Dear Friends,
The situation in Israel remains to be heart breaking and we are all feeling the pain of the last year. For those of us here in the UK, there is only so much we can do to help alleviate the suffering and desperation that the last 12 months have caused up and down the country. But on the ground, the Israel Guide Dog Centre is at the forefront of the national rehabilitation effort, spreading love and hope through our amazing super pups. We are marking this unprecedently agonising and challenging year in pictures.
Warmest wishes,
Hazel Kaye
Interim Executive Director
OCTOBER
IN MEMORY OF DOR AND SAVION
Our client, Dor Hanan Shafir z”l, and his girlfriend Savion Chen Kiper z”l. Dor, IDF veteran, was partnered with his PTSD service dog Doris. They were killed at the NOVA music festival. May their memories be a blessing. Doris has been adopted by Dor’s family.
NOVEMBER
VISITING HOSPITALS
Our trainers and puppy raisers visited injured soldiers and civilians to bring them puppy love and comfort.
DECEMBER
VISITING EVACUATED FAMILIES
Families who were displaced from their homes in the South received comfort and joy from our dogs, giving the children an emotional outlet and a reason to smile.
JANUARY
TRAINERS ACADEMY KICKS-OFF
The new Academy model enables us to train more trainers more effectively. This is a crucial proactive step to increase our capacity and respond to the exponentially growing demand for our dogs.
FEBRUARY
PUPPY RAISER ON RESERVE DUTY VISITS HIS PUPPY
Dor, like many of our volunteer puppy raisers, was drafted into military reserve duty. Temporary arrangements had to be made for puppy Cliff and dozens of other puppies in similar circumstances. In February, it was Dor’s and Cliff’s emotional reunion.
MARCH
PAIRING EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DOGS WITH FAMILIES IN NEED
We prioritised families who were evacuated from their homes, some with children with autism or other special needs, some with a parent suffering from trauma, to be partnered with an emotional support dog. “We were all on the edge, torn from any sense of safety and stability, and the dog has brought a sense of home and hope into our lives.”
APRIL
NEW PUPPIES!
To meet the growing demand for guide dogs, PTSD service dogs and emotional support dogs, we diverted ten new dogs into our breeding programme and expect a record number of new puppies this year. More puppies = more dogs in training = more clients whose lives we can transform.
MAY
VETERINARY CLINIC RENOVATION BEGINS
The new Clinic and Breeding Centre will house a larger state-of-the-art surgery and recovery room, breeding and insemination room, laboratory and kennels.
JUNE
PTSD AWARENESS MONTH
This year was marked by overwhelming numbers of civilians and soldiers, veterans and children, deeply scarred by the effects of post-trauma. Israel’s Ministry of Defence estimates 50,000 IDF veterans battling PTSD by 2030.
JULY
3RD ANNUAL PUPPY RAISERS EVENT
Thanking our puppy raisers for their dedication and commitment to raise our puppies during the first 14 months of their lives. This year was particularly meaningful, as most of our puppy raisers were drafted into military reserve duty and served in Gaza for months.
AUGUST
ISRAEL’S WOMEN TEAM WINS SILVER AT THE PARALYMPIC GAMES
Gal Hamrani and Roni Ohayon, two of our clients, won with the Israeli Women Goalball team the first Paralymic medal for Israel in this sport. Gal and her guide dog Dylan carried the Israeli flag together with swimmer and gold medallist Ami Daddon at the closing ceremony in Paris.
SEPTEMBER
LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE WITH HOPE
With the 101 hostages in our hearts, and the several thousands who lost their loved ones, suffered injuries, were evacuated or scarred by trauma, we at the Israel Guide Dog Centre remain determined to make a positive impact and bring comfort and joy to people with our truly outstanding dogs.
As we reflect on the significance of Rosh Hashanah and the Days of Awe (Yamim Noraim), our thoughts continue to be with those in need of hope and support. Many of you will have read about Benzi and his wonderful PTSD service dog, Lugo, in our recent Rosh Hashanah appeal. Lugo has truly transformed Benzi’s life, offering comfort, stability, and a path forward from the scars of trauma. This year, through our Rosh Hashanah appeal, we invite you to help us create many more life-changing partnerships.
Thank you for joining us on our mission to rebuild shattered lives, one dog at a time.