David Plunkett chats to the overall winners (l-r): Catriona Wilson
and Ike, Mark Pollock and Sadie and Mike Townsend with Tom

The amazing achievements of the UK’s most extraordinary guide dogs were recognised in the Guide Dog of the Year awards presented by David Blunkett MP at The Kennel Club in London earlier this month.

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.

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.

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 7 July, I feel I owe my life to Tom."

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."

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 19th 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.