Travis named Scottish Guide Dog of the Year

Larkhall guide dog Travis is named Regional Winner in Guide Dog of the Year Awards

Guide dog Travis from Larkhall has been announced as a Regional Winner as part of the prestigious Guide Dog of the Year Awards 2009.

The Awards aim to recognise the amazing work of the UK’s 4,500 guide dogs who provide valuable independence and life-changing freedom to their blind or partially-sighted owners.

Travis lives with his very proud owner Scott Cunningham and is the Scotland Regional Winner in the Awards. He will now go forward to the next stage of judging, and be in with a chance of winning his category, Life Changing.

Travis was nominated by a friend of Scott’s: “Travis the guide dog is amazing. He has changed not only his owner’s life but helped to inspire many others and raise awareness as to just how guide dogs enable their owners to live full and active lives. Scott and Travis’ Trek’s have raised more than £60,000 for Guide Dogs and sponsored nine guide dog puppies – an amazing feat.”

Those extra special dogs that have been lucky enough to progress through to the next round of the Awards won’t find out if they have won the national award until the ceremony which is being held at the Kennel Club in London on 1 October. People can keep up to date on the awards by visiting www.guidedogs.org.uk/awards

Vicky Bell of Guide Dogs commented: “All guide dogs are extraordinary in their own right and the Guide Dog of the Year Awards recognise some of those dogs who have completely changed the life of their owner, shown outstanding work or gone above and beyond the call of duty in their amazing work.”
For further media information, please contact Guide Dogs’ PR Team –
Vicky Bell - vicky.bell@guidedogs.org.uk / 0118 983 8379
Chris Dyson – chris.dyson@guidedogs.org.uk / 0118 983 8281
or log-on to our website: www.guidedogs.org.uk

Pups Update

Hi Folks,

From time to time me and the Travis Trek team are asked by you kind donors and supporters about how the pups you have all kindly helped sponsor are progressing in their Guide Dog careers. The team were recently sent an email update on Condor from his trainer, Gill Elder up at the Forfar training centre. I’ve pasted the email below for you all to read, hope you all enjoy! Many thanks to Gill for taking the time to update us all, very much appreciated!

Woof woof

Trav


“Now that Condor has been in training for 10 weeks, I thought you'd like
to hear how he is getting on here at Forfar Training Centre.
Condor settled into his new kennel environment and routines straight
away and has really been no bother at all. He is so willing and genuine
with his work that he has been really easy to train. He tries very hard
to please and is keen to get things right. Condor is very laid back and
nothing fazes him much but he does have a slight sensitive side to him
so I have to be careful not to be too hard on him if he makes a mistake!
The speed that Condor walks at when he is working is quite hard to
explain as he is a very long bodied dog! To look at him you would think
that he's just plodding along, but because his strides are so wide he
fairly covers the ground so I've described him as a Mod pace. I have him
in a B type handle not because he lacks in tension, but just so that I
can get up on his head and shoulders and keep up with him!
Condor hasn't really suffered from any major distractions, in fact he
has been slightly negative with other dogs we meet while working. He
concentrates well and is very focussed on me. He does benefit from
supportive handling and I don't think he would cope if someone was too
hard on him, (not that you ever need to be mind you). He is a very
conscientious dog and is great at showing caution in narrow conditions.
Although he has only been in for 10 weeks, I would be more than happy to
do a blindfold walk with him.
Condor's social behaviour is of an excellent standard. His Puppy Walkers
Joyce and Bill really have done a good job, hopefully they'll see how
their hard work has paid off when they come to visit him next week. His
obedience is so nice that I always pick him if I'm doing a demo at the
centre for visitors because I know he won't show me up!! His recall has
never been a problem and he is always a real gent when we're out for
coffee and members of the public speak to him.
He is sharing a kennel with one of my other dogs Bliss, who I believe
you know of. She was Puppy Walked by Ian and Veda Stewart who have done
so well with her they need a medal! She is a completely different dog
from Condor it's unreal! As you know she is small and black whereas
Condor is big and white. She is a very bright little dog with a high
drive and walks at a fast pace with very firm tension. She needs to be
on the go the whole time doing something or going somewhere, but
Condor's happy as long as you are! I must say I'm very attached to both
of them as they are the nicest dogs I've trained in a long time -
they'll be missed when they move on that's for sure!
Condor's brother Pip is also in the same kennel block as him which can
be very confusing as they look identical. In fact, yes I have mixed them
up and taken Pip out to work and wondered why he wouldn't do a thing he
was told!! He is quite similar to Condor but seems to have more
attitude, whereas Condor is so willing - an all-round nice guy!”
Well I hope I've kept you up to date with Condor's progress.

Trav's Update,

Hi Folks

Sorry I haven't been in touch for a while but I've been a very busy dog!!!! What've I been up to? Well, popped off to see the Queen at holyrood, they say it was due to the 10th anniversary of the scottish parliment but we all know that that was just a clever rouse to come and see Trav the wonder dog! HRH was lovely as was her perrier that was served to me on a silver platter, finally, someone who appriciates me!!! Princess Anne came for a chat too so all in all we had a great day although Scott seemed a little cross about something, he was muttering something about dog hair on the Queens posh frock and perhaps it wasnt my best idea to turn round with my harness on just as she walked up and rattle her in the shins with the handle but its a mistake any pooch could have made!!!

After my little stumble on the West Highland Way I'm now having hydrotherapy through at a Pet Therapy centre in Glasgow. Its all going very well as you can see on Trav TV (more clips to come!)Scott thinks I'm doing very well and reckons I'll get a badge for my speedos soon!

I'm back on the hills and we all a great walk on the Pentland Hills the other week. All I can say is, for those that were there on the first day of this years trek, the weather was very similar! We'd have been drier if we'd jumped in the Loch, so I did, hydrotherapy that!!

Well thats about all for now. I'll catch up with more news soon

Woof woof,

Trav

AUCTION TIME

Hi Folks,
The Trav reporting in with news of this year's Travis Trek auction! The first lot of items have now been listed, we've got a varied lot as usual and something for just about everyone!

Some sensational stuff, and a load more coming on the listings soon.Go and grab yourself some excellent memorabilia and help boost this year's total,
thanks,
Trav
woof woof

Firstly we have a signed jersey from John Hartson who unfortunately could not take
part this year but kindly sent along a signed number 10 top:
Hartson jersey:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?
ViewItem&item=160334291724&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:GB:1123

Next up is a signed Aiden McGeddie : training top, kindly donated by himself to help
this year's event:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160334292826&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:GB:1123

We have a signed Scotland football jersey, signed by the full squad prior to their
last game against Holland:
jersey:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160334294063&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:GB:1123

For the rugby fans we have a signed SRU ball:, signed by the full 6 nations squad:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160334295500&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:GB:1123

Alex Miller kindly donated a autographed Liverpool ball:, signed by the full squad
before their champions league final appearance in Athens:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160334297717&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:GB:1123

Unfortunately big Ted McMinn could not take part in the trek but kindly sent a signed
Derby County jersey:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160334299609&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:GB:1123

Former Rangers player, Stevie Thompson kindly sent us a signed Burnley jersey:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160334301871&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:GB:1123

The 1 and only Andy Goram kindly signed a jersey that was worn in the 9 in a row
years at Ibrox::
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk:80/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160334307653&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:GB:1123

PS Just to let you know, been back to the vets and now been assigned to light duties so its back to work for me folks. Just take it easy with me when you see me lol!!
More Trav Fest news coming very soon.

Your Latest Update Folks

Hi Folks
Thought I would let you know how things are going with the trek gang, including this canine legend. Had to visit the dreaded vets today but came away quite pleased at my treatment. According to Dr Crawford my ailment is akin to a sports injury that happens to aw the top atheletes! Respect where it is due, so now have to continue resting - so the master plan has worked and have some more time off work, so where has the sunshine gone to??

Thanks to all you lovely people out there, friends and fans alike for all messages of support and get well cards. Been great but remember I like a bonio too!! Although Scott says a medicinal malt might help as well!!

Plans for Trav Fest 09 are going fantastic. Will be an awesome night. In the meantime thanks to web master Stevie for setting up Trav Fest 09, more to be found here:

www.myspace.com/travisfestlive

2 great bands on the bill and a lot more to be confirmed as well as some celebs to join us celebrating a tremendous year of fundraising in the excellent surroundings of the Ferry moored there on the Clyde!

Thanks to the Legends Trek supporters from far and wide with continued support and those lucky enough to grab the limited stock in the shop, still some items left, get in thee folks!!

There will be a promo as from tomorrow night, Wednesday for a full week advertising the documentary of the year, Walking With Legends on Rangers TV. It'll be hosted on youtube soon so we'll post a link for anyone not subscribed to the station. The programme is an hour long and will be aired for the first time on Wed 6th May at 8.30pm, get the popcorn and vimto in folks!!
Soon after which we'll be pleased to offer supporters a professionally produced copy pawographed by myself for a donation via the site, more news of which on its way!!

Plenty more news coming soon

Woof woof
Travis

Walking With Legends Premiere

Hi folks
The good news is that I am feeling great that week off in the sunshine has clearly helped sort out this canine legend. Not that I will be telling Scott, I could get used to this pampered life!! But have to get back in the saddle (or harness in my case) soon, missing all my work buddies. So here's the rest of the news.........

WALKING WITH LEGENDS, the documentary, starring moi, is to have its worldwide exclusive premiere on Rangers TV 6th May at 830pm for an hour. Don't miss it. And if you do or want to view it again we have boxed editions coming up for sale, pawographed personally by me!

TRAV FEST 09 will be held on 12th June at the Renfrew Ferry. Full details of the bands, times etc will be posted on the site soon so keep checking. Can you get ear defenders for pooches??? Am sure it will be a great night so keep that date free and come and join all the gang.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMVOcNBF5mc check out the link to a brilliant slide show, showing some of the photos leading up to and on the trek. Remember to leave your comments, great to hear from everyone.

As always huge thanks to everyone from all over the world for their continued support and donations to this trek. We couldn't do it without you all so cheers.

Woof woof
Travis

Latest Travis News

Hi Folks
A wee update for you all, with the latest news and theres lots of it!! I for one am still on a rest period. Been a real hardship enjoying the sunshine this week, but its good for my recovery which is going great. Will be fighting fit and ready for them hills again before you know it. At least I didn't win the bendy spoon Derek!

Have to thank you all again for your support and donations. Its been fantastic the response from everyone. We still don't have a total as yet as pledges still coming in. As soon as we gather all that lovely dosh in we can let you know how much and how many pups we will be able to sponsor.

We have lots of items that have came in from around Britain's football and rugby clubs. The auction for these will be announced soon so keep checking the website.

Rangers TV - the showing of the documentary will be announced soon. Thought I would have at least a red carpet, premier night, etc,etc!! No??, well can I at least get an extra bonio for my starring role??? If anyone would like to enjoy a copy of the RTV documentary, you will be able to get one from next week for a wee donation to the Travistrek fund.

***LIMITED STOCK*** On all the merchandise so if you want some Travis goodies get them quick.

If anyone wants to share their photos or videos from our adventure on the West Highland Way could you send them onto us. If you need a snail mail address to send any discs etc, please email and we will send it onto you.

And finally, our latest exclusive news is Trav Fest. A fantastic night of music with indie bands down at the Renfrew Ferry. Details to be released soon. Trekking is one thing Scott but I draw the line at drumming!! And you are definitely not singing!

Thanks again everybody, am off to continue my sunbathing.
Woof woof
Travis