A Keane eye for a good dog

It’s all go at Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind as 33 puppies are currently undergoing formal training to become qualified guide dogs and there’s some p-awesome fundraising planned for this week.

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind's Ambassador Roy Keane has helped launch the charity's annual fundraising campaign Guide Dog Day which takes place on Friday 26 May, followed by their nationwide dog walks on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May.

Tim O'Mahony, Chief Executive Officer of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind said: “Guide Dog Day in 2022 enabled us to successfully match 55 guide dog and assistance dog partnerships and place 9 community dogs in schools and facilities around the country.

“With the training of one guide dog costing approximately €53,000 we need immense support on Guide Dog Day this year to achieve our target of changing the lives of 85 families through the provision of our services.”

Its breeding programme continues to grow with 3 litters successfully born so far this year. 105 puppies currently being puppy raised. These pups will be the dogs who start formal training later in 2023 and during 2024. 39 families on the waiting list for the Assistance Dog Programme.