Irish Guide Dogs’ Calendar and Gifts Now Available in Tipperary

Have you ever wondered if your dog has a more intelligent life view than many humans you encounter? Well if so Irish Guide Dogs’ 2015 calendar is for you! It’s a Dog’s Life is the national charity’s 2015 calendar which combines beautiful photography of working dogs in training with some inspirational quotes.

A full range of merchandise is available to purchase securely online at www.guidedogs.ie. The national charity supports 83 Tipperary residents across their range of services and is looking to increase their support in the area.

Examples of the motivational quotes include month October with a Guide Dog lying by the feet of his handler with the quote ‘It doesn’t matter where you are in life but who is by your side’; and month December which features a beautiful puppy playing with Christmas decorations alongside the quote: ‘Live your joy! Happiness is contagious!”

Communications Manager Paula McGovern said one of the reasons behind the inspiring theme was how strong dog ‘personalities’ can be and how they are such positive animals to be around. “Most of us know the principles of how we should be living to be healthy and happy: live in the moment; focus on the good in life etc. However while we humans may struggle to do this, dogs just do this quite naturally. Dogs don’t need to read ‘The Power of Now’ (which is obviously just as well given they can’t read!); they already live in the now!

“A dog’s personality is very important in what we do,” she continued. “One of the most important elements of our dog programmes is the matching process where our trainers assess how well a person and a dog might bond depending on the personalities of both and external factors. Guide Dogs and Assistance dogs are not one-size-fits-all – personality is key!”

The calendar is one of a range of Irish Guide Dogs’ Christmas gifts which are available to buy fromwww.guidedogs.ie. Today FM’s Mairead Farrell helped launch the calendar, cards and gifts for the charity.

Irish Guide Dogs offers all their services for free and is 80% supported by public donations and fundraising.

Assistance Dog Zody cover star of Irish Guide Dogs’ cards

Assistance Dog Zody is the cover star or Irish Guide Dogs new range of Christmas cards available online at www.guidedogs.ie. Zody is Assistance Dog to Sarah King, pictured with her mother Kathleen King. Zody has been a central part of the King family since August 2013. Assistance Dogs support children with autism by acting as a safety aid to stop a by acting as a safety aid and promoting calmness. They also help provide security and support to the child and to the wider family unit. Irish Guide Dogs was the first organisation to bring the Assistance Dog programme into Europe in 2005.

“Currently we do not have the financial or human resources to grow the programme to meet the over-demand for the service,” said Sinead O’Keeffe, Commercial Manager with Irish Guide Dogs. “We really need the public’s support so we can reopen this waiting list in the near future. Buying our Christmas products is a major way you can support us while you get a lovely gift for your loved one (or yourself!) so please get online today to support us www.guidedogs.ie.”

The calendar – and other seasonal gifts – will be available at the following locations:

• 14th & 15th November – Clonmel Showgrounds & Shopping Centre
• 21st November – Supervalu, Cahir
• 27th November – Supervalu, Cashel
• 11th December – Supervalu, Tipperary
• 13th December – Maxi Zoo, Clonmel