In February 2025, volunteers Tom O’Neill, his guide dog Qeb, puppy walker Anne Mulligan along with Pat Harney of the Portmarnock/Malahide Branch of Guide Dogs, his Ambassador dog Belle and Jennifer Hurley who is the Regional Development Officer for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind all attended Skerries Library to promote awareness of guide dog puppy training and are looking for volunteers for the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs.

Tom has had guide dogs for 40 years and got his first one when he was 28 years old. Qeb is his seventh guide dog. Anne has been puppy walking for over 13 years and just got her 14th puppy, Lulu, a few weeks ago. When Tom was giving his talk at the library, Qeb was focussed on Anne and Tom explained that as well as her puppy walking, Anne also takes Qeb for runs in Argillan and he adores her. Qeb was obviously hoping Anne would bring him for a run!

Tom explained how Qeb was a very special dog because of the dual ownership and that his late wife Breege had him first and Tom had him after she passed away. Qeb is unique and of all the guide dogs in 40 years, Tom said this kind of dual ownership had never been done before.

Tom and Anne explained how all guide dogs begin their training with puppy walkers for the first year and the importance to have a deep love for dogs and a lot of patience. It is clear from Qeb’s reaction to Anne, how good she is with dogs. Tom is looking for volunteers for the Branch. The next fundraiser the branch is doing is Sunday 13th of April a craft fare in Mrs O’s upstairs in the Central Pub Balbriggan from 12 o’clock to 4 pm where our branch will be selling tickets for a holiday raffle at €5 each. If volunteering is something you would like to do, you can contact the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs by phone/text 0857663107, email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.