Israel Guide Dog Centre UK

10/08/2026

Haaretz has published an important article looking at the mental health crisis in Israel due to the terrorist attacks of 7 October 2023 and resulting war in Gaza.

The Israel Guide Dog Centre is proud to support veterans and civilians mentally scarred by recent events, particularly veterans and civilians living with PTSD. Research has shown that 82% of those partnered with an assistance dog reported a reduction in their symptoms.

These specially trained dogs help their partners recognise and manage symptoms, provide emotional regulation, and give a greater sense of safety and independence.

The importance of this service will only increase as the key findings of Haaretz's report include the fact that over 69,000 civilians are now recognised by Israel’s National Insurance Institute as suffering war-related mental injuries, a more than tenfold increase since 7 October 2023.

It also reports that 19.7% of Israelis continue to experience PTSD symptoms more than two years after the war began, compared with a global prevalence of 3.9%.

Experts warn that the full impact of the trauma may not yet be visible, with many people expected to experience delayed psychological effects in the years ahead. “Israel is in a national crisis,” one expert told Haaretz, describing the scale of the mental health emergency.

You can read the full article here (registration required):

Anxiety, sleep disorders, domestic violence, eating disorders, road accidents. Statistic after statistic reveals the unprecedented impact of the war on Israelis' mental health

07/08/2026

As comes to a close, we celebrate all the incredible dogs who help their partners navigate the world with greater confidence, safety and freedom.

This special image includes the name of every past guide dog from the Israel Guide Centre who did so much to make everyday life more accessible for Israelis who are blind or visually impaired.

Shabbat Shalom!

06/08/2026

💔 We are mourning Amber – an incredible Retriever from England who made aliyah to become a much-loved breeding dog and devoted mother to many puppies at the Israel Guide Dog Centre.

Her legacy lives on through every life touched by the life-changing dogs she helped bring into the world and nurture.

Israel Guide Dog Centre Co-Founder Orna Braun said: “Our Amber, you accompanied us for 13.5 years. You were born in England and always showed your British manners. Even when you got old, you were the cutest dog in the world. We will love you forever and always miss you.”

Image: Amber, a light-coloured retriever, walks through a vibrant green field filled with red poppies.

05/08/2026

💙 This , we're proud to support Assistance Dogs International's theme and campaign, promoting the importance of high training and welfare standards.

The campaign celebrates the greater access, independence and freedom to travel that a certified assistance dog can provide... something we see every single day at the Israel Guide Dog Centre.

Read more about this initiative and how you can support it here: https://assistancedogsinternational.org/news/2026/07/20/member-news/bettertogether-campaign/

04/08/2026

Today's comes courtesy of gorgeous dog-in-training Brody.

Follow his journey on Instagram via .

Image: Brody, a black Labrador puppy named Brody, looks up at the camera with warm brown eyes and his tongue sticking out.

03/08/2026

Ethan, 9, has autism. He struggles with emotional self-regulation, anger and outbursts, fuelled by his limited verbal communication.

It is through being partnered with Melanie – an emotional support dog from the Israel Guide Dog Centre – that he has learned to regulate and find joy.

His mum said: “During a recent particularly bad meltdown, Melanie was the only one able to calm him enough to get him to school.

“In art therapy that day, he made this beautiful drawing, captioned ‘Melanie makes me feel happy’. It moved me to tears – realising that this angel on four legs found a special way into my son’s heart.”

Image: An illustrative image of a young child with their emotional support dog.

02/08/2026

🐾 Today marks the start of 2026!

The theme this year is , celebrating the incredible partnerships between assistance dogs and the people whose lives they transform.

As an ADI - Assistance Dogs International accredited organisation, the Israel Guide Dog Centre is proud to be part of this global network committed to the very highest standards of training, welfare and ethics.

Images: Israel Guide Dog Centre clients with their life-changing dogs

30/07/2026

🐱 We may be a dog charity… but we still love cats too!

That's why we've reserved a limited number of the best seats for the brand-new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's sensational CATS at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.

Join us and fellow Israel Guide Dog Centre supporters on Monday 31 August for an unforgettable evening, including a complimentary drink before the show.

🎟️ Tickets are £70 and can be booked here: https://israelguidedog.org.uk/product/cats-regents-park-31-aug-2026/

Image: The new promotional poster for CATS, featuring the silhouette of a feline dancer leaping gracefully inside a fiery orange eclipse.

29/07/2026

❤️ Five children + one service dog = a lot of love that heals the heart.

For the Ouchion family from Sderot, coping with the challenges of war is part of their daily lives.

But Susan, the family's emotional support dog, is their anchor – a source of joy, calm and security for the children and parents alike.

Check out our special pictures of some of their touching moments at home together.

28/07/2026

A heatwave inspired to bring a smile as the temperature starts to rise again.

Image: A happy yellow Labrador sits inside a blue paddling pool with its tongue hanging out.