Guide dog attack

While going for a pint, Spot's brother-in-law's guide dog was attacked by a couple of terriers. Rather than control the dogs, the owner, who also happened to be the landlord of the pub, kicked Chris and his wife out of the pub.

I'm not just posting this because I'm related to Chris. I think it's appalling when someone does not know how to control their dogs. Stokes is an essential part of Chris' life. He could not get to work without Stokes. He has regained a fair bit of Independence since getting his guide dog, after waiting over a year to be partnered with one. Had the attack resulted in Stokes needing retired, Chris would have been back to square one or worse.

Please feel free to share this story. This is just one example of how irresponsible dog owners cause havoc with people's lives, especially those who rely on their dogs as heavily as people such as Chris.

In training

Okay, we've got a mic stand, a chair, a person standing, a cuddly toy and...a dog. Yes, that is a dog in church!


A member of my home church is a puppy walker for guide dogs. The dog is a wee smasher and loved by the congregation - young and old. Certainly an unusual sight in a church, but as part of the training, the dog has to be exposed to as many environments as possible. Why not church?

I think she realised she was being watched when Spot snapped this one, though:

After the service, one of the congregation,, who has learning difficulties, tried to give the dog a biscuit and I explained she couldn't get human biscuits - only dog ones. He then gave the biscuit to Spot...I wonder what that says???!!!