I want to break free!

• Firstly, you should read this so you know what these posts are all about.
• The first day with Ike
• Day 2 of training.
• Day 3 of training.
• Day 4 of training.
• Day 5 and 6 of training.
• Day 7 of training.
• Day 8 of training.
• Day 9 of training.
• Day 10 of training.
• Day 11 of training.
• Day 12 of training.
• Day 13 of training.
• Day 14 of training.
• Day 15 of training
• Day 16 of training

This is the last day of class. The mood among the others who have trained with guide dogs with my self is a little nervous, apprehensive, excited relieved and happy.

The last day of training here is usually taken up by one or two walks, signing the contract, going over some of the more important guidelines for working and taking care of your dog and finally a discussion with the head of client services to provide feedback on the class, the centre, the staff and the overall experience.

The first walk was just around a small town. We’ve walked through it a dozen times so it was nothing new for Ike. His work was fantastic as always. Unfortunately, again we had another problem. He wanted to relieve himself again. This is the third day this week that the morning walk was hindered by this but there is nothing more I can do while in the centre to reduce this. At this late stage, all I can do is wait until the new routine is established at home and hope that the same issue does not arise there. If it does, at the very eats I will have some experience to work from to work toward resolving it.

Since the walk this morning we have done very little. Signing the contract and meeting with the head of client services took longer than expected so I had to cancel the afternoon stroll. On the up side though, I had a great meeting with the training team lead and when speaking to the head of client services I provided some feedback that I hope will really help others in my situation in the

All that is left to do now is wait until the morning. Emma has graciously offered to drive me from the centre in Cork to Drogheda so we will leave here between 9 and 10AM in the morning.

Before I leave here I would just like to write something to say a huge thanks to everyone at Irish guide dogs for the blind. All the staff, trainers, puppy walkers and fund raisers do a fantastic job and I seriously couldn’t do or say enough to come close to what they deserve to thank them.

Tomorrow will mark the start of the next stage of training. After care is where the trainer visits the local area of the guide dog and handler and begins to give advice to ensure the dog is given the required encouragement and commands. It is important that when training with a dog the routes that they work are restricted at the start. This allows them to get use to taking all the commands from the new handler in an environment they are unfamiliar with. The number of routes can be built up slowly over six months to a year.

Next week I will document my progress on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Come back around these days for more updates on my progress with Ike, my new guide dog.

Thanks again for all the comments, tweets, Facebook comments, emails, phone calls and text message. Your support over the past two and a half weeks has been empowering.