Michelle of Wet Nose. Tut tut. I haven’t blogged for quite a while. But I can’t think of a better reason than to
just muse about my experiences this week. I have probably mentioned before that
I try my best to support various charities, especially those that are dog
related and yesterday I had a lovely morning on Sandymount Strand with Irish Dogs for the Disabled. All the goodness of this wonderful charity was on display.
What I have learned about Irish
Dogs for the Disabled over the last year is that not all charities are about
taking and giving is a core element of how their wheels turn.
Initially I see the tremendous force
for good through the commitment of partnering specially selected dogs which will
benefit children, adults, families and communities around the country. I
photograph stability dog Alice who enjoys a day off work. The equally beautiful
Orlagh is also enjoying a day off from school. What an amazing pair. I manage
to steal Alice away for a few moments for some solo time and was blown away by
her gentle eyes and soft nature. Alice is five years old and became one of
Orlagh’s best friends three years ago, one of the first partnerships of this
relatively young charity. Such a clever girl. Obviously happy to be by Orlagh’s
side.
I recalled other partnerships in
that moment and upon reflection, feel that Irish Dogs for the Disabled creates
these meaningful relationships through getting involved and genuinely caring
about their dogs and their clients. The personal enrichment of the different
partnerships in their different ways is clear to see.
I am just a girl with a camera
and I am not a dog trainer but the other thing that strikes me as I watch on,
is how happy the dogs appear to be during their training which involves
positive education. Play is a big part of the process and puppies are
encouraged to have fun. Each dog, like each person, is an individual and has
their own personality. And that brings me to these fantabulous dogs, who most
importantly, give unconditional love, something they could never be trained to
do.
Let’s not forget the dedicated
puppy socialisers that really love their dogs as one of the family. It is also
a pleasure to see them working together and their sense of pride as they watch
their puppies grow and go on to create life-changing opportunities for people
with disabilities.
What makes this charity so
special? There are possibly many answers to this question but I have always
believed that it is the volunteers of any charity that are the driving force in
their many capacities. They don’t necessarily have a lot of time but they have
a heart. And because of them a dream comes true for some.
I smile a private smile on this
day in Sandymount Strand as I see all of the pieces fitting together. And I
would like to extend a big huge monstrous thank you to the charity overall for allowing me to become just a tiny part of it, but
especially to CEO, Jennifer Dowler, who
is ever giving of her time, and has showed much support and respect for me and
for my new business. Her continued focus, care and determination makes a
difference. And because of that Jennifer, the future looks bright.
