Blind dogs front cash bid by animal charity
25-mile trek aids sanctuary
Four special needs dogs – three of whom are blind – are expected to finish an epic fiveday trek tomorrow (Saturday).
The special needs dogs from Glendrick Roost Animal Sanctuary, a registered charity based near Aberfoyle, embarked on a fund-raising walk on Monday, travelling the full 25-mile length of the Dava Way, from Grantownon-Spey in the Cairngorms to Forres in Morayshire.
Despite three of them being totally blind, the dogs are performing this amazing feat off-lead, accompanied on their quest by Mione Morrison, the founder of Glendrick Roost.
Two of the three blind dogs, Ayra and Falkor, are completely new to off-lead long distance walking. So is Gandalf, the third member of the team, who isn’t blind but suffers from fits due to an adverse reaction to a puppy vaccination.
Mione said: “They are bravely taking over from Frodo Baggins, who was blind from birth but sadly died unexpectedly just over a month ago.
“Over the last few years, Frodo Baggins had walked over 350 miles off-lead to raise funds for Glendrick Roost. This included climbing Ben Lomond off-lead on his tenth birthday. He was due to lead this walk, but despite his sudden demise he will no doubt be with his canine friends in spirit.
“The fourth member of the brave canine team is Sherlock, who accompanied Frodo on some of his adventures. He lost his eyesight due to a maggot infestation as a street dog puppy, but being blind does not hinder him.”
The money raised from this walk will go to help all the other 160 animals resident at Glendrick Roost. Their newest blind puppy, Bilbo Baggins, will be arriving at Glendrick Roost in September.
“Bilbo Baggins was born on almost the same day that Frodo died,” said Mione, “but lost his eyes due to maggot infestation when he was abandoned by his street dog mother.
“Once at Glendrick Roost, he too will perform amazing feats to show how special needs dogs are able to overcome the most daunting of disabilities and lead normal, successful lives.
“Please support these incredible dogs as they step out to show the world how clever they are.”
Donations can be made on https://mydonate.bt.com/ events/davaway