Guide Dog of the Year 2006

Guide Dog of the Year 2006

The Guide Dog of the Year awards, were presented by David Blunkett MP at The Kennel Club in London. The awards, organised by The Guide Dog for the Blind Association, are divided into four categories; Life-changing, Heroic, Exceptional Work and the overall title of Guide Dog of the Year 2006.

Overall Guide Dog of the Year

Golden retriever Labrador cross, Larry, was named the UK’s overall Guide Dog of the Year.  He has had an enormous impact on the life of his 30-year old owner, Mark Pollock, from Banbridge, County Down, who lost the vision in his right eye aged five and became totally blind at 22.  Says Mark:  “Nothing compares to that first walk alone with a guide dog.  I was scared and overjoyed all at once.  I can best describe it by saying that I was literally shaking with the feeling that I’d got my life back.”

The self-belief achieved through Larry has not only enabled Mark to fulfil his career ambitions, but also turn him into a globetrotting adventurer; kayaking in New Zealand, competing in the Ironman Triathlon in Switzerland, cycling, running and climbing.  He has even ventured to the North Pole. 

Visit our 75th anniversary site to read more about Mark Pollock and his guide dog Larry.

Heroic Guide Dog of the Year

Tom, a golden retriever Labrador, was named Heroic Guide Dog of the Year after the bond between Tom and owner Mike Townsend (59) – from Leicester – was tested to the extreme during the 7 July 2005 bombings in London.

Close to Tavistock Square when the explosion happened – and despite the intense noise and panic – Tom calmly led his owner to safety. With many roads and access points blocked, Mike’s faithful companion continued to guide him along unfamiliar pavements until they found an escape route from the danger.

Mike commented:  “When the bomb went off, I thought about my wife and daughter. My guide dog Tom just thought about getting me to safety.  Without doubt a guide dog changes your life, but after our experience in London on 07 July, I feel I owe my life to Tom.”

Visit our 75th anniversary site to read more about Mike Townsend and his guide dog Tom.

Life-changing Guide Dog of the Year

Guide dog Ike was named Life Changing Guide Dog of the Year after transforming the life of Catriona Wilson (37) from Newquay, who lost her sight as a result of diabetes, aged only 30.

After battling with diabetes, kidney failure and the trauma of a kidney/pancreas transplant, thanks to Ike, she has triumphed over adversity.  She is now developing a career in reflexology, her faithful four-legged companion by her side.

She explains: “I never forget that I’m here against the odds, and am so grateful that Ike is always by my side allowing me to go wherever I want; when I want.  I wouldn’t be able to make plans if it weren’t for Ike. He is my guiding light, and the world’s my oyster now.”

Visit our 75th anniversary site to read more about Catriona Wilson and her guide dog Ike.

Exceptional Guide Dog of the Year

Guide dog Logan was named Exceptional Work Guide Dog of the Year for helping his owner Carl Griggs (40), from Birmingham, who became blind, deaf and paralysed following a rugby accident on his 19 birthday. 

His hearing and some mobility returned; but not his sight. As a result Carl has to rely heavily on a walking stick, meaning he does not have good balance, and  walks slightly to the side and further back from his guide dog than would be expected with most guide dog owners; but Logan copes admirably.

Carl’s loss of mobility also means that he often has problems holding on to things such as CDs.  Logan has worked out that by putting his nose on the object, Carl will feel down his head to reach the object. Logan has never been trained to do this but his partnership with Carl is so strong that he now does it automatically.

The charity is celebrating 75 years of guide dogs in the UK and wants to recognise the extra special achievements and contributions that guide dogs make to their owners’ lives.

Visit our 75th anniversary site to read more about Carl Griggs and his guide dog Logan.