Galway fans of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind will be delighted to hear that, Frank Downes from Moycullen has a new Fundraising Ambassador Dog named Zander.
Frank was like a child at Christmas for the last week awaiting delivery of his new best friend. Irish Guide Dog volunteers who help organise events and raise funds were nearly as excited promising to come and see the new arrival once lockdown ends.
18-month-old Zander is now an “Ambassador” for the charity, and will help in the constant drive to raise funds. It costs €53,000 to train and maintain a single dog for their working life.
The charity has a training centre in Cork where dogs undergo a rigorous training programme before they are matched with an owner.
At any one time there are 40 guide dogs and 30 assistance dogs undergoing training at the centre, overseen by the 70 staff.
