Galway Guide Dogs seek volunteers as they mark 50 years

Trained dogs have big impact

By Kerrie Bolger Gardiner

Guide Dog Day will be marked around the country this Friday, May 22 and it marks the 50th anniversary of the charity in Ireland. The celebration is an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary role that guide dogs play in transforming the lives of those visually impaired, or with low vision.

The bond between a guide dog and owner is extremely strong. It is a combination of trust and an emotional connection, that powerful relationship being the heart of the incredible work carried out by the charity for half a century.

Here in Galway, local volunteers continue to play a vital role in making those partnerships possible. There are currently 14 puppy trainers involved with the Galway branch and the organisation is always welcoming new volunteers interested in getting involved.

The Galway branch is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of service, fundraising and community support for guide dog users across the region.

Chairman of the Galway branch Kevin Quinn says that every story is lifechanging when it comes to the pups, but he shared one of his most memorable stories with The Tuam Herald.

“There was an 86-year-old man who hadn’t talked to a doctor or nurse in three months,” Kevin explained. “We unclipped an ambassador dog and let him in the room and within 15 minutes the man was talking to the dog.”

The head nurse then rang Kevin two hours later and told him the man was now talking to both the nurses and doctors, about the ambassador dog.

“It’s something that I’ll never forget,” Kevin said. “Very powerful for me personally and the branch as a whole.”

Setting up the Galway branch in 1976 was far from easy Kevin told The Tuam Herald as some people didn’t feel the service was needed in Ireland. Up to then, people had to travel to England to obtain a dog. Tom Langan, a service user, had to bring his first guide dog back to Ireland on a plane, presenting major difficulties at the time, especially for someone who is visually impaired.

Despite significant setbacks, those early pioneers of the branch persisted. They understood how important independence and mobility were for people with sight loss.

One of the biggest difficulties is encouraging people to volunteer and commit their time. With so many charities and organisations seeking support, people are busier than ever.

Kevin Quinn says that the Galway branch is always welcoming new volunteers to fundraise, raise awareness, and educate the public on the role and importance of guide dogs and service animals.

After 50 years of service, Galway’s Irish Guide Dogs have enormous hope for the next 50 years.

“I hope we can continue to grow and expand,” Kevin said. “I want us to maintain a high level of integrity. One thing we notice when we are out and about, is that people have a high opinion of our dogs,” he explained.

The public perception of the dogs remains incredibly positive, and there is a strong desire to involve even more people, so that more lives can be transfromed for the better.

To donate or get involved contact the Galway Branch online.