The Golden Paw Award goes to 6-year-old guide dog Marcel
Urgent need for 'puppy raisers' in the Leinster area
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is celebrating the victory of one of their life-changing dogs in the Irish Kennel Club's Golden Paw Hero Dog Awards last Saturday.
Ambassador dog Marcel, who was puppy raised by Anne O'Riordan, a volunteer with the charity's Tralee Branch, was trained as a Guide Dog but needed a career change as he had body sensitivity issues.
Despite the challenges he faced, Marcel took to his new ambassador role and now continues to change lives by visiting schools, hospitals and nursing homes in the Tralee area.
Volunteer and puppy raiser Anne O'Riordan says;
"Marcel senses when people are upset and will indicate that somebody requires his time and support. This has happened on many occasions even though the person is not visibly upset to the human eye.
"One example was in a hospital waiting area; Marcel indicated that he wanted to sit with a gentleman, so I approached him, Marcel sat by the man’s walker and laid his head on his knee. The man was so grateful as he had just received bad news and was overwhelmed with Marcel’s love and comfort."
During lockdown Marcel spent a lot of time with elderly friends of the Tralee Branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind providing them with companionship and a warm heart to lift their spirits during a very lonely and stressful time.
Marcel also visited University Hospital Kerry (UHK), where he spent days just being himself, giving the staff hugs and companionship to alleviate some of the stress they were experiencing.
Marcel continues to assist in many one-on-one therapy sessions. These include visits to specific patients in UHK, at the request of their doctor, to comfort parents and children. Marcel is also included in therapy sessions with vulnerable children and adults, where he will encourage and calm the patient.
Chief Executive Officer of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, Tim O'Mahony says;
"Our aim is to change lives and even though Marcel was not suitable to be matched with someone with vision impairment it is incredible to see how he is using his training and skills to change lives in his community.
"We are thrilled for Anne and all the Volunteers in the Tralee Branch whose dedication to making an impact in their local community is so evident in the work Marcel does. Anne is a wonderful Volunteer and member of our puppy raising community and is now supported by Marcel as the pups she trains are very much influenced by his behaviour."
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind's volunteer Branches around the country are busy now selling the charity's Christmas cards and calendars and tickets for their annual car raffle. Full details on www.guidedogs.ie or contact your local IGDB Branch.
The charity urgently needs Puppy Raisers in the Leinster and Munster areas. Full details here: https://www.guidedogs.ie/ways-to-help/volunteer/puppy-raising