The downside of puppy walking

One of the reasons I had to come home was to bring the dogs back before we start "Le Big Trek", which also meant I had to say goodbye to Roxy, the guide dog pup I have been minding for a year. We are doing the trek because we both really want to, but also to raise funds for "The Assistance Dog Program for Families of Children with Autism". It costs around €38,000 to train one of these dogs, and most of this money has to come from donations. If you would like to, please donate here
http://www.mycharity.ie/event/martine_greenlees_event

So Roxy got royally spoilt over the weekend, long walks

On one of my favourite beaches

But all good things must come to an end , and on Monday morning I took Roxy to Ballincollig, met my supervisor, and put Roxy through her paces while Orla looked on. "Yes she's ready" she proclaimed, but unfortunately there isn't another training slot until the middle of May, so she will spend a few days in kennels and then maybe go to another puppy walker for a few weeks.

We all went back to the Guide Dog Centre, where Roxy got to meet new friends, and she was really having a great time when I slipped quietly away, having said my goodbyes earlier on the steps of the cinema in Ballincollg. "Be a good girl Roxy"