There was delight for two Donegal canines today after they became fully fledged guide dogs.
Hope and Heidi have been formally recognised and received their paperwork from the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (IGDB).
“This is wonderful news for Donegal – Hope and Heidi have qualified as guide dogs,” a spokesperson for the Donegal IGDB branch said.
“Thank you to everyone who’s embraced and supported the branch. Our wee trailblazers and hopefully the first of many.”
As a puppy, Heidi was raised by Lesley Newberry (main pic) in Downings and is now working with a lady in the Dublin area. Hope (below) was raised by Michelle Healey, Fanad, and is working in Wexford.
Michelle Healy with Hope when he was a pup.
The Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind greatly improves lives for people who are blind or visually impaired as well as for families of children with autism. The average cost of training a dog is in the region of €53,000. It costs over €4 million per year to run the organisation, with 85% of income coming through voluntary donations and fundraising.
If you want to donate, log on to www.guidedogs.ie
Heidi the guide dog.
The fully qualified Hope.
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