Cork hotel leads the way in guide dog charity deal

A noticeable increase in the number of both assistance dogs and guide dogs accompanying guests and visitors has prompted the management of one of Cork’s top hotels to announce a charity partnership with the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Among the measures being implemented at Rochestown Park Hotel as part of the deal is a display in its main reception area illustrating what guide and assistance dogs look like in their working jackets.

The signs will also advise that the dogs should not be petted, fed, or distracted while they are working.

It is also planned to offer in-house training to key staff members who will be advocating for the charity’s strategy to raise awareness for accessibility, and some workers will be taking up roles as puppy raisers or helping by caring for dogs in their advanced training.

At the official launch of the partnership, the hotel’s sales and marketing manager, Steve Cox, said there had been a noticeable increase in the number of assistance dogs and guide dogs accompanying guests and visitors in the hotel.

“We know that before launching our pilot hospitality sector autism awareness programme in 2022, many guests and diners in the hotel, and indeed many team members, were unfamiliar with how to behave around service dogs,” said Mr Cox.

“By investing our time in raising awareness, we know we have contributed in a very significant way to creating better experiences for children, individuals, and families.

“The hotel has a very long tradition of community engagement, which fits perfectly with the grassroots approach that the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is so well known for.

“Therefore, we believe that now is an ideal time for us to broaden our awareness-raising activities for the benefit of a wider community to include those who are vision-impaired, and the families of children with autism.”

Tim O’Mahony, chief executive of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, expressed his thanks to the hotel and all of its employees.

“Their dedication to ensuring that our clients can fully enjoy the hotel’s amenities in comfort and safety is truly commendable,” he added.