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Marcel with actress Jane Seymour backstage at The Late Late Show on Friday night.
A SIX-year old Golden Retriever Marcel who lives in Tralee with volunteer puppy raisers Anne and Gerard O’Riordan, has been announced as overall winner of the Irish Kennel Club Golden Paw Hero Dog Award 2022 at the awards ceremony in the Clayton Hotel, Dublin Airport.
Marcel is an Ambassador Dog for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind who was trained by Anne and Gerard from 8 weeks until 14 months.
During his training to become a Guide Dog, Marcel developed body sensitivity which means Marcel can’t tolerate a harness on his back. This meant that Marcel had to be repurposed and was assigned to Anne and Gerard as Kerry’s first Ambassador Dog.
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As an Ambassador Dog, Marcel visits nursing homes, schools, hospitals, and many fundraising events. Marcel assists in many one-on-one therapy sessions.
These include visits to specific patients in hospital, at the request of their doctor, to comfort parents and children. Marcel is also included in therapy sessions with vulnerable children and adults, where Marcel will encourage and calm the patient.
Anne O’Riordan with Marcel.
Marcel is much-loved in the community. He senses when people are upset and will indicate that somebody requires his time and support.
During lockdown Marcel spent a lot of time with friends of IGDB Tralee Branch. Marcel provided them with companionship and a warm heart to lift their spirits during this lonely and stressful time.
Marcel visited the local hospital, where he spent days just being himself, giving the staff hugs and companionship to alleviate some of the stress they were experiencing. (all done under strict Covid compliance.)
Anne and Gerard continue to puppy raise, and are currently raising their eighth puppy, Feena. Marcel plays a vital role in this, as puppies will learn from him, imitating his good behaviour.
And on his best behaviour he certainly was on last Friday’s Late Late Show, with many viewers instantly falling in love with him when he made an appearance.
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