Balbriggan\North County Dublin branch

What a run

5th February 2011 ( last year)

What a run we had Unice in Ardgillian today. The rain, the muck and we had the place almost to ourselves as not many others brought their mutts out because of the weather. Tom & Gillian sure let us loose. You brat though when I came back in from the shed after a brushing you were gone with that Gillian one. I was wrecked and bee honest a little sore in the hips, I must slow down a little! Never not my style Come on soon another big run

My friends in Longford

30th January 2011 ( last year)

Unice I know Angela well as often when we go to Longford she takes me off for the day for a very big run. She never minds me getting dirty or running through muck and water which is more than I can say for your owner. So Ms Perfect when your off with that Gillian one I have my pals Angela and Simon Wooff Wooff

New friends in Longford

29th January 2011 ( last year)

Sargey who was that lovely lady called Angela who took us for the very long run and long walk today. You seemed to know her well. She also had a lovely little safe van for us to travel in. Wasn't it fantastic to be left to dry beside the fireplace as well and to meet that lovely man Simon. We seem to be down that part of the country a lot these days so lets hope we meet Angela & Simon again soon Unice

Visiting guide dogs center cork

16th October 2010 (2 years ago)

We had a lovely bus journey to visit where it all began today when we went down to Cork. About 50 of us arrived for a lovely lunch and we got a tour of the house and those fantastic kennels. In some ways Unice it would be nice to be back there but to walk so proudly outside of those kennels makes me at least very proud to be my masters choice. We had great runs and plenty of fresh water to drink and loads of friends to chat. Lovely also to meet my friend Linda again Great trip Sarge

Happy birthday Unice

15th October 2010 (2 years ago)

Unice, On behalf of all of your guide dog friends but especially myself can I wish you the very best for your birthday next Monday 18th October when you will be all of 6 years of age Your best friend Sarge

Wonderful holidays but missing my pals

30th September 2010 (2 years ago)

NickP thank you for writing to Sarge and me. It was great to hear from you and because of your note to us I am allowed to write this blog, I haven’t been allowed in quite a while but enough of that. Sarge and me are keeping well but he will tell you his own story. I have been working very hard for what seems like years but eventually they decided to let me have a holiday. I went to my very nice family in Blackrock and was allowed lots of sleep in a very comfortable bed in the kitchen of the house and sometimes when Helen was not there I could have a great sniff around the floor and sometimes the worktop but she caught me once and I was afraid to do it again. My very good friend Irwin was delighted to see me and we had lots of fun together. I love to play ball but he is not too good at it and each time I visit I have to Rome the garden looking for a ball, you would think when he knows I am coming to stay that he would have it ready for me but no he is just too lazy I think. We get to go to the park for lots of free runs and of course I always win the games but I have so much fun anyway. I have not seen my best friend Gillian for such a long time and I miss her very much. While me and Sarge were on holidays they went to a place called Portugal toGillian and Donal’s wedding but we were not allowed to go, they were saying it would be too hot for us but there was also some talk about a swimming pool which would have been lovely for us if we were too hot. There was also some talk about stables and paddocks at the place they were staying so Sarge and me would have had lots of fun and place to run but we did not get to go. They also went to a place very far away called Cape Town. A very long time on a plain, which I think I am glad, we did not have to go on. I heard them saying that they missed us very much in the evenings because they had to get a taxi when they wanted to go out for a meal or to the pub. Our guide dog friend Chad who works and lives in Tipperary with his owner Sandy has been very lucky and had a lovely holiday in Italy and was even lucky enough to get to kill a scorpion and free run with some local dogs. Chad, Sarge and me will join your union as suggested in your last mail because we do not get birthday presents either. I am putting in what you wrote because you say it very well and they might agree with you. Chad wrote [I actually think we working pooches should get together and form a union and at the top of our demands should be guaranteed presents on birthdays and Christmas! Plus, some bonus prizes for exemplary behaviour, like killing scorpions!] So that’s all from me now and I hope not to get into trouble for suggesting joining the union with Chad.

Their back

30th September 2010 (2 years ago)

Hi Unice and fellow four leggeds The four of them are back. The fellow who calls himself my master, your supposed master Unice and those two who used to take us for great walks until about two months ago Unice would you know what has happened to our two walking pals? Their all smiles to each other all of the time now, a bit worrying if you ask me and been very cuddley and over friendly to each other Give us the news Unice when you meet them Sarge

Birthday party

28th August 2010 (2 years ago)

Table with 2 columns and 5 rows ID:   35  Date (yyyy-mm-dd):   2010-08-28   entry summary:   Birthday party   entry description:   My birthday was last Sunday so as you can imagine I was looking forward to a big bone and some boneos at least. What I got was another train journey. My owner went to a party in Limerick and of course I had to lead the way there and back. I was well looked after by Jackie who took me for a walk when the rest of the gang went to the pub for the party. Jackie also treated me to a special bone for my birthday so I was very happy with her. Then Sunday when Unice and I met again I heard about the walk in the park. I would love to have been there with over 100 more dogs but not even me can make two of myself. Sarge   Save changes   table end

Walk in the park

28th August 2010 (2 years ago)

Saturday last I was picked up by a lady who promised to mind bme well for my owner. so off we went to Drogheda and first things first I headed for the back garden. Loads of open space and then back to the kitchen where I was presented with a bone. a lovely start Maura. Then into the car Sunday and we headed for the dog walk in Ardgillian Castle Grounds. Well over 100 dogs were there all sorts and sizes. Plenty of water to drink as it was really hot. I loved my day out but I missed my pal Sarge. I wonder did Maura enjoy my company she kept saying one of my arms is longer than the other. I wonder why! Unice

The Centeral Pub

26th August 2010 (2 years ago)

Last night my owner decided to go for a pint with his pal Christy. We went to my favourite pub The Centeral Lounge. For me it isn't the quality of the pint I like or the quality of the seating. I love a nice clean carpet to sleep on while my owner is enjoying the quality of the pint. The moment I went in last night Imelda spoke to me and I got a nice pat on the head from her. Then Bernard came over to chat and he told us he liked reading Unices and my blog. My owner loves to be asked by people when they come over can they talk to me? If I could answer in the humans language I would say of course you can, but my owner says you can as Sarge is now out of harness and relaxing. My owner gets really mad when people call my name or whistle at me when I am in harness and working. The reason for that is that I may get distracted by the name calling or the whistling and my owner may then hit of a pole or miss a footpath edge. So now you know the rules. Ask my owner can you talk to me always. He is generally very good about it and lets says yes most times Sarge who loves pubs with carpets

Squeeking Ball

15th February 2010 (2 years ago)

My pal Unice arrived home after her weekend away on the Sunday morning with a ball in her mouth. Immediately I stole it and put it in my bed and later when our owners decided to go for a walk I popped it into my mouth. As usual after a long walk our owners go for drinks to a nice pub with carpet and we usually get a rest. This time however i squeeked the ball and did I have some fun hiding it under that table while many hands sought to find it. Eventually I gave it up as I wanted a rest but brought it home later for myself to tease Ms Unice at the first chance Sarge

Valentine's weekend

14th February 2010 (2 years ago)

Two days before the big day of 14th February I got a real surprise when playing in the garden of my owners son I found a Squeeky ball. To my delight I held onto it and teased everybody to get them to chase me which of course those silly humans did but I won every time. The big day came and we hit the city my best friend Gillian and I. I had no harness just my official badge on my lead to say I was a guide dog. It was wonderful to ramble the city and not to have to work and best of all nobody objected to me going in and out of all sorts of premises Unice

My Travels

25th November 2009 (3 years ago)

Went to the other side of town on Thursday and stayed with my best pal for a few nights. The rest of the family had gone away for a few days with Sarge. I had the life of Reilly, lots of walks, sleeps in front of the fire, footballs and chews. What more could a girl want for? I went to stay with D & C on Monday, and more walks! I think I was walking in my sleep afterwards, at least my legs were moving and I was yip-yipping! But it was a sweet dream. Unice.

Happy Birthday Unice!

14th October 2009 (3 years ago)

Happy 5th Birthday Unice! I hope that you will share all of your treats with me. Love from Sarge.

The non-magical roundabout

29th September 2009 (3 years ago)

Hello it’s me again! I have not written anything for a long time, as I have been very busy!!

We do not go to work on those trains anymore; I am not sure what is going on. We go close to the train station every morning but get on a bus instead. We don’t even seem to go at the same time each morning or come home at the same time each evening, I am so confused and exhausted I have to be careful that I listen very well to what I am being told because it can change so much.

Sometimes the buses are really nice and I have lots of room to lie down and then sometimes there is not much room for me. The same with steps; there are lots of steps for us to get on and off the bus. And I seem to be sliding around the place as we go around in circles. I think they are called roundabouts. Whatever they are called I don’t like them as I cannot get to sleep or even to stay in the same place for any length of time.

We get off the bus and even that is different most mornings I have lots of work to do to get to the Luas stop. I love going on the Luas as I have lots of room and we don’t stay on it for long. Then when I get off I have plenty of work to do to get to work.

When we are going home we go to a different place to get the bus and on this bus there is lots of room for me; I think it is at a bus station with a funny name and lots and lots of big buses. When we get nearly home I get thrown around the bus again with those terrible circles - roundabouts that I hate. It seems like we are going back the way we came!

It is great when we get off and are walking home there is some lovely grass for me to sniff - if she lets me. When we get home I really look forward to my dinner and a good rest. Sarge has not been on the buses with us. I am not sure what is going on with him. He is always there when we are going in the morning in his bed - the lucky sod, and is always at the door to meet me in the evenings too.

From an exhausted Unice - that is due a good holiday.

Trains, almost Planes, and Automobiles

26th August 2009 (3 years ago)

We are just back from our holidays in Mayo where we were petted and feted by everyone along the way! Celebrities it seems we are!

There seems to have been a 'sea-change'; excuse the pun, and Sarge and I and our owners are now travelling by bus. It's wierd, the bus goes up and down and jerks around alot compared with the train. Not sure what is the story is with the trains, but I am told I was lucky that we didn't get wet last Friday.

Charlie called over last night, and we were delighted to see him. Not only Charlie, but I heard my other best pal outside. I ran into the living room and went to have a look out the window. I saw her, and I know that room is out of bounds but I was so excited, we ran outside. I jumped over the wall, and Sarge jumped into the front seat of the open car, and blew the horn with his paws.

We had been brushed and groomed, and then we went to visit Billy in Oldtown and have our photos taken. I got to lie out in front of a warm stove. Any chance Billy that we can visit again soon?

My Luck

28th July 2009 (3 years ago)

We were out for a great free run on Sunday and I was asked to visit my friends home on my own after our run. Dinner was supplied and away I went. On returning home I got a second dinner because one person had not told the other they had given my friend dinner for the normal feeding time. Such luck. I had been ill the previous few days so it made up for the lack of food I got when ill. Sorry Sargey you missed out this time

Dun Na Ri Forest Park Kingscourt Co Cavan

11th July 2009 (3 years ago)

We headed off on Friday evening by train to Dundalk. This lovely girl Mary met us and we hopped into the boot space of her car. we had a lovely bed in there and we looked around us as we went as everything was new. The talked about red clay and the bog road which was bumpy bumpy. Anyway we arrived to a wonderful back garden and we ran all over the place. Next we met Paula Mary's lovely sister and the two girls with our owners took us to this fantastic forest Dun Na Ri on Saturday and Unice and I went into the river, over bridges and back into the water again. The real fun was getting wet and shaking all over those humans. O please Mary-Paula can we go there again soon? Sarge-Unice

My Wet nose strikes again!

27th June 2009 (3 years ago)

My wet nose got me into a spot of bother again - this time in Ardgillan and the unintentional victim was a picnic basket. Oh the smell of lovely bacon sandwiches almost drove me distracted. Unice hovered nearby doing her own thing with Gillian being a 'good girl'. They're great pals the two of them, it must be a girl thing. For some reason I was put on the lead and she was free to gander along ... what's going on? Sarge.

Vets in a Spin

16th June 2009 (3 years ago)

Well I am almost recovered! I went to Blackrock to stay with my friend Helen and her family and my very best pal Irwin [but not better than you Sarge] While my boss went away to a wedding. I was having a wonderful time until on the Tuesday I really did not feel well, I had a sore tummy and I had to keep licking it to try and make it better. Irwin was very worried about me and he kept coming over to me to try and help. Helen had a look at me and she decided to bring me to the vet. I was delighted as I thought I was going to see Margaret who is behind the desk at the vet's in my own town because she always gives me a treat. When I arrived at the Vet's I did not know anyone but there were lots of other nice people there. They were all fussing around me and saying things like I don't like that lump and I think I will have to do surgery to see what is wrong and we will have to keep her here for a while, I was so confused and I did not know what was going to happen. I got a needle stuck into me and the next time I remember anything there was an itchy spot on my tummy and my fur was gone. I put my nose down to see what had happened and was told not to touch by the person who was minding me. I got back to Helen's house later that day and when they were not looking I had another look at my tummy and when I put my nose on it I got a funny prickly feeling so did not touch it any more. I was very tired for a few more days and was not able to play with Irwin. I went back to my boss on the Monday and did not really feel like working. We did not do much for the next few days and on Friday there was more talk about the Vet but this time I went to the one I know and got my treat and the vet clipped all the funny things on my tummy and pulled them out. This was great because I felt like scratching them lots of times. My other pal Gillian came and brought Sarge and me to Argillen on Saturday and I had a great time and was able to run and run as usual. Unice.

Let's go so...

11th June 2009 (3 years ago)

Unice I am game to go through that gate also. You're 7 weeks older than me so you can take the blame if we are caught out. Saturday morning would suit me. I'm wrecked today long walk from Connolly Station to a hospital via the park at Mountjoy Square which was nice and all the way back down O'Connell Street to the boss's office. Sarge

Let's go to Ardgillan

11th June 2009 (3 years ago)

Sarge, I am also feeling alot better, and I will take you to Ardgillan. We can go off on a big adventure ourselves, I think I know the way. Let's keep an eye on the side gate and when the boss' backs are turned we'll head. I know where the rabbits are! Unice.

Back at work

8th June 2009 (3 years ago)

Well I got a week away with my friend Pat as the boss was off to somewhere called Rome for I suppose I could say my uncle's wedding. Pat took me everywhere, to the nursing home to meet her mother and friends, to the beach, to the big scool where she works and I had a wonderful time but and their's always one. I cut my paw jumping too high she said and landing heavely on my foot. The vet checked me out and I was king of the dog world they all were worried about me and I loved it. Then the boss came back andfor the next two days in his office I slept and at home recovering from the racing with Pat and of course getting my paw well again. It's grand again and I'm ready for Ardgillian if somebody will take me Sarge

Hi from Unice

21st May 2009 (3 years ago)

Well if Sarge goes North and to a wedding and had lots of boring travelling on smelly trains and buses I had a better time with my friends Pat and Christy. I get taken to the beach and I am allowed in the water, I also get to run free in a big field near Pat's house and she has lots of space for me to be free in around her house. I have a friend called Jake who is a Springer and comes over to see me from next door; He is good fun to run around with. Pat calls him my boyfriend whatever that is. There are 2 big cats in Pat's house called Willow and Ollie. Willow is lovely and gentle but Ollie is a terror, he even terrorises Willow by jumping from behind doors and furniture at him. I was out in the garden on Saturday and he came out and chased me all around the garden, I was scared of him and had to yell to get someone to come and hoosh him away. I go in the car with Pat to a big house called a Nursing Home, and I am allowed off my lead when we get in the door. I wander around in and out of all the rooms getting lots of petting and some of the people know my name and they call me over to them. There are lots of funny chairs there with big wheels that I have to be careful that I don't get my paws or tail run over. I am looking forward to this weekend because I heard herself saying that I might be going for a free run with my pal Gillian.

Freedom to be a dog

21st May 2009 (3 years ago)

My owner was away at the weekend and I was quietly removed from home when Unice was busy getting brushed. One of my favourite people Pat took me away to her home where I truthfully ran wild and was free. We went to Pat's place of work on the Saturday, some sort of a big school I think, but there was football fields, wild open spaces and again I ran riots around Pat when we were out. Any body like wild garlic? It was all over the place and I was unsure if I could eat it or not so decided on the safe side not too eat. I did miss my running partner Unice so maybe Pat when you read this you will bring the two of us next time. Wrecked but happy Sarge

Wet day

21st May 2009 (3 years ago)

This morning it was horrible as we coming to work but you know there is a wonderful pleasure in a wet day as I get rubbed down with a big soft towel and I love it. Damp Sarge

Beauty

21st May 2009 (3 years ago)

Such beauty in the Bracken Court Hotel at a fundraising fashion show. The girls were so confident and so well made up with make-up, perfumes and hairdo's. As the main man is my owner I got up real close to those beauties and one lady in particular I got stuck into with my wet nose. Such a rumpus after cleaning and wiping the dress but none of the beauties were naturally rich blondes like me, other than my pal Unice, so I pose the question who was the fairest of them all? I know the answer. Sarge

Ardgillan adventures!

18th May 2009 (3 years ago)

Unice says: My pal arrived on Sunday, and I knew it had to be the trip to Ardgillan. Yippee! Tom tried to put on my lead but there was no way I was letting him bring me anywhere, so I wrestled him for it in the kitchen, until like every other man he gave in and I won! We had a fabulous walk, Sarge and I competed for the rag rope throw, and I won that too. If Sarge managed to get to it before me, I tugged until he too gave in and I walked off with my prize. He is a soft puppy all the same, and I love his company. But I do like to stay close to my human companion, to make sure she is ok. She tells me that I'm a very good girl, and I can wag back:-)

Sarge says: Our pal arrived on Sunday, and I was so excited that I couldn't stop barking at her to hurray up and come on. I waited outside the door and hid, and didn't come back in, just in case Tom decided he needed me for something. Unice took the rag rope from me in the car even though I had it first. She does that alot. I let her have it, because then she thinks she's won and is in charge, and she's hopping around like a mad woman. I was told to come to heel a few times on the walk, as I spotted a fantastically smelly ditch that I wanted to throw myself into to have a bath. I don't know why humans don't enjoy that. Ms. Perfect of course never strays too far.

Hi from Unice

23rd April 2009 (3 years ago)

Well if Sarge goes north and to a wedding and had lots of boring travelling on smelly trains and buses - I had a better time with my friends Pat and Christy. I get taken to the beach and I am allowed in the water, I also get to run free in a big field near Pat's house and she has lots of space for me to be free in around her house. I have a friend called Jake who is a Springer and comes over to see me from next door; He is good fun to run around with. Pat calls him my boyfriend whatever that is. There are 2 big cats in Pat's house called Willow and Ollie. Willow is lovely and gentle but Ollie is a terror, he even terrises Willow by jumping from behind doors and furniture at him. I was out in the garden on Saturday and he came out and chased me all around the garden, I was scared of him and had to yell to get someone to come and hoosh him away. I go in the car with Pat to a big house called a Nursing Home, and I am allowed off my lead when we get in the door. I wander around in and out of all the rooms getting lots of petting and some of the people know my name and they call me over to them. There are lots of funny chairs there with big wheels that I have to be careful off that I don't get my paws or tail run over. I am looking forward to this weekend because I heard herself saying that I might be going for a free run with my pal Gillian.

Sarge goes north

22nd April 2009 (3 years ago)

What a guide dog adventure I had at the weekend. I was on a 3.40 hour bus journey, was on three different trains and into two taxis and a family car. I was in the Lough Erne Golf and country club in Co Fermanagh at a very stylish wedding. My owner didn't even have to carry his luggage in or out of the hotel, a lovely man collected it at the taxi and dropped it into our bedroom. He did the same when we checked out. The hotel overlooked the largest lake in Ireland - Lough Erne, and on Sunday we went for a great walk up a hill and I got free to run through the long grass and get dog smelly. This was not appreciated by my owner or some of the guests as I learned from their puffing and huffing. I got a brushing after which improved my odour I heard, but what they should have done is let me into that lake. My canine friends say that we dogs hear much better than our human friends and over the weekend I heard for the first time bagpipes - boy what a noise! There was lots of men dressed up in skirts which is something I had not seen before either, and one man I almost growled at when I saw his bald head, his black boots up to his knees and those humans said he was wearing a white linen kilt. What an adventure so now it's back to sleeping under the desk and I am glad of it today as it is so warm. Sarge

Easter treats?

14th April 2009 (3 years ago)

Dear Sarge, Unice.

Any content for a dog blog for this week? Any nice doggie treats over Easter to go with the chocolate indulgences of your human companions? Late nights, sing songs, walks or sessions attended? A faithful pal, G. (you know who I am!) P.S. I won’t tell you about the deer and rabbits you could have chased in the muck of Newcastle forest, Co. Longford yesterday. We’ll save that up for a visit sometime.

Dear faithful pal G, I would have what I would call a rather ordinary weekend. What is this about Chocolate? I did not even get a smell of a bit and I didn't see them having any either. I had a bit of fun in a place called Tara Post office on Friday evening with a little girl who was with her Granny. There was lots of food there but I did not get a bit. I got lots of photographs taken of me and Sarge with our owners and they were given a nice big cheque for €814.00 from something called a 'raffle for hampers'. Sarge and I had a bit of fun in our back yard on Sunday in the lovely Sunshine. We are back to work as usual today.

Easter Break

12th April 2009 (3 years ago)

How lovely it is today, Unice and I are enjoying the sunshine while those owners of ours enjoy their dinner in the garden as well as the sunshine. Looks very much like a good walk is also about to happen. There has been a mention of delivering Easter Eggs. Woff Unice what are they?

Sarge making a statement of fact

1st April 2009 (3 years ago)

She may think her holiday was good, but mine with Pat was much better, fields, beach, and we visited a nursing home. Action is on now again, I think there's a big night on tomorrow. Loads of paper going around and money been discussed.

I'm back

29th March 2009 (3 years ago)

I didn't even have the pleasure of being dropped home from my holiday, I was collected! From holidays to harness in 30 seconds. Still, I was delighted to see my mammy (within reason) but I did give Sarge a big lick. He was so happy to see me.

My holidays...

18th March 2009 (3 years ago)

Woof Woof my friends. This is Unice. I have my suitcase packed to go on my holidays this week to the seaside, in the nice suburb of Blackrock, Dublin. My family hasn’t told me yet, but I just know. They’re packing their bags, and talking about the sun, Spain, and something called Sangria. I have also heard mention of ‘Helen’ my pal. I can’t wait *pant pant, wag wag*. More later …