Paula the guide dog has qualified! By Lynda Harwood

I received a lovely “Thank you” card from Guide Dogs this week along with Paula’s official Guide Dogs’ graduation photo. You can see the proud lady below in her official Guide Dogs’ harness.

Opening up the package and seeing the photo of Paula made me well up with pride…there were even almost tears! To see her looking so grown up was amazing. We looked after Paula throughout her time at Guide Dog school and she was a star from the beginning…even if I do say so myself!

Whether she was out on a long country walk (searching for something muddy to roll in :-)), attending JCI events with me or coming home after a day at Guide Dog school and playing with her favourite owl teddy, she was always a marvel!

Her obedience, temperament and skills really are a testament to, not only “wee P” but also the fabulous work that the Guide Dog Mobility Instructors and Trainers undertake with these amazing dogs.

I was lucky enough to shadow both a mobility instructor and trainer working with Paula throughout her training and the dedication, patience and commitment from both the instructors/trainers and dogs is unbelievable. They really are heroes.

Paula is now living with a lovely family, settled in well to her new house and getting lots of cuddles! She’s even been on her holidays where she was in her element with sun, sea, sand and lots of other dogs to play with.

Although Paula was only in our lives for six months, she had an impact and she will continue to have an impact on the other people’s lives that she touches – just like the other guide dogs throughout the UK and the world.

Lynda