Meet the gorgeous Parker!
The trainee pup was named by the Antrim and Newtownabbey council after Councillor Jim Montgomery raised £12,500 for Guide Dogs NI as one of his Mayors charities during his term in office 2020 – 2021.
Guide Dogs NI allow the public to name one of their special dogs if they raise £2,500 or more for the charity.
The clever Guide Dogs recruit was named by Carly Long who works in the Council's Economic Development department following a staff competition for name suggestions for the puppy.
Carly chose ‘Parker’ after Sixmilewater Park in Ballyclare. This is Carly and her miniature poodle, Teddy’s favourite place!
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Billy Webb said: "It is a privilege that under the office of Mayor, we can select two charities to support during our term. Guide Dogs NI provide an invaluable service to our residents and indeed the whole of Northern Ireland.
"It was an honour to meet with them recently and a pleasure to meet Parker himself, who will make an incredible difference to someone’s life. I congratulate Councillor Montgomery for raising an incredible amount for this wonderful charity."
Gary Wilson, Community Fundraising Relationship Manager said: "We were so grateful for the innovative fundraising events organised by the former Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, in what has been a challenging time for charities.
"We are also thankful for the generosity of the people and businesses of Antrim and Newtownabbey and we’re delighted the handsome and clever Parker, is doing so well on his journey to become a life-changer. It takes £54,800 to support a guide dog from birth to retirement so any money raised by Naming a Puppy is extremely valuable to those we help who are living with vision impairment across Northern Ireland."
For more information on the Name a Puppy offer, please visit: guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/fundraise/name-a-puppy/name-a-puppy-faqs/
