A blind woman from Cork has spoken of her grievance and sadness after her guide dog was taken away from her.
The distraught and deeply heartbroken women named Lena has also revealed that she has been subsequently left housebound after her guide dog Elsa was taken away by the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind for being overweight
Lena’s heartbreaking story came to light recently when she spoke to RTÉ Radio One’s Liveline show, Lena told the show that she has been left completely “heartbroken” since Elsa, a Labrador-retriever mix, was removed from her care.
An emotional Lena went onto explain: “They took away my dog and I can’t go outside my door to go down to mass in the morning. “Everyone has to help me cross the road … I’m here now housebound. I have nothing, I’m waiting for people to bring stuff in to me.”
Although Lena does admit that she was informed about the dog being overweight, she claimed she could not increase her exercise due to the bad weather.
Lena also revealed that she “pleaded” to keep the dog, and would make sure Elsa lost her excessive weight, which is thought to be in the region 8 pounds, but the organisation refused to listen.
Meanwhile, David McCarthy of Irish Guide Dogs also contacted the programme to speak about the issue, saying he empathises with Lena, but claimed the situation is “very difficult” and “complex”.
“There’s no easy solution and there’s no easy way to manage it. I truly feel for Lena and I know how difficult this situation is.”
However Mr McCarthy did state that the organisation has “done what they can to support” Lena in the meantime.