Summit special as pet bags 5 Munros
Disabled dog helps animal rescue sanctuary by going long walkies
An epileptic dog saved five years ago by a Stirlingshire animal sanctuary has climbed his fifth Munro.
Gandalf developed the condition at just weeks old.
But he was given a home by Mione Morrison who runs the local Glendrick Roost animal charity.
Last month Gandalf accompanied Glendrick supporters to the top of Schiehallion, having already bagged himself four other Munros including Ben Lomond.
Mione’s daughter Cathy Morrison said: “Gandalf is now five years old and hopes to do more Munros over the summer to raise money for the sanctuary. What a super boy.
“He came to live with us as a tiny puppy who reacted to his vaccines by having fits. He came in the spring of 2018 – among the daffodils.
“He is still a cuddlebug and a very popular boy at our Snuggle Special Needs dog events.”
The Snuggle events (pictured above) have become increasingly popular and an important fundraiser for the charity, with visitors spending time with the sanctuary’s dogs and other animals and hearing their often emotional but ultimately heartwarming stories.
Glendrick Roost exists for the sole purpose of providing a forever home for rescue animals and relies on the generosity of people in the general community to make donations to support its work, especially small but regular donations to provide a monthly income.
The sanctuary has been running for almost two decades, looking after more than 160 creatures of all sizes, from gerbils up to Clydesdale horses, who have been abused, abandoned or neglected, giving them a home for life.
They also offer educational and therapeutic activities – for humans – including for children and adults with special needs, as well sessions for visitors looking for an inspirational experience.
Cathy added: “At the Snuggle events people are welcomed at the sanctuary by a myriad of barking, happy, tailwagging special needs dogs.
“Once the excitment has settled down a bit you will be able to sit at the picnic tables on the covered decking and have adorable chihuahuas clambering on your knee, labradors vying for attention - and Gandalf our large golden doodledor watching the activities from his vantage point on another picnic table.
“The dogs all love the attention – and whilst you are giving them hugs and cuddles we will tell all their stories of how they came to be at the sanctuary and their special needs and treatments if any.
“A short tour of the other animals in the sanctuary can also be included if wanted.”
One online reviewer said: “What an incredibly heartwarming experience. The dogs were all super cuddly, fun and tame. The real star of the show is Mione for taking such good care of these amazing animals.”
Visiting events take place on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. To book and for more information about times and ticket prices go to https://glendrickroost.org. uk/ or visit the Glendrick Roost Animal Welfare Centre facebook page.
Animals can also be sponsored and volunteers are also needed to help with animal care, DIY, gardening, odd jobs and more and also to raise funds.
He came to live with us as tiny puppy who suffered fits .. he’s a cuddle bug and very popular boy Cathy Morrison