New School Community Dog at Réalt na Mara in Dundalk

Réalt na Mara National School in Dundalk says that they are “delighted to welcome Illana to our school community”. Illana is a five year old black lab/retriever cross trained by the Irish Guide Dogs, Cork.

After a process of interview, on-site training in Cork and a facility check the school says it was given Illana at the end of June.

The school's three dog handlers are Mrs Clune, Mrs Shields and Mr Byrne and Illana lives with Mrs Shields in Carlingford outside school time.

A spokesperson for the school told the Dundalk Democrat that: “Illana is such a wonderful addition to our school.

“She is currently involved in grooming sessions, fetch and retrieve games and just loves to go for local walks with our classes to the park.

“She was also part of our school assemblies last week and won Canine of the Month for September! Something tells me she is going to win this every month!!

“Sincere thanks to Eimear from the Irish Guide Dogs for all her help and support throughout the process. We are delighted to have been chosen to give Illana her new home and look forward to sharing lots of great times with her in the years ahead.”