Israel Guide Dogs keep Jake Marlowe’s legacy alive

Eight-month-old puppies don’t often rack up air miles, especially on one-way trips. But last month, Bessie boarded a plane for the first time and her maiden voyage was to make aliyah.

Happily munching a bone at the hotel the night before, she was headed to the Israel Guide Dog Center (IGDC), where, after health checks, she will become a breeding dog as part of the European Breeding Corporation scheme. So Bessie’s future litters will be used by the IGDC and other partner schools worldwide.

For co-founder Noach Braun, the connection with international partners comes at the right time. There are soldiers who have lost their sight and
a dramatic rise in post-trauma victims since October 7 has created an unprecedented surge in demand for his expertly-trained dogs.

Known for his stoicism, the former IDF paratrooper has led his team through two years of war, once seeing an Iranian rocket land near his home. With staff and volunteers called up, those remaining at the Center in Beit Oved work tirelessly to keep breeding and training on track.

Noah’s wife Orna, who heads dog training says her husband bottles things up and is focused solely on his commitment to helping those affected physically and emotionally by so much tragedy.  Among them are Michael and Lisa Marlowe. Their son Jake, 27, was murdered by Hamas on October 7 and, while they have shared their pain publicly, it is only in private that the enormity of their loss is fully felt .

Noach and Orna had flown in to collect Bessie from her foster family in Bristol, arranged by the Banbury-based charity Dogs for Good. This visit gave the Marlowes a chance to see the founders, who have become friends since Jake’s death.

This is because, in memory of their son who was killed defending festival-goers at Nova, the Marlowes have sponsored three puppies – Jake, Marlowe and new arrival Woody – with funds raised by those at Borehamwood’s weekly October 7 vigil.

Lisa already had photos of Jake and Marlowe and has since shared images of Woody and she looks forward to meeting them all  ‘pup to person’ when the couple return to Israel for October 7. “We have to be there,” said Lisa as Bessie licked her face.

Cruelly, the couple’s own two dogs died soon after Jake and now they have Jaxon. All are reminders of what they lost, but naming the IGDC dogs after Jake ensures his courage and kindness live on in every life they transform.

Back in Israel, the hope is Teddy will change a life. Named after late IGDC chief executive Martin Segal, Teddy is now 14 months (see picture above) and is impressing his trainers, walking calmly at his raiser’s side, even on his commute from Rehovot to Jerusalem. Teddy’s mastered car travel, office life and enjoys weekly playdates with other pups in training.

Orna has seen thousands like Teddy realise their potential. She said that saying goodbye to Bessie was emotional for his foster family and no less so for Noach hugging Michael Marlowe. It was Martin Segal who said Israel Guide Dog Center is more than a training ground, it’s a lifeline.

• For more information, contact israelguidedog.org.uk