous busy week. Wilma is an ANGEL with the most gorgeous playful calming personality.

Wilma and our attachment walks together have changed EVERYTHING. Tom is now safe and not able to bolt. He holds that magic handle and it gives him so much focus on walks and both himself and Wilma love the outdoors so much.

A young boy in a pink shirt and khaki shorts sits on a brown leather couch next to a black dog wearing a blue harness and leash, both smiling at the camera.

Their bond in the house is still growing, he now loves to feed her her beloved raw carrots.

A young boy in a blue jacket sits on a wooden log bench next to a black Labrador service dog wearing a blue harness, with lush green grass and trees in the background.

We are forever grateful to Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind for giving us our gorgeous Wilma who we feel was tailormade for Tom and our whole family #ChangingLives