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Well guys, we are back, holidays are over now, so its back to the grind-stone!!

8/24/2011

Hi everybody, we are back now as summer holidays are coming to a close. We have had a really nice summer and we hope you all had fun during the summer months.
Hector has done plenty of things since we were last in touch.

Hector: Oh boy, did I have a brilliant summer. I made loads of new 2 and 4 legged friends and learned new tricks (swimming). I will tell you about my escapades as we go on!!

Well as you can imagine, Hector has just turned 10 months old and he is so much bigger and stronger after his holidays, maybe even a little naughtier!!!

Hector: you talking about me there, I am impeccably behaved, huh!!!
I didn't say really naughty, just a little naughty!

Who's a handsome boy!

So what did we get up to since we were last on-line?...............
went to Roundstone, Connemara, Co. Galway, for July
visited Saint Brigids Gardens
had a tour of Kylemore Abbey
made friends with Prince my new Boxer friend who taught me to swim
went shopping loads of times in Clifden and had coffee in "Walshes"
learnt to swim really well
did a photo shot with Hector O'hEachagain in the Galway Studios
sailing
jumped in to Nikitas grannys window to say hi!!!!! Oh Oh!

A day by the sea, Gurteen Beach, Roundstone.

A stunning sunny day on Gurteen Beach, Roundstone. Rare but fabulous!!

Under cover from the sun!

A visit to St Brigid's Gardens, Connemara, Co. Galway!

A visit to St Brigids Gardens, Connemara, Co. Galway. Well worth a visit.

St Brigids Gardens, Connemara, Go. Galway.

Kylemore Abbey, Connemara, Co. Galway.

Kylemore Abbey.

Alice and Rian going for a tour of the Abbey while we waited and enjoyed the misty views.

The shore at the lake fronting Kylemore Abbey.

My new friend, Prince!

Prince, my new friend who taught Hector to swim.

The day Hector learnt to swim, lessons given for free by Prince.

Prince, do you think today is a good day to teach Hector to swim?

Okay lets go then! Hector, are you watching me???

"Go, go, go..."

"Now you've just gotta go for it Hector, paddle those paws like mad and your away, okay, follow me!"

"So come on, in you go, voila and you're done!"

"Now you've got it" Well done!!

Well, I think thats all we can fit in this week, check in next week and we will give you more photos of our summertime adventures!
So long, talk soon...... Michele and Hector!

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About this Blog

Welcome to Puppy Hector's Blog:
Follow RTE 2fm's "Breakfast with Hector" adopted pup's progress as he trains to become a guide dog for a person living with sight loss or an assistance dog for families of children with autism.

RTE 2fm & Hector Ó hEochagáin: RTE 2fm's Breakfast Show Crew and host Hector ÓhEochagáin have been supporting pup Hector since adopting him at 8 weeks of age. During the last year, they have been helping us create awareness about our work and just what goes into into training a guide dog. Their support has been invaluable and has helped to raise much needed funds towards Hector's training.

About the Blog Authors, Susan Turtle and Michele Munnelly:
Susan Turtle has been with Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind as a trainer for over
13 years. Puppy Hector joined her in January this year to commence Early
Training. She'll be keeping you posted on his progress over the next few months. Prior to January, Hector was with Volunteer Puppy Walker, Michele Munnelly who helped him get started
on his journey to becoming a guide or assistance dog.

About Puppy Hector:
Hector was born on 17 October 2010 and is German Shepherd x Golden Retriever. He is an intelligent, lively dog destined to become a life changing partner to a person living with sight loss or a family of a child with autism.

The role of a Puppy Walker:
A Volunteer PW fosters a pup
from 8 weeks of age to 12 months. During this time, the
pup becomes part of their lives
at home. A PW cares for and trains the pup to become a well rounded, confident, calm, willing, mannerly and socially acceptable dog. The main focus
is on obedience and socialisation, ensuring the pup is comfortable in many different environments like shops, restaurants, buses, trains, busy streets and malls etc. Also the dog must get on with and not be distracted by people and other animals. All of this provides the pup with a solid foundation for their future training and role as a guide or assistance dog. All training is done through positive reinforcement, learning should
be fun, "a happy pup is a willing pup".

Supported by PW Supervisors:
Volunteer PWs are supported by our PW Supervisors who provide training and ongoing guidance. This is done through practical Puppy Training Classes, home visits and one‐on‐one training in supermarkets, shops, train
stations etc. The PW Supervisors provide valuable guidance and support to help equip our Volunteers for the task at hand and to monitor each pup's progress. All veterinary fees and feeding costs are covered by The Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind along with placing pups in homes when Volunteer PW's go on holidays.

Come on and become a Puppy Walker for Irish Guide Dogs!
It is a commitment but one that is rewarding and great fun!
Go to www.guidedogs.ie to apply!