Assistance Dog for Autism

Taking a break but wishing you all a very happy Valentine's Day in the meantime ....

2012-02-12T22:29:00.002Z

Murray and Clive are taking a little break ...

Away from the computer and blogging and facebook .....

It has been a most difficult week here with all the controversy over Tony Humphreys and his article in the Irish Examiner last week claiming that 'autism' didn't exist and it was 'cold mothers' that made children autistic.

There has been a huge backlash to that article and many opinions aired on radio, on facebook, on twitter and in the newspapers over the past week on his 'assumptions'. We have not commented on Clive's blog about it over the past week because Clive's blog has become something very important and personal to Murray and we didn't want to put up comments and links to things that he can not understand or comprehend.

To that end we are still not saying commenting on what we think of the man here on Clive's blog - we will leave that to the very many other wonderful contributors who have blogged about it during the week.

If you do want a very thorough round-up of all that has happened - we suggest a read of I speak of dreams

In the meantime, we think we need a little bit of breathing space to calm our nerves and help Murray's Mom recover her strength (nothing to do with 'silly' media articles but she is having severe problems with her hip revision that she had done after her hip replacement several years ago.)

To that end, we are resting .....

Resting from blogging, from Facebook and from commenting for a while ....

We apologise to all our wonderful friends out there who follow Clive and Murray's story and support us so much but we hope to be back soon.

Until then,

Clive & Co

(Oh, yes Happy Valentine's Day too, in advance!)

What a night - waiting and waiting and then no game ....

2012-02-11T23:57:00.002Z

Ireland were to play France tonight in the Six Nations ....

The match was set for 9pm French time ....

We were sitting here waiting .....

Moments before the match was due to start .....

The referee decided the pitch was unplayable!!

We had to put away our hats and jerseys and wait for another day (well until March 2nd)

Major disappointment!

Thankfully Murray's French cousin Soline happened to be visiting us - more about that tomorrow!

- Clive & Co

Wordless Wednesday - The Boys get Spring haircuts ...

2012-02-08T23:18:00.001Z

Say it from the heart this Valentine's Day with gifts from Irish Guide Dogs ....

2012-02-06T21:48:00.003Z

Looking for the perfect gift this Valentine's Day ...

Irish Guide Dogs have the perfect gifts!

Irish Guide Dogs have gifts for sale directly from their fundraising shop in Cork from ....

Thursday 09 February, 2012 - Tuesday 14 February, 2012

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind fundraising shop will re-open on the 9th to the 14th February selling a wide range of beautiful gifts for your special someone this Valentine's Day.

The shop is located on Winthrop Street, Cork (next to side entrance of AIB) and is opened daily from 11am to 5pm.

Or you can purchase online ...

To purchase any of these gifts online, please click here

For further details, call Jennifer Foran-Symth on 021 487 8229 or email jennifer@guidedogs.ie

- Clive & Co

Friday treats - Clive eating ice-cream ...

2012-02-03T23:24:00.003Z

It's Friday .....

End of the school week ....

Time for a treat ....

Clive and Murray go get ice-creams!

Have a good weekend!

- Clive & Co

Taking a step back into the past ....

2012-01-30T22:23:00.004Z

Taking an assistance dog into your house and into the life of your autistic child can be a big undertaking ....

Especially if you have never had any experience of dogs and haven't had them as pets growing up. Although its certainly not necessary to have any previous 'dog' experience when applying for an assistance dog - it probably does make the decision easier if you know you like and enjoy dogs.

Murray's Mom grew up with dogs, all sorts of dogs - most of them working dogs but working gun-dogs.

Murray was fascinated by this and didn't really believe that his Mom had known so many dogs ("you must be really old," - he said!).

Anyway, to try and explain to Murray that yes, indeed his Mom knew lots of dogs before Clive came along - we went back into the archives (well, the old photo albums in the cupboard) ...

Here's Murray's Mom sitting in her high chair on her 1st Birthday with four of her cousins and two of Shot's puppies on the blanket. Murray's Mom grew up with her Mom and Dad and Auntie Anne in the house that her Grandad had built. He also lived with them and so did lots of dogs over the years and over the years lots of puppies.

Murray's Mom was 2 years old in this photo - taken with two labradors that lived a few doors up from her ...

There was a lovely lady Patsy who lived up the road from her who had labradors and bred them. Murray's Mom used to love going up and playing with the new puppies!

When Murray's Mom made her 1st Holy Communion - she had her photos taken with Bramble - a beautiful Kerry Blue that belonged to her auntie Margaret. Bramble used to sleep with her when she stayed in auntie Margaret's house and keep her safe. She was a city girl used to street lights and nights that never really got totally dark and auntie Margaret lived in the middle of the countryside where there was no street lighting and it was really dark at night. She had been terrified the first time she slept over but then Bramble was allowed to sleep on the bed with her and everything was fine ....

Here's Murray's Mom sitting in the garden in 1969 - when she was two years old and behind her is Shot!

Shot was a Llewellin Setter and the best gun-dog her Grandad ever had. Her reputation lived on years after she had passed on. She was an incredible working dog but a dog that didn't much like the neighbours or the laundry boy or the postman. There were great stories told about the 'nips' that she gave to anyone who strayed into 'her territory' - years ago rules and regulations were a lot more relaxed and Shot never got into any trouble! No other gun-dog that came before or after her was as good at working according to 'Grandad'.

In the late 1980's / early 90's - Bella was another gun-dog that worked with Murray's great-grandad. She was a beautiful English Setter, quite shy but determined in her work.

Tara was another great gun-dog that worked with Murray's great-grandad in the early 1980's. She was a lovely gentle Springer Spaniel who always carried the birds so gently in her mouth. Murray's Mom remembers pheasants and grouse hanging up in the garage and rabbits being skinned in the kitchen. Things that Murray and Sorcha don't quite believe now ...

Years later, Murray's Mom got another dog called Shot again! Only this time, she wasn't anything as good as the first Shot! In fact, it turned out she was gun-shy!! Murray's great-grandad didn't want to keep a gun-dog that couldn't work and took her back to the farmer who had sold her to him. Murray's Mom was having none of it and went back down and bought the dog back! Great-Grandad wasn't very pleased but Shot lived out her life as a 'pet' dog!

Great-Grandad probably never really forgave us for that - when he was growing up his dogs had always worked. When he moved to the city, he still kept dogs as gun-dogs and went shooting with them. Dogs in his mind were only ever 'working dogs' certainly not pets. He died at 98 years old a year before we got Clive. We often wonder what he would have made of Clive!

Anyway, that was how we explained to Murray this evening that yes indeed, his Mom did grow up with dogs. They might have been different working dogs than Clive but they were working dogs in their own right and some of them were brillant working dogs!

Murray thought about all this and then said ...

"Okay, you knew a lot of dogs. You are really old"

Thanks Murray!

We want to finish by saying how very sad we were to read about Maggie's passing yesterday. Maggie and Mitch were two of the very first friends we made blogging and they have always been so supportive of us and left us such lovely comments on our posts over the past four years. We have loved following their adventures so much - Murray was charmed by the fact that Maggie loved ice-cream and pizza so much (just like him!). Our hearts really go out to Sue and George and Mitch ....

George's tribute to Maggie earlier today had Murray's Mom in floods of tears - Maggie was a truly special dog that got George (and Sue) through so much. Murray has added Maggie onto his prayer list and said there's lots of ice-cream in Heaven so Maggie will be okay - we truly hope so!

- Clive & Co

More photos, more birthdays, more things to keep Murray happy!

2012-01-28T18:15:00.000Z

Murray has been taking a lot of photos in recent days ....

Lots of Tinkerbell ...

Lots more of Clive ....

and then he was delighted to make a collage of Auntie Anne's 70th Birthday! Auntie Anne celebrated her 70th birthday with us a few days ago - she's Murray's Grand-aunt (his Mom's auntie) - he likes to be exact about these things!

Anyway, it was another January birthday for us to celebrate and we had a great day with Auntie Anne and lots of the family. Many thanks to Paul for taking all the photos! Thanks also to Charlie (Murray's little cousin) for being the best behaved 18 month old ever!! Murray was a little concerned about Charlie - he finds it hard to understand that 'little people' can just be 'little people' sometimes and create a bit of noise and fuss! But Charlie was perfectly happy and Murray was perfectly happy too as a result!

Auntie Anne has minded the house, the children and most importantly Clive and Tinkerbell lots of times .... (can you spot Tinkerbell looking up adoringly at her! - that cat gets spoilt when Auntie Anne is around) ...

Okay, Murray - we finally got all your photos of Clive and Tinkerbell up ....

We got to celebrate Auntie Anne's 70th birthday ...

We got to do a post today!

We had a busy week last week for lots of reasons - it's good to be taking things easy this Saturday and catching up with all our friends blogs ...

Hope you're all having a lovely weekend!

- Clive & Co

Clive and Murray looking at photos ....

2012-01-24T21:57:00.001Z

Murray loves looking through his photo albums ....

Checking out all the photos of Clive and himself ...

Once he gets started, it's hard to get him to stop ....

Murray was very anxious for Mom to video him and Clive and then upload it ....

He was a bit hard on Mom too - telling her "you'll do as you're told" (think we need to work on a few things!)

Anyway, Murray wanted to see Clive and himself on his blog before bedtime ....

- Clive & Co

Clive on being able to 'free-run' on Killiney Hill and Killiney Beach ....

2012-01-21T23:19:00.001Z

Clive loves going to Killiney Hill for a 'free-run' ....

He works hard all week and really enjoys getting the opportunity to have one of his two weekly 'free-runs' on Killiney Hill ....

But things may be about to change ....

The local council Rathdown-Dun Laoghaire have put some very restictive laws in place on Killiney Beach ...

Dogs are meant to be on a leash at all times now on Killiney Beach .... no chance to run into the water and have a swim ....

No chance to chase a ball or run after a stick ....

No chance to sit still and pose for a photo!!

At the moment Killiney Hill is still 'off leash' but for how long ....

They began with the beaches - the Hill could be next!

Please support Dogs Unleashed Ireland .....

DOGS UNLEASHED is a voluntary group of responsible dog owners campaigning to get the ‘dog control’ bye-laws of Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown (DLR) County amended. At present, these bye-laws demand that:

Dogs must be on a leash at all times in all public parks, except on Killiney Hill and in designated ’dog pens’ in Marlay, Shanganagh, Deerpark and Cabinteely Parks.
Dogs are banned from all beaches during the summer months of June to September, 10am-7pm. Outside those times and throughout the rest of the year, dogs must be on a leash at all times.

Failure to comply with these bye-laws has resulted in on-the-spot fines of €150.

OUR CONCERNS

A group of concerned individuals started the campaign in March 2011 because:

It was only then, when DLR wardens started issuing warnings to dog walkers on our beaches that the comprehensive and restrictive nature of these bye-laws became apparent.
The DLR bye-laws are more punitive than those of our neighbouring councils of Dublin City and Fingal, where dogs are allowed off leash at certain times of the day all year. Furthermore, the national law states that dogs must be ‘under the effective control’ of their owners (see Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992).
DLR wardens have increased patrolling of beaches and parks, exacting fines from law-abiding citizens who have walked and swum their well-behaved dogs off leash in the same places for years.
We do not believe that DLR Council’s proposed policy to build more dog pens in public parks is the solution. Together with vets and other professionals, we hold that a healthy dog needs to be allowed to exercise off a leash, to run free and socialise, and be at ease with other dogs. See Public Statement by Vets and other dog professionals
DLR Council has postponed its proposal to ‘review the designation of Killiney Hill park’ as an off-leash area. But with the increasing number of dog walkers now banished to the Hill, for fear of being fined elsewhere, this review could re-surface.

OUR PROPOSALS

We fully support many aspects of the bye-laws as they relate to such issues as dog fouling and out-of-control animals. See Aims of Friends of Dogs Unleashed. However:

We want to see the bye-laws relaxed to allow dogs to be walked off leash either in certain parts of our beaches and parks or at certain times. See Submission to DLR Council by Dogs Unleashed 15 Sept. 2011
We believe that the stringency of the present bye-laws, and the recent spate of fines and warnings to those whose dogs are harming no-one, is counter-productive. The Council should be working with us, not against us, to ensure that pets do not become pests.

Responsible owners have nothing to fear from fair laws and effective enforcement.

Clive and Murray would really be upset if they couldn't enjoy their Sunday mornings on Killiney Hill ....

First it was the local beaches - we would really like to see these local bye-laws amended and we really hope DLR keep Killiney Hill permanently 'off leash'. We know (as a working partnership) exactly how important it is to have dogs leashed but we also know how important it is to have some areas that dogs (all dogs) can enjoy a 'free-run'!

We hope the Dogs Unleashed Public Support Meeting tomorrow at 3pm in Killiney Castle Hotel is a huge success!

- Clive & Co

When Clive went to the groomers .....

2012-01-18T22:21:00.001Z

Clive went to Positive Dog Training in Sandyford on Monday ....

He met Suzi who used to work in Guide Dogs and now has now opened this fabulous new business ....

They do dog grooming, training, daycare and have a fantastic shop!

Clive was groomed by Liz and really enjoyed his grooming session ....

Murray was thrilled with the result ....

He loves the smell of Clive freshly groomed ....

He loves the feel of Clive freshly groomed ...

He loves the touch of Clive freshly groomed ....

We wish Suzi the very best of luck with Positive Dog Training ...

It is a great facility and Clive was delighted to discover a new groomer so close to home!

For more information on Positive Dog Training - check our their website!

- Clive & Co

Clive and Murray's 'Southern' dinner (even if they didn't eat any!!)

2012-01-15T22:00:00.094Z

Clive and Murray loved going to Hilton Head ...

(a huge benefit of Clive being an assistance dog was that he was able to sit on the plane with us and fly Dublin-New York, New York-Savannah, ensuring Murray travelled happily and confidently) ..

They loved South Carolina - playing on the beach, swimming in warm waters ...

They got Mom to make a video of their holiday that they love to watch over and over ....

Petey's Mom, Jane who invited us over to Hilton Head came to visit us here in Dublin last September and she brought over a great Southern cookbook - Screen Doors and Sweet Tea by Martha Hall Foose.

Murray's Mom and his sister Sorcha spent this afternoon cooking ...

Cooking "Sold My Soul to the Devil-ed Eggs" - Cabbage Rolls - Ginger Molasses Cookies from the cookbook ...

The deviled eggs were really simple to make and thanks to Murray's grand-aunt Margaret - we even had the right plate to display them ....

Murray's Mom and Sorcha recently saw "The Help" after having both read the book and they enjoyed putting together something they had read some much about ... (they loved the fact also that the film was nearly as good as the book).

The Cabbage Rolls were a great success - they might not have looked the prettiest - or maybe that was just the way that they ended up after being cooked in the oven for over an hour ...

But they tasted really good and half the mixture was put into red peppers as well. We loved the hint to drop the peppers into boiling water for 2 minutes before stuffing them and baking them. Made a big difference ....

Okay, they also don't look the most attractive - but they sure made up for it in taste! Murray loves minced beef so we thought this might be a good way to get him to eat a slightly different version!

And did he?? Well no, he enjoyed all the plating up and discussion about what was in the dishes ... but he wasn't tasting any!! He had some plain brown mince ...

But everyone else went back for seconds and had more cabbage rolls ....

Then for desert we had Ginger Molasses Cookies - rolled in sugar! All thanks to Sorcha - she's the pastry chef in the house! They were absolutely delicious! (Okay, Murray had a plain chocolate chip cookie!!)

So delicious in fact, that there are none left ....

Lucky we took a photo earlier!

Murray and Clive having a look at the recipes ....

We really did try to encourage Murray to sample the 'new tastes' but he can a hard man to persuade. His tastes are very rigid. He has cookery in school once a week and they are working very hard there to try to get him to experience 'new tastes' too. Some days he's great, more often he will just smell the food and say "no thank you".

He did enjoy watching the rest of us eating ....

He enjoyed showing Clive the food that we had cooked ....

He enjoyed kissing his dog before bedtime tonight ....

But he wasn't going to be tempted by some 'Southern' food ...

However, it was a good exercise - Mom and Sorcha got to cook together, Murray's Dad enjoyed his 'Southern' dinner and Murray got to help 'tidy up' ...

Well, even if he didn't eat the dinner - he still has to understand that everyone tidies up!!

- Clive & Co

As Irish Guide Dogs close their waiting list for Assistance Dogs - why it is more important than ever to provide Autism Assistance Dogs .....

2012-01-13T23:18:00.001Z

Clive is a trained Assistance Dog from Irish Guide Dogs ...

We were lucky enough to get Clive six years ago. He has made an incredible difference to Murray's life!

Currrently over 200 families around the country have received Assistance Dogs ....

However over 220 families are currently on the waiting list for an Assistance Dog from Irish Guide Dogs ...

As only approximately 40 Assistance Dogs are trained each year - that means that the current waiting list will take approximately 3 to 4 years to address ....

Therefore Irish Guide Dogs had to take the very difficult decision to close their waiting list at present ....

Reasons why we would like more funding for Autism Assistance Dogs ....

* because there are 220 families around Ireland on the waiting list for an Assistance Dog and many more who can't even get on the waiting list at the moment .....

* because it costs €35,000 to train an Assistance Dog and that's a lot of money for each dog (particularly in the current economic climate!)

* because every day that we have had Clive has made us realise just how magical and precious his presence is within our house and we have experienced the enormous impact he has had on Murray ....

* because we know what our lives were like before Clive came here and we know how hard it is for many families waiting to get a dog like Clive

* because Clive is Murray's BEST FRIEND - HIS CONSTANT - HIS SUPPORT

* because other kids like Murray deserve to have a BEST FRIEND like Clive

SO, for those reasons and more we WANT more Assistance Dogs for children with Autism .....

Today, our Minister for Health, Dr James O'Reilly ....

"announced €3m additional funding to address needs of children with autism ...

The Minister for Health James Reilly TD has announced the allocation of €1m in additional funding to address the needs of children with autism this year, with a further €1m following over each of the next two years - €3m in total ...

We would love to think that some of that money will go towards funding more Autism Assistance Dogs!

- Clive & Co

Volunteer Puppy Walkers urgently needed ......

2012-01-11T23:24:00.004Z

A message from Irish Guide Dogs ....

"Puppies like me are born to be guide or assistance dogs; all we really need are some nice people to look after us, educate and play with us until we grow up and go to work in the big world as proper working dogs."

What our volunteer puppy walkers do?

The puppy walkers's job is to rear the puppy and educate it so that it becomes a well-mannered, well adjusted, socially acceptable animal. This education forms an essential foundation for the future.

How do we support our volunteer puppy walkers?

We host a variety of practical workshops for Puppy Walkers to aid their knowledge and assist them with dog handling skills.

Our Puppy Walking Supervisors work closely with each Puppy Walker, keeping in regular contact and visiting to monitor the puppy's progress - all to enable our volunteer Puppy Walker to successfully socialise their respective puppy.

All veterinary fees and feeding costs are covered by Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Which kinds of people make ideal puppy walkers?

Retired people and families with children generally make good puppy walkers, but anyone can apply and having pets doesn't necessarily exclude people. The important thing is that the person is able to spend time caring and teaching the puppy.

Furthermore, it is important to note that applications are evaluated according to various criteria, the most important of which are:

There needs to be an adult at home full time;

Puppies cannot be placed in homes where there are children under the age of five.

How to apply to become a volunteer puppy walker

If you are interested in becoming a Puppy Walker, please complete the Puppy Walker Application Form on the Irish Guide Dogs website. Alternatively, please call us on lo-call 1850 506 300.

Without volunteer puppy walkers, Clive wouldn't be working with Murray today ....

We are eternally grateful to the Nairn family that puppy walked Clive for the first year of his life!

Clive has made an incredible difference to the life and Murray and his whole family and that is thanks to Irish Guide Dogs and especially his puppy walkers who did all the hard work during the first 12 months of Clive's life ...

Please consider becoming a Volunteer Puppy Walker - Irish Guide Dogs urgently need more puppy walkers!

- Clive & Co

Puppy in training - Quinn - has just headed back down to Cork for early training in the IGDB Training Centre - check out his blog here .....

Puppy in training - Roxy - has moved over to France for a few months before her puppy walker embarks on a fantastic fundraising horse trek in France to raise money for the Autism Assistance Dog Programme - check out her blog here ....

Clive and Murray visit the Chester Beatty Library to see China - Through the Lens of John Thomson ....

2012-01-08T23:16:00.002Z

Clive and Murray went into town today to visit the Chester Beatty Library ....

Murray's Mom had read about the exhibition - China - Through the Lens of John Thomson (1868-1872) that is currently on display there so she explained to Murray a little about it and they went in to see the photos.

Murray is fascinated with travel and dates and places so it was a good way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

We want to thank the incredibly friendly and kind staff at the Chester Beatty Library who made the visit all the more special. It is always lovely to feel so welcome and Clive and Murray really enjoyed all the attention and answering the questions asked from visitors at the Library. It is fantastic to see Murray's confidence now in responding to people and his pride in talking about Clive.

After visiting the exhibition we took our time walking around Dublin Castle - which was like a little oasis in the middle of a busy city on a Sunday afternoon.

The boys spotted the sentry boxes as we were leaving Dublin Castle and couldn't resist standing in them ....

In fact, Clive didn't want to leave his box at all ....

Murray and Clive experienced something new today and really enjoyed it ....

A good Sunday ....

- Clive & Co

Clive and Murray celebrate Little Christmas - Nollaig na mBan .....

2012-01-06T22:46:00.002Z

Today is Little Christmas here in Ireland or Nollaig na mBan (Women's Christmas) - it's traditionally the last day of Christmas here - the day when all the women should have to do no work and Christmas traditionally finishes ...

Well the tree came down earlier ....

The house was cleaned .....

The ironing was done ....

Then the postman knocked on the door ....

Presents all the way from Arizona from Baby Rocket Dog and Hootie!!

Murray, Clive and Sorcha were thrilled .....

It was a wonderful end to Christmas .....

Murray absolutely loved his new yellow t-shirt from Arizona ....

He immediately went to find Arizona on his big map in his playroom ....

He's on a mission to visit Las Vegas (because of The Hangover - the tiger in the bathroom - better not to ask too many questions on this one!!) so he was thrilled to discover that Arizona was just next door to Las Vegas!

We have however explained that Las Vegas is no place for children - he'll just have to wait until he is 18 years old - then Mom and Dad might bring him over there to celebrate his 18th birthday!! (You have to realise this is something he will not forget!!!)

In the meantime though his new yellow t-shirt from Arizona made his day and Sorcha loved her t-shirts too!

Mom's day was made tonight when she explained that after actually having to work on Nollaig na mBan - she was now not going to cook dinner as well ....

So, the pizza delivery man was rung and he didn't disappoint ....

In fact, Murray's Mom didn't really do all that much work today ...

Remember from last year, someone else in the house has been taught how to iron ....

Happy Little Christmas - Nollaig na mBan to all our 'female' friends out there - we hope you had a good one!

- Clive & Co

Happy Birthday Grandad Jimmy .....

2012-01-05T23:21:00.001Z

Happy Birthday Grandad Jimmy ...

You have been around for a long time ....

85 years .....

that is a long time!

I remember you when I was very small ....

I remember you coming to visit me in Brussels and taking care of me with Grandma ....

Now that I am big and I am 13 years old ....

I like that we like the same things ....

I like that we wear the same type of hats ....

I like that you are my Grandad ....

Happy Birthday Grandad Jimmy ....

85 years old today ....

with lots of love

Murray and Clive

Clive and Murray's review of 2011 ....

2012-01-01T18:59:00.029Z

2011 was a huge year in the House of Clive - so many things happened that it was very hard to sit down over the past few days and pick out some highlights! Everyone in the house had an opinion on what was their most memorable moment, which is just how it should be. Anyway, here are Murray and Clive's main 2011 highlights ....

January 2011 ....
January was the month that Clive and Murray met the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Gerry Breen who hosted a special thank you evening for the Dublin volunteers of Irish Guide Dogs. Without volunteers it would be very hard to run a charity like Irish Guide Dogs. Meeting with up Rosemary and Clint (Clive's brother) always thrills Murray and that evening was only the beginning of another year of working again with Clint, fundraising with him and attending school talks with him. Clint and Clive make a great impact together helping to spread awareness about guide dogs and assistance dogs.

In January we also had visitors all the way from Lubbock, Texas. It was wonderful to meet some of our blogging friends in person. Again, it was only our first blogging visitor of the year, we were thrilled to have another very special friend come visit later in the year as well ...

February 2011 ....

February was a very special month - Murray's Confirmation. He might not have understood every bit of it but he understood enough to make it a very special celebration. Huge thanks again to his teachers in St Augustine's School who prepared him so well for his special day.

Just after Murray's confirmation the family went to Spain for a week which was a very busy week as Clive was in the middle of the 'Actimel Full of Life Winter Moment' competition to try and win €10,000 for Irish Guide Dogs. Huge thanks again to all our family, friends and supporters of autism assistance dogs who voted throughout the long campaign each and every day and particularly during that last week in February while we were out of the country! In particular Paul Oliver Murphy who was like Clive's campaign manager - Paul - we would never have done it without you! We had incredible support throughout January and February and we were absolutely thrilled to finally win the €10,000 to help provide more autism assistance dogs.

Our General Election was also looming that month as well and Clive was busy meeting prospective leaders of the country as they took part in a charity bet run by Paddy Powers Bookmakers for Irish Guide Dogs.

Clive's photo with our now Taoiseach (Prime Minister), Enda Kenny made the front cover of every newspaper in the country, was on the front cover of The Phoenix (Ireland's top satirical magazine) and Clive was even mentioned on TV3's Vincent Browne's programme when the question of 'whether the doodle would do a better job in Brussels' was asked by Vincent!

March 2011 .....

March was another very busy month and an important month too as Clive's blog was recognised in the Irish Blog Awards 2011 and awarded Best Specialist Blog 2011. We were hugely honoured to have Clive's Blog recognised in this way and many thanks again to those who nominated us and accepted the award on our behalf as unfortunately we were out of the country and unable to be there in Belfast in person to accept it.

For March is also the month that Murray goes to Disneyland Paris for St Patrick's Day its a bit of tradition for him and one he is very unwilling to give up despite the fact that he has been going for so many years now. What was great this year was to see so many other families with children with autism from Ireland visiting at the same time as well. Disneyland Paris really understand and treat children with special needs well and it is no surprise to us that nine other families we know with children with autism are all going back over to Disneyland Paris this coming March to see 'Mickey' in green again (and yes, Murray will be among them!)

April 2011 ....

April was the launch Shades 2011 - the main fundraiser of the year for Irish Guide Dogs and Clive was delighted to be along at the launch with Hector O hEochagáin. Hector is a great supporter of Irish Guide Dogs and has even sponsored a puppy in training - called unsurprisingly Hector - this year through his daily breakfast radio show Hector on RTE 2fm.

Clive was 6 in April - always a very important day for Murray who celebrates Clive's birthday with as much ceremony and consideration as he does his own! April was also the month that we heard that Dublin Zoo were going to allow service dogs visit on a 'phrased and trial' basis. Unfortunately this has yet to happen so Murray and Clive still can't visit together but one of their big 'wishes' for 2012 is that they will be able to visit together (certainly before Clive retires!!)

April also saw Murray and Clive interviewed live on television on RTE television's Four Live afternoon show. The presenter Maura Derrane spoke to Murray about Clive and how he helps him and their success in the Danone Actimel competition and we were incredibly proud of how well Murray and Clive managed the 'live' interview.

May 2011 ....

May was another very important month for Murray and Clive as they were 'official mascots' for the Dublin Ladies Senior Football team at their League Final game against Meath in Parnell Park. Thanks to the Dublin captain Cliodhna O'Connell who is always great with Murray whenever she meets him and to all the Dublin players and County Board for their support of Irish Guide Dogs.

May was also a great month for Murray's sister Sorcha as she played with the Dublin Ladies U-14 team and they won their All Ireland semi-final match against Galway.

June 2011 ....

June was a very special month indeed - "A magical Murray moment" - this was the month that Murray and Clive took their first walk together. Just Murray and Clive (with no Mom, Dad or sister) having to tag along and supervise. It was a huge moment in the House of Clive and that blog post is one of our three favourites of the year because it marked such a huge moment in Murray's journey to independence.

June also saw us down in Cork for the official re-opening of the Irish Guide Dogs Training Centre and Murray and Clive got to meet the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny again! The newly redeveloped Centre offers state-of-art training and breeding facilities and hopefully will mean many more dogs can be provided for children with autism and the blind and visually impaired.

While down in Cork Murray and Clive also visited the English Market where the Queen of England had also visited only a few weeks earlier. Murray really enjoyed this as he recognises the Queen from his Johnny English DVD's!

Sorcha was also playing again with the Dublin U-14's and there were huge celebrations when they took home the U-14 Blitz title having narrowly missed out on beating Cork in the All Ireland U-14 Final a few weeks earlier. Clive and Murray are huge Dublin supporters whether it's the U-14's, the Ladies or the Men playing!

July 2011 ....

July was our 'Sorchaless' month as Murray's big sister went to Irish college for three weeks but it was also the first time that Murray didn't attend the summer camp in his school and spent the month doing 'special' things with Clive and his Mom. It was a month that his Mom took time to reflect back on all the Murray has achieved as it was nearing his 13th birthday - "A summer of change, a summer to take note of .... " is our second favourite post of 2011.

August 2011 .....

August was the month we went back to Hilton Head in South Carolina. Our great friend Jane (whom we met through blogging) invited us back over to HHI. We enjoyed our visit just as much as the year before - Murray particularly loved the dolphins that came back to 'talk' to him in Harbourtown. He was also fascinated to visit 'St Augustine' in Florida and discover a town with the same name as his school.

Murray was 13 in August - officially a teenager! He spent his birthday in Universal Studios meeting Barney! Moments like this hit you hard sometimes because the rest of the kids there were 3 and 4 years old. But Mrs Peekaboo and Barney were wonderful with Murray and we took lots of photos of that special moment when 'Murray met Barney' .

September 2011 ....

"On the road to Croker with Clive and Murray" was another important post for us as Clive and Murray looked back on their 'Dublin' journey. Without Clive Murray would never have become the proud and happy 'Dub' supporter that he is and Dublin winning the All Ireland Football Final for the first time since 1995 this September was one of the major highlights of the year in the House of Clive!

Another huge highlight from September was Jane's visit to us in Dublin. While we have known Jane through our blogs for the past three years and we have visited her twice in South Carolina and New York - it was really wonderful to have Jane over here with us in Ireland. Jane's book on her trip to Dublin is one of our most precious gifts of 2011.

October 2011 ....
October saw Dublin Ladies GAA make Irish Guide Dogs their charity of choice for 2011/12. We were delighted at this news and Clive thoroughly enjoyed meeting the Dublin Senior, U-16, and U-14 captains for the press release photos! We know Irish Guide Dogs are very much looking forward to many fundraising activities with Dublin Ladies GAA during 2012.

October was also the month that Murray's horse bolted during one of his group riding sessions - he did get back on his horse again the following week but Murray's pleasure and enjoyment in riding has been somewhat dimmed by this experience. He has a long memory .....

Halloween however cheered him up and his Cat in the Hat outfit was one of his absolute favourites of all time! Having Clive and his friend Buddy as Thing 1 and Thing 2 was the icing on the cake!

November 2011 .....

"A truly momentous Day - Murray''s 1st shave" - is our third special favorite post of 2011. Murray was and is so proud of the fact that he is now shaving just like Dad. Okay, he may only need to do it every few weeks but he is so happy to have reached another 'milestone'.

Murray was also Student of the Week again during November - he really appreciates this acknowledgement from his school and counts up each year how many times he makes Student of the Week. He can tell you not only how many times but the exact date of each award as well. He also won a trophy for Most Improved Swimmer along with a gold medal for his breaststroke so he was one happy boy!

December 2011 ...
Murray loves December - the whole anticipation of Christmas and Santa. Again we had plenty of time this month to be very grateful for having Clive in our lives as visits to Grandad in hospital and Santa were made much easier by Clive's constant present by Murray's side.

We fundraised again and attended carol services with Clive's brother Clint and were very thankful at the end of the year all that Clive and Murray have achieved together in 2011.

We are also thankful for all the wonderful friends that we have all around the world who continually support us with kind comments as we travel along our always interesting path with Murray and Clive. Murray is incredibly proud of his dog Clive's blog. It is very important to Murray to see his photos on 'Clive's blog' and for that reason we continue to share our stories and continue to blog.

2011 was a very successful and eventful year for Clive and Murray ....

Our main wish for 2012 has to be that more children with autism will receive autism assistance dogs ....

(Clive and Murray's wish also is that Dublin win the All Ireland again this year!) - they insisted we finish with that!

- Clive & Co

ps-we know Clive was giving out lots of share tips and advice over the past few years and doing rather well (investing the money for Irish Guide Dogs) and after achieving a blow-out 66% profit in 2010 - he took a break in 2011 but due to popular demand he'll return shortly with his share tips for 2012!

A very Happy New Year from Clive and Murray .....

2011-12-31T16:15:00.001Z

Clive and Murray wishing all their friends

a Very Happy New Year !

(we'll be back tomorrow with a big review of 2011!)

At home .....

2011-12-29T23:14:00.004Z

Murray spends hours grooming Clive, talking to Clive and playing with Clive everyday ....

(and that's before Clive even begins his daily work outside the house with Murray!)

Many thanks to Sorcha for capturing these photos today!

- Clive & Co

Murray's Christmas photos .....

2011-12-27T13:42:00.002Z

My dog Clive - he loves Christmas ....

My Mom's Christmas cake - it smells like Christmas ....

Sorcha's gingerbread house .....

My new hot air balloon ....

Mom's new snowman ....

Sorcha's gingerbread house again ....

Anne's chocolate tree cake ....

Mom's orchids ...

Reindeers in the sitting room ....

A book for Dad ....

My dog Clive happy in the hall ....

My Santa stocking under the Christmas tree ....

Hearts on the Christmas tree ....

Santas everywhere ....

Absolutely everywhere ....

Books that I really love - travel books with windmills in Holland .....

Books for Mom ....

More books for me .....

Turkey jelly ....

To fry some turkey yesterday morning - my favourite Christmas meal!

Fried turkey on St Stephen's Day - I love fried turkey!
Santa hats everywhere ....

My dog Clive again watching me ....

Christmas crackers ..... I love pulling crackers!

I love Christmas .....

Thank you Santa! Thank you Clive for being the best ever dog this Christmas!

- Murray at Clive's House

(Thanks to Murray for his great photos today - taken on his iPad using the Hipstamatic App - he loves the photo effect and photographing everything in the house - thankfully Mom hid because she was still in her jammies at lunch-time!)

"We wish you a Merry Christmas" ....

2011-12-24T19:04:00.000Z

Merry Christmas from Clive and Murray

(and all the family)

We hope Santa is good to everyone tonight!

See you all back in a few days time!

- Clive & Co

When Clive and Murray went to see Santa at Avoca, Powerscourt .....

2011-12-23T17:25:00.001Z

Yesterday Clive and Murray went to Powerscourt to visit Santa's reindeers!

They weren't even going to try and visit Santa because with it only being a few days before Christmas it was going to be incredibly busy and noisy and not the best place for Murray to be (even with Clive working beside him!).

However, after visiting the reindeers Murray wanted to go inside to get a chocolate chip cookie (Avoca makes the best cookies in the whole wide world - according to Murray).

They saw the huge queue to see Santa - there was a two hour wait time!

Murray's Mom explained to Murray that he had already seen Santa several weeks ago in Dundrum (but that seemed a very long time ago to Murray).

Murray's Mom braced herself to try and get Murray to understand that really this was a non-runner! She knew well that Murray wouldn't be able to wait that long - in fact, the noise and crowds were already starting to get to him.

But, the staff at Powerscourt, seeing Clive and Murray working together and realising there was a 'special need' here immediately asked them to sit to one side for a few minutes.

Five minutes later Murray and Clive were in with Santa!

What can we say - only a HUGE THANK YOU to the incredible kind and sensitive people we met yesterday at Santa's Grotto at Avoca, Powerscourt.

It really made Murray's Christmas - for not only did he get to see Santa's reindeers and introduce Clive to them - then he actually got to meet the man himself! Santa was superb - he chatted away with Murray and Clive and said all the right things!!! We REALLY REALLY appreciated it!

Plus, a fantastic photo and a snowglobe! Murray was thrilled with both. He was incredibly proud of such a great photo of himself and Clive with Santa and the fact that it was also made into a snowglobe for him! Then he got a great present too! A million thanks to Santa and all his crew at Avoca, Powerscourt!

You have no idea how special you made Christmas for Murray and Clive!!!

The reindeers listened attentively to Murray and promised to help Santa arrive as quickly as possible to Murray's house in Ireland ....

and finally home last night with a very special card and snowglobe for Murray and Clive ....

Murray's Mom has been a bit busy today but Murray has not stopped asking for the photos of Santa, his reindeers and the snowglobe to be uploaded ...

After having to bring Grandma out Grandad's Christmas present (a wheelchair - poor Grandad won't be very happy with his present but he really needs it), visiting Santa (again!) and then going to go to collect the turkey this morning and discovering that the starter motor had gone on her car - Murray's Mom was just a tad busy but Murray is sitting here beside her with Clive waiting to see 'my Santa photos' uploaded on 'Clive's blog Mom!!!'

Thanks again to Santa and everyone at Avoca, Powerscourt!

- Clive & Co

Opps!! I did it again (Clive - well and truly in the dog house!!!)

2011-12-20T23:17:00.002Z

Well, the sausage rolls were just left there ....

24 freshly baked sausage rolls - smelling so delicious!

Murray called his Mom into the playroom for a minute ....

It only took a minute!

They were extremely delicious!!!

This has not gone down well!!

Murray told me "I am so disappointed in you Clive - go to your bed and just think about what you did"

That boy sure knows how to give out! He doesn't take 'messing' well!

He is actually very cross with me!! Not to mention how his Mom is feeling towards me!!

Does this mean 'Santa' will not leave anything in my stocking???

- Clive

Irish Guide Dogs recently published their 2011 issue of Guidelines, their annual magazine that shares some of the highlights of their year and shows the huge commitment and support they receive from clients, staff and volunteers. Clive and Murray feature on several on the pages - click on the link here to read some of the stories from the past year in Irish Guide Dogs. Page 15 has a great story about Assistance Dog Gandon and the difference he has made to the lives of the family he is now working with ....

When Clive and Murray went to some Christmas Markets ...

2011-12-19T09:58:00.000Z

Yesterday Clive and Murray went into Dun Laoghaire to visit the Christmas market there ....

They loved the live 'Crib' and especially meeting 'Laurence' - the friendliest donkey ever!

There was lots of interesting stalls ....

and lots of 'yummy' food! Murray loved the 'bratwurst' .... (and Clive too!!)

They really enjoyed the atmosphere in Dun Laoghaire and meeting lots of friends. There were puppy walkers there and lots of pet dogs enjoying the lovely winter sunshine. Clive never had so many people stop to say 'hello' to him and Murray was brillant - talking to people and telling them all about 'my best friend Clive' ...

Later they went into the Christmas Market at the Dublin Docklands ....

There were more food stalls so Clive and Murray had to sample some more delicious 'bratwurst' ... (thank you Sorcha for these cool photos!!)

and the 'pommes frites' were just like they remembered them from Brussels. So they had one cone of frites and then had to go back for a second one! They were that good!!

Murray and Clive enjoying their 'frites'

and Murray kept asking Sorcha to take photos of the cool lights ...

While his Mom got him of the coolest Christmas gifts ever ....

Murray was so excited when he saw the Santa's Pen stall at the market ....

He really loves this Dog House and the fact that he can move the 'dogs' around depending on who he thinks is 'in the dog house'. He doesn't quite get that expression so we've had great fun trying to explain to him what it means!!

Yes, Tinkerbell is a 'dog' too! They didn't have any little 'cats'. But when we went back to collect the 'dogs' - we were given a special Christmas 'Cat' decoration for Tinkerbell. Just in case, she was feeling a bit miffed at being represented as a dog!!

Many thanks to Santa's Pen for the lovely Christmas 'Cat' decoration! Tinkerbell slept under the decoration, under the Christmas Tree last night (much to Murray's delight!)

Clive and Murray had a great time at the Christmas markets in Dun Laoghaire and the Dublin Docklands. They met so many friendly people - Christmas really puts everyone in good humour!

Now, it's back to school for another few days before the holidays really begin .....

- Clive & Murray

When Clive and Murray went to get some Christmas cards ...

2011-12-16T23:59:00.003Z

Clive and Murray wanted some Christmas cards to send out to their friends ...

They went to the first printers who made up a not very good card!

They went to the second printers who made up the most amazing Christmas cards!

The printer used their favourite photo from last summer - the boys with their summer haircuts!

They did lovely artwork (free of charge)

They did a really special price on the cards (an incredibly special price!!)

When Clive and Murray went to collect their Christmas cards after school the other day, there was a slight delay ...

The photos weren't ready until the following morning. But when Murray's Mom went into collect them the next morning the printer gave her a special framed photo of Clive and Murray!

The boys were so happy with both their cards and framed photo!

Huge thanks to Reads in Sandyford!!

We really love Clive and Murray's Christmas Cards and we really that photo!!

Very much appreciated .....

- Clive & Co

Clive and Murray with Maxdog's book - all the way from South Africa ....

2011-12-14T23:27:00.001Z

Murray and Clive were delighted to receive a copy of Maxdog a few days ago.

Many of our friends will know about Maxdog - a golden retriever dog who lived in South Africa with his family. Max got sick two years ago and sadly died and his owner Caryl has just published a book about the story of Maxdog.

Murray and Clive got a mention in the book too and Murray was very happy to hear his Mom read out some of the the sections of the book to him and to show him a photo of Clive and himself in the book.

It is a great story and we would like to thank Caryl very much for sending us a copy of the book.

It was lovely to read all about Max's story again.

- Clive & Murray

ps-many thanks to everyone for their kind wishes for Murray's Grandad. All the good wishes and prayers obviously worked because Grandad is back home again! Happy days!!!

When Clive went to hospital .... (we really appreciated the magic of Clive today!)

2011-12-11T22:53:00.002Z

Murray's Grandad is in hospital ...

He has been there for the past six days ....

He's been in hospital quite a lot over the past few years.

It's hard being a Grandad sometimes. Age catches up with you. But Murray's Grandad fights back everytime.

Anyway, today we all went into see Murray's Grandad ...

Yes, that means Murray, his Mom, his Dad, his sister and most importantly, his dog. Clive was there to visit Grandad too!

Clive, as an Assistance Dog has full access to all the same places that you and me as 'general members of the public' have ...

Only, bringing a large Goldendoodle dog into a hospital is not always easy - even if he's a working dog! Or is it???

We were in the Blackrock Clinic a few weeks ago with Murray. Murray had to see a 'foot' consultant because he has fallen arches. Clive accompanied Murray into the hospital, the consultant's room, the X-Ray department.

Clive was welcomed everywhere - his brother Clint is a regular visitor with his guide dog owner Rosemary and they even have a photo of Clint in one of the hospital departments. Murray's visit that day went so well because he was able to have Clive along with him and the staff in the Blackrock Clinic were exceptional in their kindness and attention to Murray and Clive. Then again, Murray's Mom is a regular in their physiotherapy department (accompanied by Clive and Murray) and the physios are always great with Clive and Murray so we know that the Blackrock Clinic really welcome service dogs.

Today, however we were at another hospital. We were at Loughinstown Hospital to visit Murray's Grandad. On a freezing cold, wet Sunday afternoon we arrived into reception and immediatley met two security men! We explained about Murray, we explained about Clive ... (we weren't sure they were quite convinced that a service dog could visit).

Murray's Mom left Murray with Clive and Sorcha in the main reception area and popped down to Grandad's ward to have a word with the nurse in charge.

So what happened .... well Clive and Murray were able to go down to the day room to visit Grandad. They even got to take a short cut and had a nurse waiting to let them in a side door to the day room. They were able to spend as long as they wanted visiting Grandad.

They were welcomed by the staff in charge and told they were more than welcome to come back anytime!

Murray was relaxed and happy in the hospital with Clive at his side, Grandad was more than pleased to see both his grandson and his grandson's service dog together.

It all went very well. Murray doesn't find visiting hospitals easy at the best of times but with Clive he can cope with anything ....

We would like to thank the staff in Loughlinstown Hospital for their courtesy and kindness dealing with Clive and Murray today.

It meant a lot to us.

We hope Grandad is back home very soon with Grandma.

- Clive & Co

ps - What did we love also about today - well the fact that Clive ran madly around Grandma's garden earlier this morning chasing a marmalade coloured cat but an hour later 'in his jacket' was in total working mode - walking, watching and reacting to Murray with incredible attention. He goes from 'pet dog' to 'working dog' in the time it just takes to put on his 'working jacket'.

pps-yes, tonight's photo is of Clive lying beside his bed - not on it!! Tinkerbell has taken over ownership of Clive's bed downstairs - as she does every winter! Clive is such a gentleman he allows her .... and just lies down beside her!

He's a great dog in every respect!!

Clive and Clint and carol singing in aid of Irish Guide Dogs ....

2011-12-10T23:53:00.001Z

Murray was so excited that Clive got to meet his brother Clint again today ...

They met up at the Frascati Shopping Centre in Blackrock.

There were lots of carol singers there - singing and collecting money for Irish Guide Dogs!

Murray really loved it! He loves hearing Christmas carols being sung .....

But more importantly for him was the chance to meet Rosemary and Clint again.

Murray adores spending time with Rosemary and Clint ....

It is simple things like being able to introduce his dog Clive to his brother Clint that really make Murray happy.

It is simple things like this that really make us appreciate Murray's take on life ....

To make him happy today and to put a huge smile on his face all we had to do with spend a little time with Clive's brother!

That has made Murray's weekend!

Well done to the fantastic carol singers who sang and raised much needed money for Irish Guide Dogs.

Huge thanks to all the people who stopped by and asked about Clive and Clint - Murray is always so happy now to talk about Clive and his brother Clint.

It, in turn, makes us so happy to hear Murray speak with such confidence now and with such pride about his Assistance Dog.

It was a good day - a day that really got us excited about Christmas.

- Clive & Murray

When Jane came to Ireland - The Book!!!!

2011-12-07T09:40:00.001Z

Murray and Clive were really excited a few weeks ago when a very special book arrived at their house!

It was a present from Petey's Mom - Jane.

"When Jane Came to Ireland" - the story of Jane's few days in Ireland with us last September ...

Murray has really enjoyed sitting down with Clive and going through all the amazing photos! Jane takes brillant photos!

More than that, she writes brillantly too!

Murray loved reading about her adventures here with us in Ireland!

There were photos of all the important things - like pints of Guinness!

Photos from all the places we visited - the photos were so good that Murray's Mom is convinced that Jane should be working here for the Irish Tourist Board. They would love her!!

Anyway, many thanks to Jane for taking the time to put this very special book together for us.

We very much hope Jane will come back to visit us again!

We only got to show her Dublin and there are many more beautiful places around Ireland that we would love to have taken her too .....

Next time Jane!!

- Clive & Murray

Clive and Murray at Pepper Canister Church for their Annual Thanksgiving Service for Irish Guide Dogs .....

2011-12-04T23:10:00.001Z

Murray was so excited this morning ....

Clive and himself were going into Pepper Canister Church for their Annual Service of Thanksgiving for Irish Guide Dogs .....

Murray was up early and all ready to leave with Clive, which was just as well as his Mom and Dad were at the Keith Duffy Masquerade Ball in aid of Irish Autism Action & Saplings School Rathfarnham in the Ritz Carlton Powerscourt last night. They had a great night but got home very late - getting to bed after 3am so Murray was the man on call this morning to make sure Mom & Dad were up and out and ready for Pepper Canister at 10am ...

Murray's Mom was talking about the Assistance Dog Programme at the service - the Vicar doesn't give a sermon on a Sunday - so Murray's Mom talked about the incredible impact that Clive was had on Murray's life and indeed on the whole life of his family and how over 220 children are on a waiting list for an Assistance Dog!

After the service all the dogs and people there went outside for some photos!

Murray was super excited because not only was Clive's brother Clint there with his guide dog owner Rosemary (Clive and Clint are photographed together in the first photo) but Clive and Clint's Mammy was there as well. Murray was incredibly excited to meet Peaches again .....

It it wasn't for Peaches and the kindness of her owner Margaret - six years ago - Clive and Clint wouldn't be here today working as an assistance dog and guide dog for Murray and Rosemary.

Murray and Clive meeting Nellie (Clive's half-sister and his Mammy Peaches)

We were very grateful for all the assistance dogs, guide dogs and puppies in training who turned up at Pepper Canister this morning, plus all the Peata Dogs and Irish Therapy Dogs. It was amazing to be in the middle of such a wonderful service with so many very special dogs there.

Murray and Clive would like to say a 'huge big thank you' to everyone who supported Irish Guide Dogs at the service this morning. Over €500 was raised at the collection plus lots of Irish Guide Dogs Christmas Cards and Calendars were sold afterwards ..... (thanks to Angela and Jane from A&A Branch who were there selling all the IGDB merchandise!).

Thank you in particular to The Reverend David Gillespie and his congregation for inviting us along and supporting Irish Guide Dogs this year and every year at this Thanksgiving Service.

- Clive & Murray

ps Murray's Mom & Dad a few hours earlier leaving for The Keith Duffy Masquerade Ball 2011 ...

Murray insisted their photo be included tonight because HE took that photo! Thanks to Sorcha for babysitting last night! Thanks to Irish Autism Action for such a great evening - it was amazing to experience such support for autism and such kindness and generosity. Over €77,000 was raised on the evening - and after all the monies have been added up - we reckon over €100,000 will have been raised for Irish Autism Action. That is some achievement in the current economic climate! Well done again to everyone involved - the Ritz Carlton, Xtra-vision, MCI Group, Marks & Spencer, Ray Darcy, Brian Kennedy, Mickey Joe Harte, BPI Telecom, Paul & Claire Scholes, Brendan O'Carroll and many more ......

When Clive met Santa and his special Christmas wish .....

2011-12-02T23:57:00.006Z

Clive and Murray went to see Santa yesterday in Dundrum Town Centre ...

They had a fabulous time with Santa ....

He remembered Clive and Murray from last year .....

He chatted away to them about their Christmas lists ....

Murray just wants some new DVD's and some books (he's a great kid that never looks for much)

Clive's Christmas wish is probably a little harder to achieve ....

He would love to see more children with autism receive Assistance Dogs .....

There are currently over 220 children on the waiting list for Assistance Dogs from Irish Guide Dogs. At the moment the maximum number of Assistance Dogs that are trained every year is approximately 45 due to funding restrictions. That means that the waiting list at the moment is currently four years long.

With autism, early intervention is key and this waiting list means that there are children who will not receive a dog for a very long time. Children who are 4 years old on the waiting list today may be 7 or 8 years old before they get an Assistance Dog.

We know from personal experience in our house that you will do anything for your child with autism and to be told that you are on a four year waiting list and will not receive an Assistance Dog for four years is heart-breaking.

With so much economic hardship and difficulties here in Ireland at the moment we know that funding for Assistance Dogs is not top of the Goverment's priority list and we're also very aware that the upcoming expected Budget cuts next Tuesday will further increase the difficult situations that many families with children with autism find themselves in here in Ireland at the moment.

So, after Murray spoke with Santa and put a smile on Santa's face when he said to him "I know you're real, you're not an imposter", Clive took a moment too with Santa and with his paws crossed told Santa what his 'Christmas wish' was ....

We really need more Assistance Dogs ...

Over two hundred and twenty children around the country this Christmas need an Assistance Dog from Irish Guide Dogs ....

Christmas for those children would be a lot more special for them and their families if they knew they were soon to receive an Assistance Dog ....

Santa promised he would try and help ..... we only hope he can ....

- Clive & Co

In the meantime, if you would like to help in some small way this Christmas - please click on the link here to the Irish Guide Dogs Christmas shop - they have lots of wonderful Christmas presents for sale.

Happy days here in the House of Clive .....

2011-11-29T12:19:00.000Z

Hey Clive

I got Student of the Week last week .....

I got a medal for swimming - 1st place in the breast-stroke

I got a trophy for Most Improved Swimmer - St Augustine's 2011-2012

It's all "wicked awesome"!!!!

Love Murray

Happy days here in the House of Clive ....

Clive loving Lancome's Golden Hat Foundation make-up in aid of children with autism .....

2011-11-27T21:13:00.000Z

Clive with some of the new limited edition Lancome / Kate Winslet Golden Hat collection ..

We love this for several reasons!

One Murray's Mom loves Lancome make-up and this collection is really fabulous ....

Two and most importantly, Lancome is donating some of the proceeds from this collection to the Golden Hat Foundation which Kate Winslet was inspired to set up after narrating A Mother’s Courage: Talking Back to Autism, a documentary about a young Icelandic boy named Keli Thorsteinsson living with autism.

After meeting Keli’s mother Margret, Kate was deeply touched by Margret's far-reaching journey to find a way for her nonverbal son to learn to communicate. And with that, the idea for the Golden Hat Foundation was born.

The Foundation’s name comes from one of the first poems Keli wrote (using his letterboard), entitled “The Golden Hat”:

This boy had a golden hat.

The hat was magical. It could talk.

The boy did not have any voice. He had autism.

His hat was always with him.

His hat was lost one day.

Now he had no way of telling them his stories.

His mom and dad became sad.

They taught him spelling on a letterboard.

It was hard.

end

Keli Thorsteinsson

If you are thinking of buying some make-up this holiday season - whether for yourself or as a gift - please check out the Lancome Golden Hat limited edition collection .....

- Clive & Murray

Clive visits Coláiste Íosagáin .....

2011-11-23T23:16:00.001Z

Clive had a great morning - visiting Coláiste Íosagáin in Stillorgan ....

Meeting lots of great girls who were really interested in learning about Assistance Dogs and Autism .....

Many thanks to all the girls in 3N ...

We really enjoyed our visit!

Huge thanks for the biscuit bones for Clive and the sweets and special thanks for the great card!

We really appreciated it!

Murray was thrilled to hear all about 'Clive's visit' when he came home from school today and was so pleased with the biscuit bones for Clive. He had a great time getting Clive to sit and give him a 'high five' to get some biscuit bones!

Thanks again girls!

- Clive & Murray

I'm coming back as a 'Doodle' ....

2011-11-20T22:23:00.001Z

Clive, Murray and Tinkerbell enjoying each other's company today ...

Murray was fascinated by a recent discussion in school about reincarnation - in fact he's become a bit obsessed by the whole thing. He has been planning for weeks now 'what animal' he is going to come back as ...

It's settled - it's a Goldendoodle!

Why "because I want to be just like my dog Clive"

"He helps me and loves me and I just to be just like him"

That's our Murray on Sunday!

- Clive and Murray

and yes, we have tried to explain the bit about him going to Heaven and not coming back as a 'Doodle' but he's having none of it at the moment!

Clive and Murray at Dalkey Winter Fair 2011 .....

2011-11-16T21:40:00.001Z

A few days ago we visited the Winter Fair in Dalkey ...

There were lots of wonderful stalls selling beautiful gifts for Christmas .....

Murray and Clive stopped by the 'HotHead' stall to admire the wonderful baby hats and also to listen to their cousin Alison play .....

There she is!

Playing the cello with her two friends. Murray was very excited to see his cousin Alison playing away at the Winter Fair.

Clive and Murray really enjoyed the Winter Fair in Dalkey - there were some really great stalls -
some of our favourites were ...

Terry McDonagh Photography (Murray absolutely adored his photos - particularly his snow covered photos from Killiney Hill)

Jewellery by Laragh (Murray's Mom really loved these handcrafted pieces)

HotHead (really cute hand made knitted hats for babies & toddlers)

Jack B. Kearney (and his fabulous lamps)

Nicky Hill - Photo Mosaics (superb mosaics and we really loved those of Greystones)

The Winter Fair in Dalkey was a fantastic weekend display of the best in Irish craft and it was wonderful to see it so busy and with so many people enjoying themselves and purchasing gifts.

- Clive and Murray

A truly momentous day in the House of Clive - Murray's first shave!

2011-11-12T17:19:00.000Z

Murray has been asking us for weeks ...

"When, when can I shave and be just like Dad"

We have waited and waited ....

He had so little hair on his upper lip to shave but ....

This morning - his Dad took him into the bathroom with Clive

He got his first lesson in how to shave!

He was such a happy young man!!

You have no idea of his sheer delight and excitment in shaving -

'I'm just like you now Dad - I'm shaving!"

All day he has asked us to put up his 'shaving photos'!

He wants to look at his blog and see his photos of his 1st shave!

So, hear they are - Murray's 1st shave!

It's the little everyday things that we accomplish here in the House of Clive that make us truly happy! The little things that may go undocumented and uncommented on in other houses because they are 'just so ordinary'. But here in our house - it's the little thing of shaving - of having Murray want, understand and relish being like 'his Dad' - that has made our weekend - a very special weekend!

Happy Weekend everyone!

Happy Shaving into the future - Murray!!

Your proud dog Clive

(and Mom & Dad)

Clive and Murray review "Awkward Family Pet Photos" by Mike Bender and Doug Chernack ....

2011-11-08T23:17:00.000Z

Hey Clive, have you seen some of these photos??

What do you think Clive?

OMD - look at that Clive??

Clive - what do you think, really??!!

I know, I know - very very strange ....

But it's funny Clive too .....

Clive and Murray were asked to review Awkward Family Pet Photos - just published in the US. They got an email inviting them to check out the book and readily agreed as any book on pet photos and particularly 'dogs' was always going to appeal to them.

The book arrived yesterday and Clive and Murray took their 'reviewing' task very seriously ....

As the book says 'there are few things more rewarding than having a pet. They love us unconditionally, shower us with attention, and actually help us live longer. So, what can possibly be awkward about our animal BFFs? Well .... nothing. In fact, we're the awkward ones. We adore our pets, but let's face it, sometime L-O-V-E makes us go a little overboard. Like giving them middle names, throwing them elaborate birthday parties, and making them a Christmas sweater to match with the rest of the family. Truth is, what they cherish most is our companionship. And maybe that's the reason we care about them so much - because for such simple pleasures, they allow us to be as awkward as we want' ...

So what did Clive and Murray think ....

Well they enjoyed some of the photos very much, they queried some of the photos and pets and they got very excited at the idea of some of the animals that people had as pets!

Would they buy the book?? Well, yes they would - they always love looking at funny animal photos!

Would they recommend the book? Well, they would for people who can have a laugh at themselves and the funny things we do with our pets. For some of the photos are truly cringe worthy - but then again - Clive and Murray reckon there is nothing wrong with 'dressing up' your dog on occasion and provided your 'dog' is totally happy with the idea!! If you're Clive - you accept it as part of the package!

We guess you look at this book and you realise that - 'there but for the grace of DOG go us' ....

- Clive and Murray

Awkward Family Pet Photos by Mike Bender and Doug Chernack - authors of the New York Times bestseller Awkward Family Photos now available ....

You okay Murray?

2011-11-06T23:50:00.000Z

Clive just checking up on Murray ....

Greystones Harbour in the November sunshine this afternoon ....

The boys together doing what they do best - just being together

looking out for each other.

- Clive & Murray

In memory ....

2011-11-04T16:51:00.020Z

Every autumn reminds of us of Patrick Kavanagh's poem - Memory of My Father.

It is one of Murray's Mom's favourite poems. But this week in particular the poem has been going around and around in her head because it has been an intensely sad week.

A week that saw us attend three funerals. A friend of Sorcha's lost her father at the far too young age of 47. An aunt by marriage, Ethna died. She had been one of Murray's Grandma Liz's best friends. Then this morning we were at the funeral of the grandmother of Sorcha's friend who had lost her dad just a week ago. The family had two funerals in one week.

If there was any consolation to be taken from these incredibly sad funerals it was that son and mother are now reunited with father and husband in heaven. Ethna is now also with her parents and also back once more with Murray's Grandma Liz and we like to think they now catching up on the last 13 years and swapping stories about what has been going on ......

Both Murray's Grandma and Ethna was great cooks and Ethna's nieces and nephews brought gifts to the altar this week that symbolised her life - her plum pudding recipe, her crochet hook and a ball of wool, some flowers (for she was brillant at floristry) and then spoke about her and all that she had meant to them as children growing up. Ethna had never had children but she had a circle of nieces and nephews that surrounded her with great love that was so apparent at her funeral mass.

Three funerals in one week has been very sad but we were only attending those funerals as friends and relatives by marriage.

If we have found them sad the pain and suffering that those nearest to Rory, Ethna and Peggy are going through is unimaginable.

As Murray said to his Mom this morning ... "I don't think Holy God needs any more people up in Heaven with him for a while".

We couldn't agree more.

Memory of My Father

Every old man I see

Reminds me of my father

When he had fallen in love with death

One time when sheaves were gathered.

That man I saw in Gardiner Street

Stumble on the kerb was one,

He stared at me half-eyed,

I might have been his son.

And I remember the musician

Faltering over his fiddle

In Bayswater, London.

He too set me the riddle.

Every old man I see

In October-coloured weather

Seems to say to me

"I was once your father."

-Patrick Kavanagh

- Clive & Murray

Happy Halloween from the House of Clive .....

2011-10-31T19:39:00.000Z

Happy Halloween from us all .....

A Halloween trick from Murray .....

Tinkerbell is very happy to be part of the Halloween festivities this year. Last year it was this week that she was poisoned and so very nearly died.

A year later and she is back to herself - and loving every second of Clive and Murray's Halloween preparations. We know that not many cats would tolerate or even like being 'dressed up' but a bit like Clive, Tinkerbell is amazing how she responds to Murray and fully participates in Murray's activities. Tinkerbell very happily got dressed up tonight!

So with Tinkerbell all ready, the boys got ready too ....

Having been Thing 1 the other day for Murray's school Halloween party - Clive decided to try out his 'wizard' cape tonight ....

After a few dress rehearsals - the boys were all set to go trick-a-treating ....

Huge thanks to our neighbours and friends who are always so good to Clive and Murray ......

They had a great time going from house to house!

Happy Halloween to one and all!!!

- Clive and Murray

The Cat in the Hat - (Clive and Murray's version - Part 2) ....

2011-10-29T22:46:00.002+01:00

The Cat in the Hat - Clive and Murray's version - Part 2 ....

Then the Cat in the Hat

Saw Buddy run down the road

He saw that Thing Two could change ...

From Astral to Buddy

Why not, oh why not,

Thing Two could become a different dog, oh why not!

Thing Two and Thing One

Now Buddy and Clive

They tried to jump up! They tried to jump down!

We saw Mother's horror

Her face all a glow

With spots that were pink, white and red ....

The Cat in the Hat said, "Look, Look!"

and the dogs shook with fear

"Mother is not happy ....

Do you hear?

Oh, what will she do to us?

What will she say?

Oh, she will not like it

That we play like we do!

Then, the Cat in the Hat

With a smile oh so big

Laughed at his Mother

And laughed at his dogs

For Thing One and Thing Two

Were no better than him

But no worse either way
No worse, worse at all ....

But the Cat in the Hat

He said ...

"I do not like they way that they play" -

these dogs Thing Two and Thing One

But then what do you expect
from two dogs and a cat!

Then his Mother had to agree

Well, what can you expect

From a cat and two dogs

But, as fast as you can she said ...

Think of something to do!

You will have to get rid of

Thing One and Thing Two!

But you know that was not a plan

Not a plan, not at all

That was not going to happen

No, no, not at all!

For this Cat in the Hat

with Thing One and Thing Two

were together for ever, for ever you hear!

Do you hear Mother dear, do you hear!

Should we tell her again

Now, what should we do?

Well ....

What would you do

If your mother asked you?

- Clive and Murray

with thanks again ...

to Buddy (our friend from across the road - not used to acting but happy (well almost) to play the role of Thing 2

to Buddy's Mom (for allowing us the use of Buddy!!)

to Dr Seuss, again we have corrupted your beautiful words but it gave Murray such joy - we couldn't resist!

The Cat in the Hat (Clive and Murray's version!!!!)

2011-10-28T23:02:00.001+01:00

The sun did not shine

It was too wet to play

So we sat in the house

All that cold, cold, wet day

I sat there with Astral

I sat there with Clive

And I said, "How I wish

We had something to do!"

Too wet to go out

And too cold to play gaelic

So we sat in the house

We did nothing at all.

And then we decided

To be Thing One and Thing Two

And the Cat in the Hat

And to do it our own way!
Just the way that we do it!

Have no fear, mother dear ...

These Things are good Things

And the Cat in the Hat gave them a pat

"They are tame. Oh, so tame!

They have come here to play.

They will give you some fun

On this wet, wet, wet day.

"Now here is a game that they like"

said the Cat in the Hat!

"They like to play gaelic"

All over the house .....

"No! Not in the house!"

Said poor mother dear

"They should not play gaelic

In a house! They should not.

Oh, the things they will bump!

Oh, the things they will hit,

Oh, I do not like it,

Not one little bit!"

Back tomorrow with Part 2 ....

In the meantime ...

thanks to Astral for playing the part of Thing Two
Clive as always for camping it up big time and thoroughly enjoying his role as Thing One
and the Cat in the Hat - well, what can we say - he's just gone to bed still dressed as the Cat!

apologies to Dr. Suess for corrupting his beautiful words ....

We'll be back tomorrow with more .....

It's raining, it's pouring and we're painting away .......

2011-10-23T18:20:00.005+01:00

The weather has been really rotten the past few days ....

Lots of wind and rain ...

We've stayed indoors doing what we like best ....

Being together .....

Painting together .....

Sharing together ......

Enjoying ourselves ....

When Murray suggested we go outdoors for a few minutes ....

I was having none of it .....

Even when he asked real nicely ......

Not even kisses will make me go out in the rain!

I'm a doodle that doesn't like to get wet!

Spending a dry Sunday indoors with my 'young man' was a lot more fun!

- Clive and Murray on a really wet Sunday in Dublin!!!

Clive on a New York fundraiser this weekend in aid of Irish Guide Dogs ....

2011-10-21T22:41:00.002+01:00

As many of our friends will know - Clive and Murray love New York!

This weekend they would have particularly loved to have been there because it's a special weekend ....

Irish Guide Dogs New York are hosting a fundraiser ....

Dunmore native, Kevin Kennedy, has been living in New York for many years, but he hasn't forgotten his roots. For the past twenty years, he has been organising an annual fundraiser in support of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. This year is no exception!

Kevin hopes to raise $20,000 and is inviting fellow countrymen living in New York to a fun evening of good old Irish 'craic' on October, 23rd.

Kevin has raised approximately €250,000 for us to date and we are asking our supporters here in Ireland to spread the word and let any friends or family living in the Big Apple know about Kevin's event.

Venue:
Rory Dolan's Bar, Yonkers, New York

Time:
6pm

The evening will include dinner and music. Come and meet some of New York's finest who have been supporting us for many years.

Contact:
Kevin Kennedy on 001 212 534 8867

If we had known about this sooner - we would have been there - but we hope some of our New York pals might be able to get along and support Irish Guide Dogs!

- Clive and Murray

Clive on music, videos to vote for and good causes to support ....

2011-10-17T22:00:00.003+01:00

On Friday we shared a recent video made by Irish Guide Dogs on the Assistance Dog Programme. That video is currently being used in the Better Together competition. This is a nationwide campaign which aims to build support for hundreds of charities across Ireland by encouraging the public to support these good causes and make a difference in their communities. If you click on the link here you can view the Assistance Dog Programme video and vote for it by rating it 'five stars' - please take the time to vote for Irish Guide Dogs and the Assistance Dog Programme.

Yesterday in Dundrum Town Centre there was a flash mob (of sorts - not stictly a flash mob) but a great rendition of George Frideric Handel's Hallelujah regardless. Handel first performed this in Dublin on 13 April 1742! The choirs who gathered yesterday in Dundrum were celebrating the end of RTE's Music Week 2011. This is one of Murray's favourite songs!! Wish we could have been there but Sorcha was playing lots of football yesterday and we also had Grandad Des over for Sunday lunch.

Last week we heard from one of Murray's SNA's (special needs assistant) who had worked with him several years ago in his previous school. She has adopted two children - one through Reece's Rainbow. We have the button on our sidebar now and we would encourage you to take the time to click on the link and read about the incredible work that this organisation does in placing children with special needs with parents particularly in the US (but also Ireland!).

Murray's SNA was brillant working with him and we wish her and her family all the very best. We were delighted to hear from her again and to find out about the incredible work Reece's Rainbow does in giving special needs children a new 'forever' home.

Finally, Clive and Murray want to wish Grandad Des and cousin Ellen a very Happy Birthday!

- Clive and Murray

Irish Guide Dogs Assistance Dog Programme and lots more - a big Friday catch-up .....

2011-10-14T21:42:00.001+01:00

A big Friday catch-up .....

We're really falling behind with ourselves at the moment - too much to squeeze into not enough hours of the day but we're trying to make amends for that today with a big catch-up!

Irish Guide Dogs who trained Clive recently produced this video on the Assistance Dog Programme - it's an excellent video - Dexter and his family show the whole family's life can be changed - changed for the better - by getting an Assistance Dog.

One of our favourite blogs is Paws for Thought - a blog written by Jennifer about training with and working with her guide dog OJ. We have really enjoyed following Jen's blog for the past few years and we very honoured when she asked us to do a 'guest' post this month. Many thanks Jen for giving us the opportunity to talk about Clive and the difference that getting him has made to not just Murray's life but the life of the whole family.

Clive has a brother Clint as many of our regular followers will know and we often go fundraising together with Clint's Guide Dog Owner and regularly do school talks together. The children are always fascinated with the idea of two 'working brothers' coming to the school. A few days ago we were at Rathmichael National School ...

Clint and Clive with Rosemary and Murray's Mom spoke to all the classes about the work that Clint and Clive do and explained what a huge difference it has made having a guide dog / assistance dog.

Clint and Clive with some of the pupils of Rathmichael National School ....

The children were great - listening really well and then asking some very interesting questions. We want to thank Jane Williams who organised the visit and the Principal, staff and pupils of Rathmichael National School for inviting us along and taking such an interest on the work of Irish Guide Dogs.

We hope everyone has a great weekend!

Apologies for falling behind in visiting all our friends blogs - we're going to try and catch up over the weekend!

- Clive and Murray

ps-many thanks for all the queries about how Murray got on horse-riding this week - he went to his lesson - but didn't have to get up on his horse - the lesson was all about horse management and rein control and he walked behind his horse holding the reins and working on controlling the horse that way. The lesson went very well and he was much happier at the end of the lesson and is looking forward to going back next week.

Clive and Murray back in Croker again .....

2011-10-11T23:53:00.002+01:00

Sunday saw us back in Croke Park for the TG4 All Ireland Ladies Championship Final Replay 2011 ...

The girls from New York were back over for the Junior All-Ireland Reply against Wicklow ...

Murray was shouting for New York and was nearly as upset as the girls themselves when they lost to Wicklow!

Murray's sister and eight of her team-mates from Foxrock-Cabinteely were in Croke Park as ball girls for the day. They had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to be ball girls in Croke Park on such an important occasion.

The second match was the Intermediate All-Ireland reply between Westmeath and Cavan. We got Murray to support Westmeath this time around and Murray was thrilled when the girls won! We're 'Dub' supporters through and through but it was good to get him to understand that other counties have to play as well and that it's important to be able to cheer along other teams.

It didn't help though when he spotted his favourite Dublin Ladies Senior player Captain Cliodhna O'Connor who was working in Croke Park on Sunday - he wanted to know why she was walking around in a suit working and not playing football!

After a long day in Croker we took Murray and Clive home ....

They are a great working pair - a long day in Croke Park no problem to them and they even saw themselves on TG4!

Well done again to Wicklow and Westmeath!

The girls from New York will be back again in Croke Park and we've promised Murray next time they are over playing we'll be there to support them again!

- Clive and Murray

Clive and Murray at the Bushy Park walk as part of Irish Guide Dogs National Dog Walk Day 2011 .....

2011-10-09T11:59:00.001+01:00

Clive and Murray had a great day in Bushy Park at the Irish Guide Dogs National Family Dog Walk Day!

They were delighted to meet Guide Dog Owner Grainne Boyce with her guide dog Nala, puppy in training Unity with puppy walker Sandra Blackwell and puppy in training Wallis with puppy walker Mick Richards and his son Daragh plus all the wonderful pet dog and their owners who participated in the walk!

It was a pleasure to walk with you all and raise some money for Irish Guide Dogs! Many thanks again for all your support!

We know there were some more friends and puppy walkers in the Park who were looking for us and didn't find us - we apologise hugely to them! Bushy Park is very big and next year, IGDB will have to make it a lot more clear where exactly the meet-up point is! Apologies again to those who missed us yesterday!

- Clive and Murray

Clive and Murray on galloping horses and getting very scared ....

2011-10-06T23:45:00.000+01:00

Murray was horse-riding on Tuesday afternoon when suddenly his horse took off and galloped down the field towards Clive and his Mom. Murray has never galloped before - the horse took off with another horse and rider and both boys got a huge fright!

Poor Murray was terrified especially after the other boy got thrown off his horse. Thankfully that boy was not hurt and Murray's horse pulled up short at the stable yard gates with Murray still on!

But it's been a tough few days for Murray who is still upset by it all and is saying he's had enough horse-riding. Hopefully by next week he'll have changed his mind and be happy to go back horse-riding again.

We got Murray to talk it all out the other night and made lots of video recordings of him so he could see himself talking about it all but realise that although he had got a huge fright he was alright now. Finally, he could talk about it very calmly and that video is below here:

To cheer Murray up further - his Mom put together the photos of Clive and himself in Cannes two years ago and made a video out of them. Murray had gone to Cannes in search of Mr Bean! He is hugely excited that Rowan Atkinson is opening in Johnny English here tomorrow night. So his Mom got him and Clive tickets and that has been the big treat for the end of the week and for being such a brave boy at horse-riding the other night.

Horses gallop - it was just that Murray has never galloped before - but he has now and next time hopefully he will be more in control of the horse!

Many thanks to all our friends on FB who heard about all this on Tuesday evening and were so supportive and have been checking up on Murray over the past few days! We really appreciate it!

- Clive and Murray

Clive and Murray thrilled that Dublin Ladies GAA have made Irish Guide Dogs their charity of choice for 2011/12 .....

2011-10-02T22:33:00.001+01:00

Dublin Ladies GAA have chosen Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind as their charity partner for 2011/2012 and Murray and Clive were really thrilled when they heard!

Dublin Ladies GAA will be supporting Irish Guide Dogs next weekend in their first National Family Dog Walk next Saturday, October 8th.

Speaking on behalf of the Dublin Ladies Gaelic Football Association, Chairperson, Maureen King said:
"We are very excited about the new partnership and believe that the members of the Association will support Irish Guide Dogs in every way possible. There is a great feel good factor about being involved with any charity and we already feel close to the Irish Guide Dogs with Clive and Murray as regular supporters of the girls in the blue".

Assistance Dog Clive and Murray Whooley are pictured above with Cliodhna O’Connor (Captain Ladies Senior Team), Carla Rowe (Captain Ladies U-16's) and Emma Colgan (Captain U-14's). Clive and Murray are no strangers to the Dublin Ladies GAA having won the chance to walk out as team mascots for the Senior Ladies Team in the NFL final versus Meath earlier this year.

The Dublin Ladies GAA Walks are taking place in Dublin at St Anne's Park in Raheny and Bushy Park (lead by Clive and Murray) in Terenure. Both walks start at 3pm on Saturday, October 8th.

Irish Guide Dogs asked Murray's mum, Fiona Whooley what she thought about the new partnership: “Murray and Clive are thrilled that Dublin Ladies GAA are supporting Irish Guide Dogs for 2012 as they’re huge fans of Dublin Ladies football. They’re really looking forward to taking the lead in Bushy Park next week and wearing their county jerseys for the occasion.”

Clive and Murray are absolutely thrilled ....

There is nothing they enjoy more than watching gaelic football and supporting the girls in blue!

We're really looking forward to the walk in Bushy Park next Saturday!

- Clive and Murray

When Jane came to visit Clive and Murray .....

2011-09-27T16:12:00.003+01:00

Clive and Murray had a very exciting weekend with a very special visitor over from New York! Petey's Mom - Jane was visiting us and we took her to lots of our favourite places! Straight off the plane and we wasted no time in taking Jane to Powerscourt House and Gardens.

The gardens at Powerscourt are some of the finest in Ireland - both in design and location - at the foot of the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain. The house and gardens were commissioned in the 1730's by Richard Wingfield, 1st Viscount Powescourt. The house was gutted by fire in 1974 but now there is a lovely restaurant and some great shops there. One of our favourite places in the Gardens is the Pet Cemetery so Murray and Clive were thrilled to be able to share this spot with Jane ....

The Pet's Cemetery contains the graves of the Wingfield family dogs, horses and even some very special cows!

Eugenie was a very special cow who died aged 17 years after having 17 calves and producing over 100,000 gallons of milk!

Murray and Clive really love walking through the gardens at Powerscourt. We always really appreciate how welcoming and accommodating the staff at Powerscourt are to service dogs. Murray and Clive did not have to pay in to the gardens and their Mom was offered free admission too! Clive is always offered a water bowl and there is always someone ready to help carry a tray or help us to our table if we have food in the restaurant. It is one of most relaxing places we can go to with Clive and Murray and we've been visiting for the past five years since we got Clive. After showing Jane around all the fabulous gardens we took lots more photos .....

Saturday saw us visiting the Guinness Storehouse- the day after Arthur's Day! The Guinness Storehouse is another great 'service dog' friendly place to visit and we really appreciated the barman who brought Clive over a bowl of water in the Gravity Bar.

Guinness is a black beer known as 'stout' and has been brewed at St James's Gate for over 250 years. It is the largest brewery in Europe and exports to more than 120 countries. The Storehouse is in the original brewery and is spread over six floors built around a huge pint glass atrium. Jane enjoyed a glass of Guinness in the Gravity Bar at the end of the tour before we headed down Grafton Street to visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells ....

On Grafton Street we were stopped by some of David Norris's supporters for a photo! David Norris may well be the next President of Ireland - if his nomination works out this week - so Clive was very pleased to meet him and offer his support. One of David's team was also called Clive so Clive and Clive posed for a photo!!

Sunday morning we were at Glendalough and Jane got to experience a 'soft day' - it was raining!! We took shelter under the umbrella though between downpours and enjoyed the monastic site nonetheless. St Kevin established Glendalough in the 6th century and the monastery flourished for over 600 years despite being sacked time and time again by the Vikings!

St Kevin was born in 498 and there are lots of legends about him. One of our favourites is that one day while St Kevin was at prayer, a blackbird laid an egg in his outstretched hand and St Kevin remained in the same position until the egg hatched. We walked up to the Upper Lake and Clive had a wonderful time chasing rabbits and getting very wet!

Sunday afternoon after the rain blew off we took Jane back into the city centre to visit the Natural History Museum (not quite as impressive as our visit with Jane to the Natural History Museum in New York last year) but we wanted to share our 'famous dead zoo' with Jane. We then took her to the National Gallery and to view one of it's most famous paintings - Caravaggio's The Taking of Christ. This was rediscovered in the Jesuit's House in Dublin in 1990 - it had hung unrecognised in their dining room for over 60 years having been gifted to them and is now on permanent loan to the museum.

Across the road from the National Gallery we visited Merrion Square and the statue of Oscar Wilde. This is opposite the house when Oscar Wilde was born at No.1 Merrion Square. One of our favourite artists Pete Hogan was sketching just at the railings across from Oscar Wilde's house and we were delighted to discover that Jane enjoyed his artwork just as much as we do! Pete depicts the houses of Georgian Dublin in fantastic detail.

Yesterday morning we went up to Killiney Hill to show Jane some final views of Dublin and Wicklow before she left for London. We had a wonderful weekend showing Jane around Dublin and we hope we shared a little of our enthusiasm and pride in our capital city with her. She certainly got a feeling for how 'popular' Clive is .... it took a lot of time to get from one place to another as people stopped to ask about Clive or take photos!

We wish Jane safe travels over the next week and hope it's not too long before she comes back to Dublin to visit us again. There's a lot more to experience .....

- Clive and Murray

Happy Arthur's Day from Clive & Co .....

2011-09-22T10:02:00.009+01:00

Happy Arthur's Day 2011

- Clive & Co

At exactly 17.59 this evening pubs all around the country will be full of drinkers lifting their glasses to raise a toast to Arthur Guinness! We'll be celebrating too and hope you'll join us in this worldwide celebration of 'Arthur Guinness' ....

Remember to enjoy drink sensibly though!

ps-we have a really important visitor from New York arriving tomorrow!! If we said 'Petey' - would you guess whose coming to stay with us! She may be a day late for Arthur's Day - but she'll certainly be trying some Guinness tomorrow night here in Dublin!

Clive and Murray still celebrating Dublin winning the All Ireland Final .....

2011-09-19T22:59:00.039+01:00

The Boys are Back in Town ....

The day after the match and Murray and Clive are still celebrating!!

It has been some celebration! 16 long years and finally 'Sam' has come back to Dublin!

Murray and Clive were featured in an article in the Evening Herald last Thursday prior to the match ..... Sorcha and Mom were in the photo too but neither was too happy with that! Murray however was thrilled to see himself and Clive in the paper again! If you click on the link above - you can read the article without the photos!!! (thankfully!)

Yesterday in Croke Park the atmosphere was electric ..... 82,300 fans there to watch the match!

and when the final whistle blew and Dublin had won - the celebrations really started!!

Half-time had music and a tribute to the members of the Fire Department of New York in rememberance of 9/11. The New York firefighters who came unto the pitch got a great reception.

The Dublin team celebrate .....

Dublin parade the 'Sam Maguire' trophy around the pitch ....

Tonight Murray's Dad was in town for the Dubs homecoming ....

40,000 people turned up tonight to welcome 'Sam' back to Dublin!

It's a great to be a DUBS fan!

We'll be back with lots of upcoming fundraising events for Irish Guide Dogs over the next few days but for the moment we are just still enjoying DUBLIN winning the ALL IRELAND FINAL 2011!

- Clive and Murray

ps-our photos are not great - camera phone taken by Sorcha who refused to take any of the family! We think she feels 'enough is enough' with the photos! Opps!! Hopefully she'll come around again in a little while!

Clive and Murray celebrating Dublin winning the All Ireland Final .....

2011-09-18T23:25:00.002+01:00

Today Dublin won the All Ireland Football Final for the first time in 16 years!

It was a day of huge celebration for the Dubs!

Murray and Clive are SO HAPPY tonight!

They are celebrating big time!!!

Tomorrow, we will be back with a longer post celebrating Dublin's great win but tonight we are just all enjoying celebrating Dublin as All Ireland Champions 2011!

UP THE DUBS!!

On the road to Croker with Clive and Murray ....

2011-09-14T14:46:00.003+01:00

It's been a long road to Croker for Clive and Murray ....

As Dublin celebrate being in the All Ireland Final this coming weekend we look back over the past five years since we got Clive and how in that time we have been able to go to so many football matches and move Murray on from the days when he could hardly cope with going to the local GAA pitch to watch his sister Sorcha play a match to now being able to sit in Croke Park amongst tens of thousands of fans and cheer on his 'Boys in Blue' and well as the Dublin Ladies and his sister with the Dublin Ladies U-14's! It's been a remarkable journey for Murray and Clive .....

Murray now goes to Croke Park at every opportunity - he's been to the matches - he's done the tours - he's taken Clive with him everywhere. They've learnt the songs - not easy for Murray - it took him a long time to pick up the words but he can sing with the best of the Hill now!

They've been to matches all over the place .... they've also supported the Dublin Senior Ladies around the country ....

For the past five years in rain or shine in local parks or Croker - they've been there!

They've supported the Dublin Ladies U-14's around the country too! They've celebrated with the girls when they've won .....

They've congratulated each and every one .....

Clive's watched over Murray in Croker ...

He's sampled the food too ....

He's made sure Murray is safe and happy when the final whistle blows!

and more importantly Clive's been there to comfort and help on the days when Dublin haven't won! Those are the very hard days for Murray to accept! Those are the days when Clive is truly special ....

There's been the great days in Croker when his sister picked up trophies with the Dublin U-12's ...

and then there's been the days when his Dublin Senior Ladies lost ...

Those are days where Murray is lucky to have Clive by his side! Those are the days that make the winning all the more special .....

Because winning is great ....

Winning makes up for the days we leave Croker in despair ....

Clive and Murray are proud Dublin supporters wherever they go ....

This weekend they'll be together singing loudly C'mon You Boys in Blue ....

The boys have come a long way on their journey over the past five years - they've seen Dublin win four Leinster Championships in the last five years but never make it to the All Ireland Final ....

They've moved on from those early days in Croker with Clive when Murray wasn't sure about all the noise and crowds and still only wore his 'yellow' t-shirts ...

They've moved on from the days when Murray first got Clive and began his 'Dublin football' journey by watching his sister Sorcha play with Foxrock-Cabinteely U-9's!

Those early days were difficult when Murray really struggled ....

But that struggle is long since a distant memory. Five years of having Clive has been the difference! The boys are well up for any Dublin match these days!

THIS IS WEEKEND THAT CLIVE AND MURRAY WANT TO SEE THEIR 'BOYS IN BLUE' LIFT THE SAM MAGUIRE AFTER A LONG, LONG WAIT!

UP THE DUBS!!!!

Best of luck to the Dublin minors as well against Tipperary!

Murray and Clive remember 9/11 ....

2011-09-11T00:00:00.003+01:00

Today we are remembering 9/11 ....

Murray was three years old on 9/11. He was living in Brussels on that fateful day. His Mom had just turned on the television at lunch-time when suddenly the horror of that day unfolded before her eyes. She held Murray close and cried ....

Last year we took Murray and Clive to visit Ground Zero while we were in New York. It was very hard to explain to Murray what happened and for him to understand. It scares him because he doesn't understand about terrorism and why people would kill other people. But we had to try and explain ....

Today at home in Dublin 10 years later - we talked about 9/11 again with Murray. We talked about all the people who lost their lives and waited for a moment to see what questions Murray might ask ....

His only comment was "I don't know Mom, I don't know why ...."

Well, we don't understand either why people do things like this to other people.

We were at a funeral mass recently for a dear friend - we really liked this poem that was read out :-

I give you this one thought to keep - I am with you still - I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not think of me as gone - I am with you still.

- Clive and Murray

Clive and Murray making movies together ......

2011-09-09T10:08:00.003+01:00

Well, okay Murray has decided that Clive is going to be in the movies (his own home produced movies!). Murray loves Marley and watching Marley & Me (which he's been watching a lot since meeting the 'real' Marley) .....

Having discovered an app iMotion HD on his Mom's new iPad and he's become a film director overnight! This is only the first video - we decided to just upload the first one until the director and cast members (yes, Tinkerbell is getting screamed at from the director as well) get a bit more used to this 'film' business ....

and now a VERY IMPORTANT message - PETEY

Our friend Petey has really through the wars this week - we're sure most of you have been reading about it on his blog but if you haven't caught up with the news yet - make sure you drop over to Petey's blog and leave a message for Petey and Jane! They have had a very difficult week.

Have a good Friday everyone

- Clive and Murray

Wordless Wednesday - C'mon the Boys in Blue (any spare match tickets?)

2011-09-07T09:04:00.000+01:00

Dolphins, Whales and finally back to Clive .....

2011-09-05T17:06:00.005+01:00

Murray loved SeaWorld - he could feed the sealions ....

and then watch their show! One of them was called Clyde - which Murray thought was 'Clive' and so he got very excited everytime 'Clyde's name was mentioned!

Murray then watched the manatees for a long time ....

But longer still he took at the dolphins .... they truly captivated him!

He enjoyed their show too and loved how the audience got splashed. He thought that very funny and squealed with joy each time he got splashed!

The flying acrobatics were brillant too .....

and then more jumping and splashing ......

Murray has loved dolphins for years - they were the first sea mammal he really responded to ....

When it came to feeding the stingrays - Murray was the first to try! He loved placing the shrimp between his fingers and letting the stingray snatch it from his fingers ....

But the highlight of our visit to SeaWorld was the One Ocean - All new Shamu Show - Murray was so excited to see these magnificent creatures.

He made us sit in the splash zone again but luckily we didn't get TOO wet!

The whales were beautiful and the show was amazing ....

Murray's uncle is very involved with the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group here so he wasn't too happy about us going but we have to say that the 'humans' performed more than the animals and there were no silly tricks. Conservation was mentioned non-stop so no-one went away not knowing how important it is to protect our oceans.

The dolphins at Hilton Head may have thrilled Murray more but we did enjoy our time at SeaWorld.

So that is it - that was Murray's vacation ....

.... as Murray would say "that's all there is, there isn't anymore" (- in fact he's watching Madeline as we finish this blog post).

We very much appreciate that we were very lucky to have had such a wonderful vacation and we want to thank again everyone involved in making it so memorable ...

Jane and Petey (for the 2nd year in a row!!)

Patrick (in Sawgrass Marriott), Lisa (Black Marlin) and all the wonderful people we met in Hilton Head ....

Barney, Mrs Peekaboo, Susan, Scooby Doo and all the staff and characters are Universal Studios who made Murray's Birthday so special ....

and finally Murray's Dad (we better mention him!!) - he works very hard all year round so Murray and his family can have vacations like that! He's a great DAD!!

and very specially we want to finish with a HUGE thank you to Auntie Anne and our great friend Anne who both minded and took care of Clive while we were away! They did such a great job that Clive gave Murray's Mom the 'cold shoulder' last week for the first few days when we came back! Thanks to both Anne's for the constant updates while we were away, the photos of Clive and the re-assurances that he was enjoying his own 'holiday'!

- Murray and all the gang

(Back tomorrow with lots of 'Clive' photos - he's been getting jealous of Murray's excitment over all the photos from the previous few posts!!)

Murray's Mom on why Universal Studios is so very special .....

2011-09-01T23:58:00.013+01:00

After Hilton Head we headed back down to Orlando and Universal Studios. We had never been to Universal - three years ago when we went to Orlando Murray would only do Walt Disney World and refused to go near Universal.

However, this time things were very different - he wanted to celebrate his 13th Birthday - becoming a teenager in Universal ....

So began a wondrous week meeting so many characters that Murray loved and that brought huge excitment and happiness to him.

We were really impressed with Universal Studios - from the moment we stopped off at Guest Services to get Murray's 'special assistance pass' - we got exceptional service. Susan in Guest Services was amazing - she set the tone for the whole week. It is lovely to meet really genuine people who are interested in special needs and most particularly in your special needs child. Susan - from the moment you gave Murray his 'birthday badge' - we knew we were going to have a good week.

All the characters we met throughout Universal's Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios are wonderful - the Simpsons, Shrek, Donkey, Fiona .... we went back to meet them over and over again.

Murray loved dressing up in the Harry Potter clothes in the Universal shops and here again the staff were so understanding and friendly. We were so impressed that Murray was remembered when we would go back into shops and remembered by name. He loved that so much. It helped that the Parks weren't crazy busy but also we really appreciated the fact that the staff took the time to engage with Murray and in particular remember him,

A huge highlight for Murray was meeting 'Marley' - well one of the dogs that played Marley in the film. He was so excited to get to pet Marley and talk with him. Thank you very much to Marley's handler for letting Murray have all the time he needed with 'Marley'.

As we mentioned earlier, it was Murray's 13th birthday while we were at Universal and the main reason we were visiting was to celebrate his birthday. On Murray's birthday - we went to Bubba Gump's Shrimp Co. Restaurant and Murray was thrilled. All the Forrest Gump memorabilia he could wish for and he could answer all the 'Forrest' trivia questions asked by the waitress. In fact he probably knew more 'Forrest' facts than anyone else in the restaurant. Not only that, but he can recite the whole script ....

Anyway, it was a great success and again we were so pleased to be celebrating Murray's birthday in a place that really meant something to him.

Bart and Lisa just kept popping up all over the place and Murray has a new girlfriend 'Lisa'. He's fallen in love .....

Now for the hard bit (well hard for Murray's Mom and Dad).

Murray is 13 now - a teenager. We have spent a whole year trying to explain to him that maybe it would be a good idea to put away the Barney videos. That Barney is for younger children. But Murray has always loved Barney.

Now, that's caused him some problems in school - especially over the past year when other kids in his class have pointed out to him that Barney is "for babies" - that Murray needed to find "age appropriate heroes".

But for Murray - Barney is his huge purple 'dinosaur' hero!!

We had spent a whole year trying to ween him off 'Barney' and now suddenly we were in front of the Barney Show entrance at Universal. Murray was not talking 'no' for answer - he was going in.

So our big '13' year son went in with Mom and Dad and Sorcha (yes, she was dragged in too!) ...

But from the moment Barney began his show - Murray was in heaven. He was so happy - incredibly, unbelievably happy. Of all the kids there - it was Murray who seemed to enjoy the show the most - Murray who stood up and sung every song with Barney. Murray who knew every dance and every action.

It was heartbreaking - it was wonderful.

We were happy but we were also sad .... moments like this bring a big dose of reality slap bang in the middle of a fun moment. He should have been doing this at 3 not 13 ....

Murray's Dad sat beside him in floods of tears. Murray's Mom was good until she noticed that the staff had noticed too and everyone was smiling - great big smiles of support - at Murray and his family.

Then Mrs Peekaboo came over towards the end of the show and asked Murray's Mom to keep Murray behind at the end of the show. Murray would get to meet Barney privately. It was all too much for Murray's Dad. Mrs Peekaboo took the photos.

Mrs Peekaboo (whose family are from Louth and Cork) was one special lady. We mentioned to her about Murray's very special dog - Clive. When we went back to see the Barney Show two days later - she immediately knew Murray and came over to tell him that she had checked out his blog and knew all about his dog - Clive! Murray was so excited that Mrs Peekaboo knew what Clive looked like and that he was at home in Dublin.

Again, Mrs Peekaboo got us to stay behind at the end of the second show to meet Barney again with some other great special needs kids who were visiting as well. She is superb at introducing the children to Barney and tell Barney about each child. It makes a huge difference to parents like us - when people like Mrs Peekaboo make such an effort with our children. Mrs Peekaboo - you and Barney made our holiday - Murray may be back watching 24/7 but hey, that's our Murray and we're just going to accept it and live with it.

Who doesn't love this 'huge purple dinosaur' anyway!

So the holiday progressed - Sorcha was truly great and wore matching Thing 1 and Thing 2 t-shirts with Murray .... not an easy thing to ask a 14 year girl to do! We did all the Harry Potter rides and drank Butterbeer (too sweet for us all) but we wanted to try it! Murray got a wand and can't understand now why it doesn't 'produce' any magic!

Murray met the Cat in the Hat ...

and the Gringe .....

He was thrilled to meet Spongebob Squarepants several times .....

and Scooby Doo and friends were again absolutely brillant with him - taking him aside and spending extra time with him. We couldn't have been more grateful for the great effort that so many of the characters took with Murray.

All the Hop characters were around as well and Murray loved meeting them ....

Universal was truly magical.

We go to parks like this a lot. We know what's good - we know when characters and staff make an extra special effort. Murray was always a little wary of Universal. He certainly won't be anymore!

It was an incredible celebration of his 13th birthday! Everytime a Universal employee saw his 'birthday badge' they wished Murray a 'Happy Birthday' - he loved that.

Every time we went on a ride - he was wished a 'Happy Birthday' or they announced that it was 'Murray's 13th Birthday' just before the ride began. It made him so excited.

We want to thank everyone in Universal for making our stay so special - for ensuring that Murray will always have a birthday that he will remember for years to come.

We want to thank Barney and very specially Mrs Peekaboo!!!

- Murray's Mom

Going back and forth from the Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios - Murray loved the boat. No dolphins here and no gators but we got to see lots more dolphins and whales in SeaWorld.

(more tomorrow) ....

When Murray went back to Hilton Head .....

2011-08-31T23:56:00.010+01:00

Last year Murray, Clive and family visited Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. They were invited over by Jane and Petey from Petey's Blog. They had an amazing time there and were thrilled when Jane and Petey invited them over again this August. They were incredibly touched that Jane and Petey would ask them back over and share their wonderful house and with them again.

A very special friendship has developed over the past two years through 'our two blogs' and we can't wait to have Jane here with us in Dublin in three weeks time. We are very excited at the prospect of being able to show Jane around Dublin and take her to lots of the places that Clive and Murray regularly visit and blog about (and that includes a Gaelic football match!).

In Hilton Head for the middle two weeks of August Murray was in his element again - dolphin watching .....

Clive stayed at home this year because we were heading down to Universal Studios for a week after Hilton Head and we didn't really think the heat and crowds at Universal would be fair on Clive. As we have mentioned in previous posts - Murray understood this - he is always primarily concerned for Clive. But Murray took solace in every other animal he met and as you may have seen in Sawgrass yesterday, there were lots of ducks, egrets, squirrels and turtles but it's whales and dolphins that really excite Murray and in Hilton Head you're guaranteed lots of dolphins!

The dolphins just kept coming towards Murray - he photographed and videoed away and talked to the dolphins and they just kept swimming in circles around him. It was a magical experience and Murray was incredibly happy to have so many dolphins in the water around him.

Murray really enjoys Harbourtown - it is a very calm, gentle place with lots of extremely friendly people - everyone we met took time and made the effort to engage with Murray and chat to him about dolphins, Clive and how come he was in Hilton Head. We took a lovely boat trip out from Broad Creek to Daukuskie Island and Murray kept 'dolphin watch' at the front of the boat and made sure everyone else on the boat saw the dolphins too! Murray's huge enthusiasm and excitment at the dolphins enchanted everyone!

With lots of dolphin watching and swimming, everyone was always hungry and Murray loves the food of the Low Country. The shrimp, the lobster, the jambalaya and the great pizzas kept Murray and all the gang well sated and very impressed! We were even more impressed when we visited the Black Marlin at Palmetto Cove one night and not only did the waitress, Lisa, remember us from last year, she remembered where we had sat, remembered Clive and also most importantly, that Murray can't cope with hearing 'Happy Birthday' being sung (it was Mom's birthday last year)! It was Murray's Dad's birthday on the night we visited this time and she brought out the birthday dessert but with no 'singing'. Lisa, we loved you!

When the seafood and pizza was finished there was always delicious ice-cream for Murray and he even managed to alter his 'strictly yellow' t-shirt rule and took to wearing some other colours! Jane gave him a new Salty Dog t-shirt - a special 'Irish' green one which he loved and Sorcha managed to persuade him into a new Hollister t-shirt. The cap he chose himself in Ralph Lauren - a cap to look just like his 'Grandad'! In 90 degree plus heat - it was hot to wear but Murray wore it! In fact he's still wearing it as he supervises his Mom with this blog post .....

Lawton Stables on HHI was another favourite stop-off place for Murray - he loves to talk to the horses and they are gorgeous horses. Very gentle, kind horses who stood around for a long time for Murray to engage with them.

Then there were the goats, the deer, the llamas, the pigs - Murray loved them all as well and kept clicking away. He took so many photos but he's agreed to a 'select few' here ....

Harbourtown Lighthouse is a fascinating place to visit and Murray's Dad really enjoyed the history and golf stories as he climbed to the top of the lighthouse with Sorcha! Murray decided it was time for another ice-cream break so waited at the bottom with his Mom!

Jane had got a new addition to her yard this summer that was a huge hit with Murray! Murray loved the hammock - a great sensory experience for him as he slowly rocked back and forth. He would have stayed on it all day if it were not for the chance to go 'dolphin watching' ..... Thank you so much to Jane for putting in just the very sort of garden furniture that appeals hugely to kids with special needs!

So Murray had a wonderful time on Hilton Head again - he missed Clive hugely here - we all did - having had him here with us last year - we could imagine him everywhere we went. But Murray sought comfort in every other animal he met and even managed to meet another Goldendoodle in Shelter Cove on Fireworks Night. Unfortunately just as we met this lovely Goldendoodle and started talking to his family - whose Dad's family were originally McCormacks from Co Kerry - the heavens opened and a massive thunder and lighting storm began. Everyone had to run for cover and we never even got to find out the doodle's name! The fireworks were cancelled too so it was a tough night for Murray - he always finds a sudden 'change' difficult to handle!

But thunder and lighting storms only came at nightime and during the day there was lots of time to spend at the beach. The golfer in the family can't sit still for long so took some hurley sticks over to Hilton Head in his golf bag! As the locals fled in horror at the balls flying through the air - Murray's Dad and Sorcha played hurling at the Beach Club. Thankfully they actually played late in the evening and when the beach was clearing ....

We had one lovely elderly gentleman come over to us one evening and tell us "the last time I saw that game being played was by my dad in the Bronx over 40 years ago". He stood and marvelled as the ball flew through the air and Murray's Dad shouted at 'poor' Sorcha to catch!!

Murray and his Mom lay in the water and watched ... they don't like 'fast' balls coming in towards them!

After a blissful two weeks in Hilton Head we headed down south again to Orlando ...

More tomorrow ......

- Murray on his hols