Irish Guide Dogs: Science helps make the perfect pup match but the human factor is key to success

While every charity relies heavily on the public’s generous donations to fund its services, the Irish Guide Dogs also needs an army of volunteers every year to help with the breeding and raising of its puppies. Susan O’Shea met some of those involved.

There used to be a high degree of chance involved in raising a guide dog from pup to fully trained and ready to go home with a client. Many dogs, for different reasons didn’t make the cut, despite the rigorous training programme.