PETS+: Israel Guide Dog Teddy returns home

Teddy is a special dog. Jewish News has followed his journey since he was selected for training at the Israel Guide Dog Centre (IGDC). He was named in memory of Martin Segal, former UK Chief Executive of the Centre, giving his journey an added layer of meaning.

For the past two months, Teddy had been training on campus in the PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Service Dog programme, with the hope that he would support an Israel Defense Forces veteran living with trauma. However, after careful assessment, it became clear that health and behavioural challenges meant this path wasn’t right for him.

And so, he went home. Back to Adi and Yotam in Rehovot, who had raised him from his very first moments, always knowing he might one day serve someone else.

In a remarkable twist of timing, Adi went into labour on the very day Teddy returned to campus. Weeks later, they came back to collect him. “Teddy is our first-born son,” says Yotam. “Now that he’s back, we are finally a complete family.”

While there is some sadness that his expected role won’t come to pass, there is overwhelming gratitude too. Raising him, Adi reflects, was “a project of heart and resilience.” Advocating for access while out with a trainee service dog also opened her eyes to the everyday barriers faced by people with disabilities.

But Teddy’s story doesn’t end here. He will now take on a new and important role as an ambassador dog, helping the Centre share its work and educate the public on how to interact appropriately with service animals.

“I’m so proud of this cheeky little chappie, named after my darling Martin Edward (Teddy),” says his widow Rebecca, “that he completed his training, is now with his forever family, and will continue to bring them comfort and support — while staying connected to IGDC.”

Back in the UK Executive Director Karen Brosh has announced two new board members who will bring passion and dedication to raising  vital funds for the charity. Lisa Marlowe is the mother of Jake Marlowe who was murdered on October 7 and together with her husband, Michael and the Friday vigil, they raised enough money to support three dogs – Jake, Woody and Marlowe.

“I am truly delighted, humbled, and deeply honoured to have been invited to serve as a trustee of Israeli Guide Dogs UK,” said Lisa. “This is a cause that lies very close to my heart, and I feel privileged to play a part in supporting such meaningful and life-changing work. Being able to contribute in this way is, for me, a true mitzvah.”

Nicola Nathan, a fundraising consultant with over 20 years’ experience is equally enthusiastic to join:“I have a deep passion for the transformative role dogs play in both practical independence and emotional wellbeing, I’m delighted to combine my expertise and personal commitment to help IGDUK grow and raise vital funds to meet the increasing need in Israel.”

The new trustees have joined in time to encourage support for the IGDC’s walking challenge – a self-paced fundraising initiative. Participants can choose their own route, distance and schedule, making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities. The aim as always is to raise vital funds for the centre that is feeling the impact to support the training and placement of guide and service dogs for individuals living with vision loss and trauma.

To sign up, visit:
https://fundnation.org/israelguidedog

MORE TAILS….so read on 

Meanwhile in the wider Jewish dog world, Rusty from @meetmypaws isn’t just famous for his Sunday roast reviews — dishing out paws-up verdicts on gravy boats, Yorkshire puds and perfectly roasted carrots — he’s something of a canine socialite too.

At Chinese New Year he was spotted “dining” with chopsticks alongside pals Skye, Biggles, Luna, Romeo and Pushkin and their mum, children’s cookbook author Annabel Karmel. Between themed dinners and park meet-ups, Rusty also keeps up transatlantic “chats” with pups across the pond via Instagram, before greeting new barky Brits in person on the Meet My Paws group walks — where sniffing introductions are taken very seriously and friendships are forged one tail wag at a time.

Pesach Paws 

What to read the guests if the pups don’t mind!