Gillian writes:

"So here we are again, at the worst time of the year. Once again it is time to say goodbye to a much loved friend.

 Irwin is now ready to start his training to become a Guide Dog. He is only 10 months old and so will be going on to "big school" earlier than Quin.

Quin is one of the most perfect dogs I have ever known but he couldn't be hurried, he was also a big softie, so needed that bit longer to mature.

Irwin is quick learner, confident and outgoing.  He has learnt as much as I can teach him. In fact our Supervisor taught us more advanced techniques which he had no difficulty understanding.  He mastered them straight away. If he stays any longer he will start to get bored and begin pick up naughty habits. 

We know he will love being with the other dogs, and enjoy the new challenges. We will miss him like crazy.  Already there have been many tears shed in our household. He is such a lively happy boy; it is going to seem very quiet here without him.

I remember how tiny he was when he arrived. He was such a sleepy puppy, I spent the first few weeks sitting on the floor cuddling and bonding with him.  Then as we started to explore the world, he began to show his happy, enthusiastic nature.

We had mishaps when training didn't quite go according to plan and we had the odd "big busy" accident.  However we also had the fun of showing him new places and experiences.  How proud we became when we saw him beginning to understand what was required of him.

Soon he is going to give someone a new lease of life and become their best friend instead of mine. My baby boy has grown into a very loveable, handsome, capable, enthusiastic young guide dog.  He is brave, inquisitive, and keen to learn.  

It is time for him to move on."