When you train with a guide dog, you soon learn the importance of grooming. No matter what breed you are matched with, grooming is necessary to keep your dog healthy and clean. As these dogs have access to all public places, their appearance is very important. As well as combing and brushing, grooming can include bathing, checking for any signs of health problems, cleaning ears and teeth, and even clipping toenails. It is also a good bonding process between you and your dog. Unfortunately all pet dogs don’t get groomed as regularly as guide dogs, even though they would benefit from it just as much.
Everybody approaches grooming differently. I spoke to a guide dog owner who happened to mention that they recently spent almost two hours drying their lab with a hair dryer after bathing it with shampoo, combing it and then putting on conditioner. Now that’s dedication!
I could lie and tell you that I groom O J every day. It’s more like every second or third, but I always do it if we’re going somewhere special or to someone’s house. No matter when I do it, lots of hair comes off! I don’t clean his teeth. The chews he eats take care of that, and the vet checks them often. I have never needed to clip his toenails yet, but think I would let Dougal’s groomer do it, rather than risk nearly cutting a blood vessel, which is apparently very very painful.
I try to wash him as little as possible, as too much washing can remove the natural oils from their coat. I'm not really into all this doggy perfume and stuff, but all the brushing ensures that he doesn’t smell. People constantly tell me how shiny his coat is (not sure if this is a black lab thing, or just my luck.) O J loves being groomed, but other
dogs
Don’t make it so easy!
I have thought of getting O J groomed professionally sometime, to see how he would react and to see if he can get any shinier! Maybe that could be his Christmas present. All groomers charge different rates, and some apparently reduce their rate for assistance dogs. I know a guide dog owner who’s local groomer will collect his dog at work, groom it free of charge and return it to him when its done. Talk about good service!
So what does your dog’s grooming routine involve?
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
new furry addition to the family!
My oldest nephew was eleven yesterday. He played a football match with his friends on Sunday, and they had food, sweets and chased OJ around the house afterwards. We had dinner and birthday cake in his house yesterday.
I wanted to give him something special, as he is my Godson too. He’s naturally a very helpful child, and very good to me. I was twelve when he was born, he lived with us for a couple of years, and we’re very close.
He loves animals and is very good at looking after our dogs. He can’t have his own, as they are out most of the day and their house is surrounded by sheep and farms. They had a dog for a while, but the wrong choice of breed, lack of exercise and the area they lived in then meant that it wasn't suitable, which wasn't fair on the dog or its owners.
I have always been lucky enough to have pets, and think caring for them is a great responsibility for children, so with some convincing, I allowed his parents to let me buy him a hamster.
I went to the pet shop last Thursday and bought
a cage,
Food, bedding, wood shavings, a ball and a chew. OJ wasn’t too impressed when I touched lots of cages on the ground. He gets very jealous if I touch something that isn’t him. Yesterday I left work an hour early and went with my dad to get the hamster. I chose a Russian hamster, as the others are very quick and don’t like being handled, or they bite.
I think it was the first time I’ve seen Jack speechless! He was very excited and had lots of questions, one of which was how long do they live? They have a life span of two to three years, which could be a problem for his two year old brother. I think keeping animals is a good way for children to learn about life and death, because unfortunately they will have to deal with it at some stage.
The hamster took a while to venture upstairs in his cage. He hadn’t discovered his wheel by the time I left home, but Jack rang me a couple of hours later to tell me he’d started running in it. He’s one happy boy this week.
O J, you’ll be back to number one pet next week, I promise!
I wanted to give him something special, as he is my Godson too. He’s naturally a very helpful child, and very good to me. I was twelve when he was born, he lived with us for a couple of years, and we’re very close.
He loves animals and is very good at looking after our dogs. He can’t have his own, as they are out most of the day and their house is surrounded by sheep and farms. They had a dog for a while, but the wrong choice of breed, lack of exercise and the area they lived in then meant that it wasn't suitable, which wasn't fair on the dog or its owners.
I have always been lucky enough to have pets, and think caring for them is a great responsibility for children, so with some convincing, I allowed his parents to let me buy him a hamster.
I went to the pet shop last Thursday and bought
a cage,
Food, bedding, wood shavings, a ball and a chew. OJ wasn’t too impressed when I touched lots of cages on the ground. He gets very jealous if I touch something that isn’t him. Yesterday I left work an hour early and went with my dad to get the hamster. I chose a Russian hamster, as the others are very quick and don’t like being handled, or they bite.
I think it was the first time I’ve seen Jack speechless! He was very excited and had lots of questions, one of which was how long do they live? They have a life span of two to three years, which could be a problem for his two year old brother. I think keeping animals is a good way for children to learn about life and death, because unfortunately they will have to deal with it at some stage.
The hamster took a while to venture upstairs in his cage. He hadn’t discovered his wheel by the time I left home, but Jack rang me a couple of hours later to tell me he’d started running in it. He’s one happy boy this week.
O J, you’ll be back to number one pet next week, I promise!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Dublin and the GDO network
Friday 13th started off as a disaster but it worked out ok by the time we got to Dublin. We got the bus from Derry and there was another guide dog owner on it, who was staying in the same hotel as us and going to the meeting too. It was pouring rain when we got to Dublin. I was glad my mum came with me because we had so much stuff and didn't know where we were going.
We met a friend for dinner in a Thai restaurant on Abbey Street. I hadn't seen her in ages so it was good to catch up. She's my mum's friend's daughter so they get on very well. The food was gorgeous and the staff were very friendly, and very good to OJ. A little baby came over to pet him and didn't want to go home! He was so cute. He had been sick for a while, and his dad said that seeing OJ really cheered him up. We got the Luas back to the hotel. When it stopped, the door beside us didn't open so we had to run to the next one. We got out just in time, and as we walked towards the hotel, the luas driver got out and apologised. He said he didn't see us in the camera and he was very sorry, even though it wasn't his fault.
We stayed in the
Ashling hotel
which was really nice, and again the staff were very helpful. We had a couple of drinks with the other GDO before bed. OJ was very considerate and let me have 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep. At 7 o clock he couldn't resist waking me up, but I made him go back to sleep again.
The gdo network meeting was well organised and I found it interesting. There were about 25 guide dogs there, and I was surprised at how relaxed OJ was, since he'd only seen one of them before. About 10 people sent apologies, but there was a serious lack of communication on Cork's part, as all the gdos in Ireland were supposed to be invited, and they obviously weren't. People just spoke about different issues they had, how things could be improved and how the network can move forward to ensure that these changes actually take place.
It was great to meet people from the email list, and that's the main reason that I went. I met some really nice dogs too, including the famous Chad, who is
Clive's
brother. He is one big dog!! There was lots of water provided for all the dogs, and OJ had to drink out of every bowl encase they were different. Some sighted people helped to guide people and dogs if they needed help.
After the meeting I went for food with Nicky and
Digital Darragh
who i've wanted to meet for ages. They are mad! and great fun. Their dogs Ralph and Freddie are saints! They did a great job of getting me and OJ on to a packed luas and into the restaurant (I sware Darragh isn't blind at all!) My mum met us there and asked the boys a million questions during lunch. Sorry about that! It was the first time i've ever got a braille menu in a restaurant in Ireland, which was nice. I also got a chance to see Darragh's K sonar, and even though I thought I'd never admit it, I can see how it could be useful if you got used to it. Check out his site and blog if you want to know exactly what it is.
We got the bus home from Parnell Square, and dublin was busy because of the Ireland V France match. The bus was far too hot, but twitter and some music kept me sane. It was definitely worth going, and I hope to go to more meetings there next year.
ps. trust digital!
We met a friend for dinner in a Thai restaurant on Abbey Street. I hadn't seen her in ages so it was good to catch up. She's my mum's friend's daughter so they get on very well. The food was gorgeous and the staff were very friendly, and very good to OJ. A little baby came over to pet him and didn't want to go home! He was so cute. He had been sick for a while, and his dad said that seeing OJ really cheered him up. We got the Luas back to the hotel. When it stopped, the door beside us didn't open so we had to run to the next one. We got out just in time, and as we walked towards the hotel, the luas driver got out and apologised. He said he didn't see us in the camera and he was very sorry, even though it wasn't his fault.
We stayed in the
Ashling hotel
which was really nice, and again the staff were very helpful. We had a couple of drinks with the other GDO before bed. OJ was very considerate and let me have 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep. At 7 o clock he couldn't resist waking me up, but I made him go back to sleep again.
The gdo network meeting was well organised and I found it interesting. There were about 25 guide dogs there, and I was surprised at how relaxed OJ was, since he'd only seen one of them before. About 10 people sent apologies, but there was a serious lack of communication on Cork's part, as all the gdos in Ireland were supposed to be invited, and they obviously weren't. People just spoke about different issues they had, how things could be improved and how the network can move forward to ensure that these changes actually take place.
It was great to meet people from the email list, and that's the main reason that I went. I met some really nice dogs too, including the famous Chad, who is
Clive's
brother. He is one big dog!! There was lots of water provided for all the dogs, and OJ had to drink out of every bowl encase they were different. Some sighted people helped to guide people and dogs if they needed help.
After the meeting I went for food with Nicky and
Digital Darragh
who i've wanted to meet for ages. They are mad! and great fun. Their dogs Ralph and Freddie are saints! They did a great job of getting me and OJ on to a packed luas and into the restaurant (I sware Darragh isn't blind at all!) My mum met us there and asked the boys a million questions during lunch. Sorry about that! It was the first time i've ever got a braille menu in a restaurant in Ireland, which was nice. I also got a chance to see Darragh's K sonar, and even though I thought I'd never admit it, I can see how it could be useful if you got used to it. Check out his site and blog if you want to know exactly what it is.
We got the bus home from Parnell Square, and dublin was busy because of the Ireland V France match. The bus was far too hot, but twitter and some music kept me sane. It was definitely worth going, and I hope to go to more meetings there next year.
ps. trust digital!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
guide dog network
I have been signed up to the Irish guide dogs mailing list for over a year now. People there have often talked about setting up a meeting, where guide dog owners can discuss issues and make suggestions about how services can be improved. As a result, the
guide dog network
was born. Its first meeting takes place on Saturday, and I'm looking forward to it.
I have some friends in Dublin, but they are either not around, alergic to dogs or don't have space/grass anywhere near where they live. My mums going Christmas shopping while I'm at the meeting, which is great because I didn't want to stay in a hotel on my own! OJ has obviously helped me to become much more independent, but I still like to have an idea of where I'm going if I'm going somewhere on my own. I know lots of blind people are confident to just find their way around and ask for help when they need it. Maybe its because I don't live in a city and am not really used to navigating really busy places on my own. Maybe its because I spend most of my time with people, so can ask for help when I need it. Maybe I'll gradually become braver, or maybe I'm just an eternal wimp!
I meant to mention
Trust Tommy's project
ages ago. He has set up the
Irish student blog site.
If you know anyone who has a blog that isn't listed there, let them know about it please.
Sometimes when I post long posts about music, I think people might be bored, but its nice to see that
Clive
is listening to something I have recommended, and even better, he is enjoying it!
Right, coffee, then back to scarey serious writing!
guide dog network
was born. Its first meeting takes place on Saturday, and I'm looking forward to it.
I have some friends in Dublin, but they are either not around, alergic to dogs or don't have space/grass anywhere near where they live. My mums going Christmas shopping while I'm at the meeting, which is great because I didn't want to stay in a hotel on my own! OJ has obviously helped me to become much more independent, but I still like to have an idea of where I'm going if I'm going somewhere on my own. I know lots of blind people are confident to just find their way around and ask for help when they need it. Maybe its because I don't live in a city and am not really used to navigating really busy places on my own. Maybe its because I spend most of my time with people, so can ask for help when I need it. Maybe I'll gradually become braver, or maybe I'm just an eternal wimp!
I meant to mention
Trust Tommy's project
ages ago. He has set up the
Irish student blog site.
If you know anyone who has a blog that isn't listed there, let them know about it please.
Sometimes when I post long posts about music, I think people might be bored, but its nice to see that
Clive
is listening to something I have recommended, and even better, he is enjoying it!
Right, coffee, then back to scarey serious writing!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Not hungry, just a lab
Anyone who has owned a Labrador knows just how greedy they are, and how much they love their food. They would eat all day if you let them! But just because they sniff at food, and give you those big puppydog eyes when you’re eating to make you feel guilty, doesn’t mean that they are starving and never get fed.
If you see how much food I give OJ, (a cup full twice a day) you’d probably think he’s being starved. Have you ever seen him? Have you even seen a picture? Does he look like a starved dog? I don’t think so! The food is royal canin
Which has all the nutrition this type of dog needs. He gets doggy treats too, but no human food at all and no extra half cup fulls for good behaviour!
Guide dogs have to be kept on a strict diet for many reasons:
-Just like humans, becoming overweight can make them feel lazy and tired, and leads to health problems.
-Feeding them titbits encourages them to beg for food, which they are not allowed to do. If I’m in a restaurant and OJ is drooling all over me and sniffing tables looking for food, it’s not going to look good, is it?
-If dogs take food from the ground or from strangers, they become distracted from their work and this could be dangerous for their handler.
-Guide dogs can have very sensitive stomachs because they only eat certain foods, so human food and dog food that they are not used to can make them throw up. Sick guide dog = stays at home = owner having to find their own way around without the dog = a complete nightmare!
-Unfamiliar food can result in an irregularity from the other end, which isn’t good when your dog is trained to go regularly (like clockwork as soon as its fed if you’re lucky) and you’ve to clean up after it in unexpected places.
Why do members of the public not believe us when we tell them this? Why do they believe that our dogs are constantly hungry and that they should be allowed to accept food from strangers? Would you tell a mother how to feed her child if you didn’t know her? Probably not. Our dogs obviously aren’t children, and I think its unrealistic to compare them to children, but they are our responsibility.
Why do people think that the best way to show your pet dog that you love it is to feed it and feed it and feed it some more? Try taking it for a walk and spending time with it instead.
99% of the time, people I explain this too are very understanding, but there’s always the awkward ones!
If you see how much food I give OJ, (a cup full twice a day) you’d probably think he’s being starved. Have you ever seen him? Have you even seen a picture? Does he look like a starved dog? I don’t think so! The food is royal canin
Which has all the nutrition this type of dog needs. He gets doggy treats too, but no human food at all and no extra half cup fulls for good behaviour!
Guide dogs have to be kept on a strict diet for many reasons:
-Just like humans, becoming overweight can make them feel lazy and tired, and leads to health problems.
-Feeding them titbits encourages them to beg for food, which they are not allowed to do. If I’m in a restaurant and OJ is drooling all over me and sniffing tables looking for food, it’s not going to look good, is it?
-If dogs take food from the ground or from strangers, they become distracted from their work and this could be dangerous for their handler.
-Guide dogs can have very sensitive stomachs because they only eat certain foods, so human food and dog food that they are not used to can make them throw up. Sick guide dog = stays at home = owner having to find their own way around without the dog = a complete nightmare!
-Unfamiliar food can result in an irregularity from the other end, which isn’t good when your dog is trained to go regularly (like clockwork as soon as its fed if you’re lucky) and you’ve to clean up after it in unexpected places.
Why do members of the public not believe us when we tell them this? Why do they believe that our dogs are constantly hungry and that they should be allowed to accept food from strangers? Would you tell a mother how to feed her child if you didn’t know her? Probably not. Our dogs obviously aren’t children, and I think its unrealistic to compare them to children, but they are our responsibility.
Why do people think that the best way to show your pet dog that you love it is to feed it and feed it and feed it some more? Try taking it for a walk and spending time with it instead.
99% of the time, people I explain this too are very understanding, but there’s always the awkward ones!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
a link and a story...
Remember when I mentioned that guide dogs UK had dropped their age limit for application in
this post
If you want to know how successful it has been so far, read about four of the guide dog owners
here
On our way to work yesterday, not long after we left the town, the bus stopped to pick people up. A small dog ran on too and came up to OJ to have a sniff. We were sitting in the middle and he was under the seat, so its not like he could have seen him straight away. They wagged tails, the dog ran off again and the bus drove on. Strange! He didn't come on today.
I'm recording my first Christmas radio show on thursday. Its soo early!
this post
If you want to know how successful it has been so far, read about four of the guide dog owners
here
On our way to work yesterday, not long after we left the town, the bus stopped to pick people up. A small dog ran on too and came up to OJ to have a sniff. We were sitting in the middle and he was under the seat, so its not like he could have seen him straight away. They wagged tails, the dog ran off again and the bus drove on. Strange! He didn't come on today.
I'm recording my first Christmas radio show on thursday. Its soo early!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
blogs, dogs and music
I have nothing too exciting to write about these days, but just wanted to mention a couple of blogs. I found
R's blog
through a link that someone mentioned on
twitter.
She lives in the US, always joked that she would never see her thirtieth birthday because of the kind of lifestyle she used to live, and she went blind when she was 29. She's an amazing writer and its very interesting to read.
I've mentioned
Selina
before. She has been waiting for her first guide dog for over 18 months now, and could have a new furry friend very soon. Check out her blog and read what she thinks of the potential new dog and how they get on.
I had to work later than planned today, so OJ didn't get a nice long walk in this nice dry weather. My uncle is up from Limerick and he came for dinner yesterday with his wife and 5 children. Of course OJ loved it! They all came to visit me in Cork when we were training, and they thought OJ had grown a lot. We're going out for dinner with them tomorrow.
I'm recording another radio show tomorrow. I have most of the music planned I think. I know I'll definitely be playing a couple of tracks from the new swell season album 'strict joy', which was just released last week. A few friends heard the show on monday. It was the first time people I know, who like the same music as me listened, so it was interesting to hear what they thought.
I was supposed to go to Mick Flannery on halloween night. I hate going out and dressing up for it so it was a good excuse to get out of it, but that's not happening now. Funny story, but lets just say I think my friends in love, though she's not admitting it!
Happy halloween everyone!
ps. If you have any blogs or sites you think I might like, post links in the comments section. I'm looking for new things to read and new people to meet, and also just curious to see what people come up with.
R's blog
through a link that someone mentioned on
twitter.
She lives in the US, always joked that she would never see her thirtieth birthday because of the kind of lifestyle she used to live, and she went blind when she was 29. She's an amazing writer and its very interesting to read.
I've mentioned
Selina
before. She has been waiting for her first guide dog for over 18 months now, and could have a new furry friend very soon. Check out her blog and read what she thinks of the potential new dog and how they get on.
I had to work later than planned today, so OJ didn't get a nice long walk in this nice dry weather. My uncle is up from Limerick and he came for dinner yesterday with his wife and 5 children. Of course OJ loved it! They all came to visit me in Cork when we were training, and they thought OJ had grown a lot. We're going out for dinner with them tomorrow.
I'm recording another radio show tomorrow. I have most of the music planned I think. I know I'll definitely be playing a couple of tracks from the new swell season album 'strict joy', which was just released last week. A few friends heard the show on monday. It was the first time people I know, who like the same music as me listened, so it was interesting to hear what they thought.
I was supposed to go to Mick Flannery on halloween night. I hate going out and dressing up for it so it was a good excuse to get out of it, but that's not happening now. Funny story, but lets just say I think my friends in love, though she's not admitting it!
Happy halloween everyone!
ps. If you have any blogs or sites you think I might like, post links in the comments section. I'm looking for new things to read and new people to meet, and also just curious to see what people come up with.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Subject = none in particular!
As well as the Josh Ritter gig on Sunday, OJ and I have had a busy week.
Last friday we went to visit one of the sixth classes in the local primary school. The teacher taught me when I was at the school, and I talked to her class around this time last year as well. They were very attentive and well behaved, and asked lots of mature, sensible questions.
There teacher gave me a lovely thank you card in braille, as well as a lovely present today to say thanks. I don't expect anything like this at all. It was really nice of her.
On the way back from the pet shop after the school, I went for lunch with my PA. We met a young man called Shaun, who has autism and is terrified of dogs. He became scared a number of years ago, after a dog jumped on him and the owners did nothing to stop it. He has met OJ many times on our way to the beach and has gradually came over to pet him. On friday he recognised him straight away and his parents were delighted. They would love him to have a dog, but since OJ is the only one he will touch at the moment, they don't know if he will ever have one.
We walked to town last saturday, and after visiting my granny, OJ and I met one of my best friends for lunch. Lunch took about an hour and a half because of the lovely weather, and we were entertained by about 5 children constantly around our table. They asked a lot of questions! Then I got my hair cut and OJ tried to eat my hair as it fell. He always does it! Gross!
Tomorrow could be a good day. The new swell season and REM albums are out. I should be saving money, but sometimes there's things you just have to buy.
My friend Mark is on a quiz team who are in the semi-final of the all Ireland Ray Darcy quiz on today fm. The finals will be broadcast live from Vicar Street tomorrow, between 9 and 12 a.m. on today fm.
www.todayfm.com
I had hoped to be in the audience for this, as it would have been great fun. Unfortunately that won't happen and I'll have to listen from home. Good luck Markee. I know you'll do well.
We don't get a bank holiday on Monday. There is one in the republic, and one of my radio shows is being broadcast between 5 and 6 PM instead of a regular presenters. I'm not sure which one it is.
Currently listening to: Alison Curtis on today fm
Currently reading: 'one voice: my life in song' by Christy Moore. Its a really brilliant book.
Last friday we went to visit one of the sixth classes in the local primary school. The teacher taught me when I was at the school, and I talked to her class around this time last year as well. They were very attentive and well behaved, and asked lots of mature, sensible questions.
There teacher gave me a lovely thank you card in braille, as well as a lovely present today to say thanks. I don't expect anything like this at all. It was really nice of her.
On the way back from the pet shop after the school, I went for lunch with my PA. We met a young man called Shaun, who has autism and is terrified of dogs. He became scared a number of years ago, after a dog jumped on him and the owners did nothing to stop it. He has met OJ many times on our way to the beach and has gradually came over to pet him. On friday he recognised him straight away and his parents were delighted. They would love him to have a dog, but since OJ is the only one he will touch at the moment, they don't know if he will ever have one.
We walked to town last saturday, and after visiting my granny, OJ and I met one of my best friends for lunch. Lunch took about an hour and a half because of the lovely weather, and we were entertained by about 5 children constantly around our table. They asked a lot of questions! Then I got my hair cut and OJ tried to eat my hair as it fell. He always does it! Gross!
Tomorrow could be a good day. The new swell season and REM albums are out. I should be saving money, but sometimes there's things you just have to buy.
My friend Mark is on a quiz team who are in the semi-final of the all Ireland Ray Darcy quiz on today fm. The finals will be broadcast live from Vicar Street tomorrow, between 9 and 12 a.m. on today fm.
www.todayfm.com
I had hoped to be in the audience for this, as it would have been great fun. Unfortunately that won't happen and I'll have to listen from home. Good luck Markee. I know you'll do well.
We don't get a bank holiday on Monday. There is one in the republic, and one of my radio shows is being broadcast between 5 and 6 PM instead of a regular presenters. I'm not sure which one it is.
Currently listening to: Alison Curtis on today fm
Currently reading: 'one voice: my life in song' by Christy Moore. Its a really brilliant book.
Monday, October 19, 2009
The happiest man in music
I went to Belfast yesterday to see
Josh Ritter
and the love cannon string band in the Empire. A friend from Derry got the same bus up as me and OJ and we met two others there. We had a few hours to relax and have food and coffee before the gig. OJ had a chance to dry out too.
The support act began before 8, so things started nice and early. I have no idea what his name was, so that shows how good he was! Josh came on smiling from ear to ear as usual. His string band also featured Zach (who plays in his own band) on double bass. I wasn’t sure about all the strings, and especially the banjo with Josh’s acoustic folk style, but by the third song I loved it! The crowd were brilliant, and apart from the noisy glasses at the bar, the venue is great for Josh. He loves playing there too and it shows. They played a two hour set of songs from his four studio albums, along with some new ones that people really seemed to enjoy. They played a beautiful version of ‘moon river’ as well. We didn’t get a springsteen cover, but I suppose you can’t have everything!
OJ is getting very used to this gig thing now. Steven who is the manager in the venue was very helpful, and got us a table with some seats where OJ wouldn’t get stood on. He was so good during the gig and got lots of attention when it finished.
Josh is known for being very friendly, and usually always takes time to meet people after he performs. He stood talking to people, taking photos, signing cds and tickets and giving hugs (he gives the best hugs ever!) for two hours, and he was still smiling when we got to talk to him near the end. I think he was glad of some non-human company too. OJ didn’t mind waiting so long because people kept petting him. Adam the banjo player even came over to say hello. Everybody was so friendly, because the vibes from the stage are infectious. I met a girl who I hadn’t seen in five years in the queue. She retired her first guide dog last year. It was great to catch up with her quickly, but I wish we’d met sooner.
Josh was great fun and asked lots and lots of questions! He wanted to know all about OJ, and when I told him the only other gigs he’d been to were Christy Moore’s, he said he thought he looked like the sort of dog who would like Christy, as he’s so relaxed and placid! When Josh petted him for the third time he tried to walk away. Josh said he wasn’t sure if OJ liked him, but I reassured him that he likes most people, and that he was probably just dying for a pee!
We listened to music and watched one of the
eyebrowy
DVDs when we got home. Three of us got the same bus back to Derry, and talked about music practically the whole way, and probably drove everybody else mad. We have so much in common, don’t all know each other too long, and would never have met if it wasn’t for the frames message board. We all shopped in Cool Discs before I went back to work and the others dossed for the rest of the day.
Josh thinks he’s going to be back in April or May next year. I can’t wait already. If you don’t already know him or his music, he’s inspired by people like Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen. Check out his albums and then take the opportunity to see him live if you can. You’ll understand why I like him so much after you’ve done that.
Josh Ritter
and the love cannon string band in the Empire. A friend from Derry got the same bus up as me and OJ and we met two others there. We had a few hours to relax and have food and coffee before the gig. OJ had a chance to dry out too.
The support act began before 8, so things started nice and early. I have no idea what his name was, so that shows how good he was! Josh came on smiling from ear to ear as usual. His string band also featured Zach (who plays in his own band) on double bass. I wasn’t sure about all the strings, and especially the banjo with Josh’s acoustic folk style, but by the third song I loved it! The crowd were brilliant, and apart from the noisy glasses at the bar, the venue is great for Josh. He loves playing there too and it shows. They played a two hour set of songs from his four studio albums, along with some new ones that people really seemed to enjoy. They played a beautiful version of ‘moon river’ as well. We didn’t get a springsteen cover, but I suppose you can’t have everything!
OJ is getting very used to this gig thing now. Steven who is the manager in the venue was very helpful, and got us a table with some seats where OJ wouldn’t get stood on. He was so good during the gig and got lots of attention when it finished.
Josh is known for being very friendly, and usually always takes time to meet people after he performs. He stood talking to people, taking photos, signing cds and tickets and giving hugs (he gives the best hugs ever!) for two hours, and he was still smiling when we got to talk to him near the end. I think he was glad of some non-human company too. OJ didn’t mind waiting so long because people kept petting him. Adam the banjo player even came over to say hello. Everybody was so friendly, because the vibes from the stage are infectious. I met a girl who I hadn’t seen in five years in the queue. She retired her first guide dog last year. It was great to catch up with her quickly, but I wish we’d met sooner.
Josh was great fun and asked lots and lots of questions! He wanted to know all about OJ, and when I told him the only other gigs he’d been to were Christy Moore’s, he said he thought he looked like the sort of dog who would like Christy, as he’s so relaxed and placid! When Josh petted him for the third time he tried to walk away. Josh said he wasn’t sure if OJ liked him, but I reassured him that he likes most people, and that he was probably just dying for a pee!
We listened to music and watched one of the
eyebrowy
DVDs when we got home. Three of us got the same bus back to Derry, and talked about music practically the whole way, and probably drove everybody else mad. We have so much in common, don’t all know each other too long, and would never have met if it wasn’t for the frames message board. We all shopped in Cool Discs before I went back to work and the others dossed for the rest of the day.
Josh thinks he’s going to be back in April or May next year. I can’t wait already. If you don’t already know him or his music, he’s inspired by people like Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen. Check out his albums and then take the opportunity to see him live if you can. You’ll understand why I like him so much after you’ve done that.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Bits and pieces
OJ and I haven't done anything too exciting recently. My works getting a little busier, and his is always busy! This weekend I have a family dinner for my uncle's anniversary, and I'm going to a Kings of Leon tribute band. OJ might come for dinner, but not to the band. He wouldn't like them. He's coming to a gig with me soon though.
We were in the local newspaper on Wednesday to promote flag day in Donegal. \it takes place tomorrow and people will be collecting all over the county. We're not collecting this time. We always do the church gate collection and another guide dog owner does flagday. The article included the picture of us with Roy Keane.
Thanks to everyone who commented on the post about the guide dog age limit being reduced. It was the most popular topic I've ever posted here, nothing compared to the amount of comments other blogs get, but its still really nice to read them all.
Clive,
who is without doubt, the hardest working assistance dog I know, has started a new blog about cooking.
cookingathomewithclive
will come in very handy when your feeling hungry, as the family will share lots of yummy recipes.
If you've nothing better to do tomorrow between 12 and 1 PM, the radio show I recorded last friday will be broadcast on Inishowen community radio.
www.icrfm.ie
Its a bit dodgey as I hadn't done one in months, but I accept slagging, no problem!
We were in the local newspaper on Wednesday to promote flag day in Donegal. \it takes place tomorrow and people will be collecting all over the county. We're not collecting this time. We always do the church gate collection and another guide dog owner does flagday. The article included the picture of us with Roy Keane.
Thanks to everyone who commented on the post about the guide dog age limit being reduced. It was the most popular topic I've ever posted here, nothing compared to the amount of comments other blogs get, but its still really nice to read them all.
Clive,
who is without doubt, the hardest working assistance dog I know, has started a new blog about cooking.
cookingathomewithclive
will come in very handy when your feeling hungry, as the family will share lots of yummy recipes.
If you've nothing better to do tomorrow between 12 and 1 PM, the radio show I recorded last friday will be broadcast on Inishowen community radio.
www.icrfm.ie
Its a bit dodgey as I hadn't done one in months, but I accept slagging, no problem!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
UK guide dogs to drop age limit
I know I know, two posts in less than 24 hours, but I'd be really interested to hear what you think of the article below.
Maybe we can have a bit of a discussion in the comments section. I personally think its crazy, but I'll stay quiet for the meantime.
Guide dog age limit to be dropped
Charlotte is helped around her school by guide dog, Paris
Guide dogs are going to be available for visually-impaired children in the UK for the first time - as the age limit is removed.
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is to begin training dogs to help blind or partially-sighted people under the current limit of 16.
The association says too many visually-impaired youngsters are lacking in independence and mobility.
"These young people end up isolated," says chief executive, Bridget Warr.
The charity says many visually-impaired youngsters have only a limited social life and have to endure bullying because of their disability.
'Barrier'
Giving some of them guide dogs at a younger age is intended to help them to widen their range of activities and to improve their sense of self-confidence
and independence.
Charlotte, helped by guide dog
Charlotte is one of the youngest people to have had a guide dog
Guide dogs for these younger teenagers will begin to be provided from next year.
"The picture that emerges from our research is shocking. Children are being conditioned to expect to underachieve for the rest of their lives when in fact
sight loss is no barrier to actively contributing to society when the right support is in place," says Ms Warr.
There has been a pilot scheme to test the use of guide dogs with younger people.
Charlotte, aged 14, from Northampton, was among the youngest guide dog owners. She has been gradually losing her vision since the age of eight - and lost
her sight completely this year. She has been assisted by a two-year-old Labrador retriever, Paris.
Charlotte used to have a long cane to help her move around but says having a dog allows her much more freedom and makes her feel safer.
At her school, St Paul's Catholic School in Milton Keynes, there is a dedicated unit helping the school's 12 vision impaired youngsters.
However the association says there is a worryingly patchy provision of services for young blind people across the UK and it calls for national minimum standards
to be introduced.
As with adult blind and partially sighted people, only a small number of children are likely to be deemed suitable for a guide dog. Most will continue to
rely on extra help and training from education and social services.
There are about 4,600 guide dogs helping people - with a Labrador-retriever cross the most commonly-used breed.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/8287631.stm
Maybe we can have a bit of a discussion in the comments section. I personally think its crazy, but I'll stay quiet for the meantime.
Guide dog age limit to be dropped
Charlotte is helped around her school by guide dog, Paris
Guide dogs are going to be available for visually-impaired children in the UK for the first time - as the age limit is removed.
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is to begin training dogs to help blind or partially-sighted people under the current limit of 16.
The association says too many visually-impaired youngsters are lacking in independence and mobility.
"These young people end up isolated," says chief executive, Bridget Warr.
The charity says many visually-impaired youngsters have only a limited social life and have to endure bullying because of their disability.
'Barrier'
Giving some of them guide dogs at a younger age is intended to help them to widen their range of activities and to improve their sense of self-confidence
and independence.
Charlotte, helped by guide dog
Charlotte is one of the youngest people to have had a guide dog
Guide dogs for these younger teenagers will begin to be provided from next year.
"The picture that emerges from our research is shocking. Children are being conditioned to expect to underachieve for the rest of their lives when in fact
sight loss is no barrier to actively contributing to society when the right support is in place," says Ms Warr.
There has been a pilot scheme to test the use of guide dogs with younger people.
Charlotte, aged 14, from Northampton, was among the youngest guide dog owners. She has been gradually losing her vision since the age of eight - and lost
her sight completely this year. She has been assisted by a two-year-old Labrador retriever, Paris.
Charlotte used to have a long cane to help her move around but says having a dog allows her much more freedom and makes her feel safer.
At her school, St Paul's Catholic School in Milton Keynes, there is a dedicated unit helping the school's 12 vision impaired youngsters.
However the association says there is a worryingly patchy provision of services for young blind people across the UK and it calls for national minimum standards
to be introduced.
As with adult blind and partially sighted people, only a small number of children are likely to be deemed suitable for a guide dog. Most will continue to
rely on extra help and training from education and social services.
There are about 4,600 guide dogs helping people - with a Labrador-retriever cross the most commonly-used breed.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/8287631.stm
Friday, October 2, 2009
a busy Friday
I went to Derry today to an event by poet, and former children's laureate
Michael Rosen.
There were approximately 600 children there to listen and get books signed. I only stayed for an hour to hear his presentation, as there wasn't much I could do to help (the VAC where I work was hosting the event.) He was very interesting and entertaining and the children seemed to really enjoy it. OJ behaved well even with so many children around him. I only realised when I took him out of the car in Derry that part of his harness that goes under his belly had come off and was at home, so it was even harder for him to control his excitement, when he technically wasn't working. Good boy OJ!
I bought the new Pearl Jam, Noah and the whale and Dave Geraghty (its for a friend, I don't need two copies for myself) albums in Cool Discs and went to the radio station to record a show. I hadn't done a music show in ages, technology failed me so many times and I couldn't seem to remember names of anything even though I had it all brailled in front of me. OJ was great here too. He just sleeps in the studio and doesn't move until I take my headphones off when I'm finished. Then he can't get out quick enough because all the girls who work there will pet him.
My dad and I went to the school to vote in that God forsaken Lisbon treaty and then we all had a yummy indian (dogs do not get Indian food ever.)
My nephews are staying with us tomorrow so if its dry we'll take the dogs somewhere. We have a spanish student until Christmas and he really likes them so its great. I have a party tomorrow night because one of my friends just finished her PHD. Three years of hard work needs to be celebrated properly, and she got a job straight away too. OJ will have to stay at home for this one I think.
Finally, there's a nice interview with Glen Hansard in the Irish times:
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/theticket/2009/1002/1224255642573.html
I know you probably don't care, but i'm looking forward to hearing what the frames do next when they eventually come back.
Currently listening to: 'the first days of spring' by Noah and the whale
Currently reading: 'the van' by Roddy Doyle
I love it simply because the dog is called Larrygogan!
Michael Rosen.
There were approximately 600 children there to listen and get books signed. I only stayed for an hour to hear his presentation, as there wasn't much I could do to help (the VAC where I work was hosting the event.) He was very interesting and entertaining and the children seemed to really enjoy it. OJ behaved well even with so many children around him. I only realised when I took him out of the car in Derry that part of his harness that goes under his belly had come off and was at home, so it was even harder for him to control his excitement, when he technically wasn't working. Good boy OJ!
I bought the new Pearl Jam, Noah and the whale and Dave Geraghty (its for a friend, I don't need two copies for myself) albums in Cool Discs and went to the radio station to record a show. I hadn't done a music show in ages, technology failed me so many times and I couldn't seem to remember names of anything even though I had it all brailled in front of me. OJ was great here too. He just sleeps in the studio and doesn't move until I take my headphones off when I'm finished. Then he can't get out quick enough because all the girls who work there will pet him.
My dad and I went to the school to vote in that God forsaken Lisbon treaty and then we all had a yummy indian (dogs do not get Indian food ever.)
My nephews are staying with us tomorrow so if its dry we'll take the dogs somewhere. We have a spanish student until Christmas and he really likes them so its great. I have a party tomorrow night because one of my friends just finished her PHD. Three years of hard work needs to be celebrated properly, and she got a job straight away too. OJ will have to stay at home for this one I think.
Finally, there's a nice interview with Glen Hansard in the Irish times:
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/theticket/2009/1002/1224255642573.html
I know you probably don't care, but i'm looking forward to hearing what the frames do next when they eventually come back.
Currently listening to: 'the first days of spring' by Noah and the whale
Currently reading: 'the van' by Roddy Doyle
I love it simply because the dog is called Larrygogan!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Tales of puppy love
The main focus of my blog is guide dogs, so I obviously write about my own dog a lot. Now I want to hear your own stories about your canine companions. Every dog has a story, whether it is a guide/assistance dog, family pet, a mutt you know or neighbourhood stray. Write their bio, tell me about them: Name, breed, characteristics, bad habits, funny stories, whatever you want.
OJ wasn’t the first dog to come to live in our house in Donegal. There were many dogs before him, but as you will read, none were as clever.
My dad brought home a puppy he found when I was about three or four, thinking I’d be delighted because I loved animals. This dog was crazy and I was terrified! I cried and begged him to take him away. The people who owned him came looking for him, but knew me and my family and said I could keep him. My dad, being a big Elvis fan insisted we called him Shep, and I learned to love him. I remember he used to open everybody’s laces and jump up on people. I don’t remember what he looked/felt like at all. He got poisoned and had to be put down and I cried for ages!
Blackie (how original) was a stray that turned up at our door. I don’t remember anything about him but there’s a photo somewhere of me and my dad feeding him bread. I think he was a staffy, and not the friendliest, so he didn’t stay around long and got turfed off to the pound or somewhere.
For my sixth birthday I got an 8 week old golden Labrador who we named Foofur (don’t ask!) My mum wanted a small dog, but this one had huge paws and grew to be a gentle giant. He was lively, playful, crazy and wolfed down food in seconds. He jumped in and out of windows, ate doors and ran upstairs and hid when there was fireworks. He detested most other dogs, especially Patch, who lived down the road. I would walk him around our garden on his lead, and he would be as good as gold until he heard Patch. He would run, pulling me to the ground and dragging me with him until the lead broke or I let go. I used to set up jumps and obstacle courses in an attempt to train him, (Cruel i know, but I was only small!) My cousin had a horse and I used to go horseriding and really wanted one too. This was the next best thing! Foofur sometimes ran away for three or four days, and would come back thin, dirty and exhausted. He had scars on his eyes from where he got stitches after fighting. He would swim after seagulls in the sea, and my parents swore each time he wouldn’t make it back to shore, but he always did. My nephew would lie on his tummy and fall asleep while drinking his bottle. My family, friends and visitors to our house adored him.
We had Foofur for thirteen and a half years and making the decision to have him put down was very difficult. He was legendary in our town and people still talk about him today. The book ‘Marley and Me’ by
John Grogan
Could have been written about Foofur.
I bought Sasha with my confirmation money when I was in sixth class. She was a lhasa apso, with a silky coat and crooked buck teeth. I constantly groomed her, bathed her, played with her and walked her. She could jump very high for such a small dog. She had a wonky leg, so she skipped rather than walked. She would eat anything. Before we got a proper post-box the post woman would just throw the post in the back door. Sasha only chewed it once, and inside was my tickets to a REM gig. Luckily my sister found her, and she had only chewed the corners, so the tickets were fine.
Foofur just about tolerated Sasha. They would play together and he would pull her around with her head in his mouth, always careful enough not to hurt her. When she was a tiny pup he accidentally stood on her, cracking her ribs and puncturing her lung. Oops!! They would try to steel each other’s food and growl at one another, but they loved playing together.
We only had Sasha for four years because she was knocked down right outside our house.
Just after my 21st birthday I bought our bichon fries Dougal. He’s the cutest, most playful, affectionate, rogue I’ve ever met. He doesn’t bark, he screeches! He was very difficult to housetrain and growls when we brush anywhere near his rear end. He won’t go into the sea to swim at all, and is excellent at hiding from me when he’s got something he shouldn’t have in his mouth. He knows when its bedtime and loves his bed. He hides from his lead when my mum wants to walk him, then lies on the ground and refuses to move. He barks two minutes before my alarm goes off nearly every morning.
OJ is a saint compared to all the dogs that came before him. He’s trustworthy, intelligent and does what he’s told (most of the time anyway!) He enjoys his guide dog work but equally loves his free time. He learns quickly and loves going to new places. He has a black shiny coat and gets lots of complements on it. He knows when people are talking about him and loves posing for photographs.
I have learned a lot about keeping dogs since I trained with OJ at the guide dog centre in Cork two years ago. I just wish i had all that knowledge before we got any
of our previous dogs!
OJ wasn’t the first dog to come to live in our house in Donegal. There were many dogs before him, but as you will read, none were as clever.
My dad brought home a puppy he found when I was about three or four, thinking I’d be delighted because I loved animals. This dog was crazy and I was terrified! I cried and begged him to take him away. The people who owned him came looking for him, but knew me and my family and said I could keep him. My dad, being a big Elvis fan insisted we called him Shep, and I learned to love him. I remember he used to open everybody’s laces and jump up on people. I don’t remember what he looked/felt like at all. He got poisoned and had to be put down and I cried for ages!
Blackie (how original) was a stray that turned up at our door. I don’t remember anything about him but there’s a photo somewhere of me and my dad feeding him bread. I think he was a staffy, and not the friendliest, so he didn’t stay around long and got turfed off to the pound or somewhere.
For my sixth birthday I got an 8 week old golden Labrador who we named Foofur (don’t ask!) My mum wanted a small dog, but this one had huge paws and grew to be a gentle giant. He was lively, playful, crazy and wolfed down food in seconds. He jumped in and out of windows, ate doors and ran upstairs and hid when there was fireworks. He detested most other dogs, especially Patch, who lived down the road. I would walk him around our garden on his lead, and he would be as good as gold until he heard Patch. He would run, pulling me to the ground and dragging me with him until the lead broke or I let go. I used to set up jumps and obstacle courses in an attempt to train him, (Cruel i know, but I was only small!) My cousin had a horse and I used to go horseriding and really wanted one too. This was the next best thing! Foofur sometimes ran away for three or four days, and would come back thin, dirty and exhausted. He had scars on his eyes from where he got stitches after fighting. He would swim after seagulls in the sea, and my parents swore each time he wouldn’t make it back to shore, but he always did. My nephew would lie on his tummy and fall asleep while drinking his bottle. My family, friends and visitors to our house adored him.
We had Foofur for thirteen and a half years and making the decision to have him put down was very difficult. He was legendary in our town and people still talk about him today. The book ‘Marley and Me’ by
John Grogan
Could have been written about Foofur.
I bought Sasha with my confirmation money when I was in sixth class. She was a lhasa apso, with a silky coat and crooked buck teeth. I constantly groomed her, bathed her, played with her and walked her. She could jump very high for such a small dog. She had a wonky leg, so she skipped rather than walked. She would eat anything. Before we got a proper post-box the post woman would just throw the post in the back door. Sasha only chewed it once, and inside was my tickets to a REM gig. Luckily my sister found her, and she had only chewed the corners, so the tickets were fine.
Foofur just about tolerated Sasha. They would play together and he would pull her around with her head in his mouth, always careful enough not to hurt her. When she was a tiny pup he accidentally stood on her, cracking her ribs and puncturing her lung. Oops!! They would try to steel each other’s food and growl at one another, but they loved playing together.
We only had Sasha for four years because she was knocked down right outside our house.
Just after my 21st birthday I bought our bichon fries Dougal. He’s the cutest, most playful, affectionate, rogue I’ve ever met. He doesn’t bark, he screeches! He was very difficult to housetrain and growls when we brush anywhere near his rear end. He won’t go into the sea to swim at all, and is excellent at hiding from me when he’s got something he shouldn’t have in his mouth. He knows when its bedtime and loves his bed. He hides from his lead when my mum wants to walk him, then lies on the ground and refuses to move. He barks two minutes before my alarm goes off nearly every morning.
OJ is a saint compared to all the dogs that came before him. He’s trustworthy, intelligent and does what he’s told (most of the time anyway!) He enjoys his guide dog work but equally loves his free time. He learns quickly and loves going to new places. He has a black shiny coat and gets lots of complements on it. He knows when people are talking about him and loves posing for photographs.
I have learned a lot about keeping dogs since I trained with OJ at the guide dog centre in Cork two years ago. I just wish i had all that knowledge before we got any
of our previous dogs!
Monday, September 21, 2009
on the bus
I get the bus to work, usually the 8 in the morning and 6 home, unless some nice person offers to drive me, because you know I'm not the safest driver in the world.
I don't really want to start writing about bus stories, because I could write a book, but a lovely conversation I had with a stranger on the bus today reminded me of one of the best ones.
One winter morning last year, an old man sat beside me on the bus. OJ was sleeping quietly under the seat, completely out of sight. The man asked me a few questions about where I lived and worked, and then started talking about the old days. He kept pointing to buildings as the bus drove, and telling me what they used to be and how he used to work there when that was such and such a place. He kept saying "and do you see that building there?" "do you see over there" and I just smiled and pretended to look in the direction I guessed he was pointing. I knew from talking to him that he would feel sorry for me and ask a million questions if he knew I was blind, so I thought it best to agree.
We were about five minutes from the bus stop when OJ started moving under the seat. The man stopped mid sentence and said "do you hear that? There's something under there. OH my God what is it?"
He looked down at OJ's black head and paws sticking out from under my legs.
"Jesus christ its a dog!"
Me: "yep its my guide dog"
Him: "Oh. Oh I didn't know. I didn't realise. I didn't see it. I didn't realise you were... you know..."
Its very difficult for some people to say the word "blind", particularly the older they are. I got his sympathy vote for the rest of the journey.
Currently listening to: Mic Christopher - 'a curious notion'. He would have celebrated his fortieth birthday today. I bet he's having a great party with Elvis now.
If you haven't heard of him, go legally download or buy a copy of 'skylarkin'. Its in my top three favourite albums of all time. The music and the story behind it is beautiful.
I don't really want to start writing about bus stories, because I could write a book, but a lovely conversation I had with a stranger on the bus today reminded me of one of the best ones.
One winter morning last year, an old man sat beside me on the bus. OJ was sleeping quietly under the seat, completely out of sight. The man asked me a few questions about where I lived and worked, and then started talking about the old days. He kept pointing to buildings as the bus drove, and telling me what they used to be and how he used to work there when that was such and such a place. He kept saying "and do you see that building there?" "do you see over there" and I just smiled and pretended to look in the direction I guessed he was pointing. I knew from talking to him that he would feel sorry for me and ask a million questions if he knew I was blind, so I thought it best to agree.
We were about five minutes from the bus stop when OJ started moving under the seat. The man stopped mid sentence and said "do you hear that? There's something under there. OH my God what is it?"
He looked down at OJ's black head and paws sticking out from under my legs.
"Jesus christ its a dog!"
Me: "yep its my guide dog"
Him: "Oh. Oh I didn't know. I didn't realise. I didn't see it. I didn't realise you were... you know..."
Its very difficult for some people to say the word "blind", particularly the older they are. I got his sympathy vote for the rest of the journey.
Currently listening to: Mic Christopher - 'a curious notion'. He would have celebrated his fortieth birthday today. I bet he's having a great party with Elvis now.
If you haven't heard of him, go legally download or buy a copy of 'skylarkin'. Its in my top three favourite albums of all time. The music and the story behind it is beautiful.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Links
The Irish guide dogs 2010 calendars were launched in Dublin last week. You can buy them and guide dogs Christmas cards from their website:
www.guidedogs.ie/
I’m disappointed with myself. You might have noticed my five most recent
twitter updates
On the blog. I know I said I wouldn’t join it, but I did, and I really like it!
I decided to join mostly so that I could follow certain people’s tweets, find out what they are up to and keep up to date with certain things, particularly radio stations and blogs. Twitter is great for that, and it can be a great business tool. Of course
Darragh Doyle
Has been saying this for ages. He knows all about online communication, so I should listen to him more.
If you have two minutes to spare, take a look at these projects, and vote for which one you would like to see happen in Northern Ireland.
artists taking the lead
They are all very interesting and creative ideas, but I have to give the poetry project a special mention. I work in the VAC but probably won’t be involved with the project.
Thanks a lot to Susan from
stoney river farm
For passing this on.
www.guidedogs.ie/
I’m disappointed with myself. You might have noticed my five most recent
twitter updates
On the blog. I know I said I wouldn’t join it, but I did, and I really like it!
I decided to join mostly so that I could follow certain people’s tweets, find out what they are up to and keep up to date with certain things, particularly radio stations and blogs. Twitter is great for that, and it can be a great business tool. Of course
Darragh Doyle
Has been saying this for ages. He knows all about online communication, so I should listen to him more.
If you have two minutes to spare, take a look at these projects, and vote for which one you would like to see happen in Northern Ireland.
artists taking the lead
They are all very interesting and creative ideas, but I have to give the poetry project a special mention. I work in the VAC but probably won’t be involved with the project.
Thanks a lot to Susan from
stoney river farm
For passing this on.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
