In pics: Our guide dogs changed our lives General Chat

Malka · Oct 9, 2014

FOR THOSE OF us who have no sight issues, passing a guide dog on the street is a chance to appreciate a cute dog.

But those who live with guide dogs who know the canines are much more than this – they are essential companions who can change lives.

To mark World Sight Day, which takes place today, Irish Guide Dogs has released a series of portraits of people with their guide dogs at landmarks across Ireland.

“On World Sight Day we would like to encourage more people who are vision impaired to apply for our services,” said Padraig Mallon, CEO of Irish Guide Dogs. “We work with people in cities, towns and in the country and each dog is matched to the client depending on their needs.”

There are currently 11,027 people who are registered as blind in Ireland, and all are eligible to apply for a guide dog which is provided by Irish Guide Dogs free of charge. There are currently 184 guide dog partnerships in Ireland.

Lean Kennedy, Access and Education Officer with Irish Guide Dogs and owner of guide dog Roy (named after the charity’s ambassador Roy Keane), says that you don’t have to be a ‘dog person’ to have a guide dog.

You also do not have to be totally blind to have a guide dog, and there is no upper age limit.

Here are people’s stories about how guide dogs changed their lives.
Click to expand...

Full article here... http://www.thejournal.ie/photos-guide-dogs-owners-ireland-1712469-Oct2014/

Their stories are below the photographs.

Monica Wims and Guinness in Sligo

Donnacha McCarthy at the Spire in Dublin

Cara Gibbons and Uri on Shop St, Galway

Joe Bollard and York pictured at Glendalough, Co Wicklow

Olive Cummins and Eve at the Rock of Cashel, Tipperary

Paraic Barnes

In pics: Our guide dogs changed our lives General Chat

Malka Member

In pics: Our guide dogs changed our lives

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