Woody snores in musical support
Meet Woody – the extra special dog with a heart of gold and an ear for music.
His dedication, unflappable nature and impeccable manners allow his owner Eleanor Roberts to indulge in her one love, playing and teaching the violin.
Woody is a guide dog, and the only noise he makes when Eleanor is playing is a gentle snore.
Now members of the Shrewsbury Light Orchestra have organised a special concert to honour Woody and the contribution he makes to the group.
The concert, which takes place at Shrewsbury Abbey on Sunday, will raise money for guide dogs across Shropshire.
Eleanor, who lives in Newport, said: "Woody really is one in a million. He had been earmarked for someone else and trained for them. That then fell through and so he came to me and he was really thrown in the deep end. He hadn't heard all the noise an orchestra makes before he first came along but he took to it like a duck to water.
"My other dog, Yuma, also came to concerts and practice with me but she had been trained to it. Woody hadn't so I am really proud of him."
The Labrador Retriever cross was a sponsored puppy with Guide Dogs for the Blind and an anonymous group paid £5,000 towards his training costs.
"I wish I could get in touch with them," said Eleanor, who has been blind since birth. "I would love them to know what Woody has done for me. He hasn't just given me independence and confidence – he has given me a life.
"He comes along to practice and concerts and lies at my feet and goes to sleep."
Laura Lane Clarke, from Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, said: "Woody has been a big part of the orchestra.
"As Eleanor plays violin in the orchestra and is also a music teacher, she needed a very special guide dog that would cope with all the sounds and different places that she goes to.
"Woody was found to be the perfect match and the only noise he makes is at rehearsals where he can be found snoring at Eleanor's feet."
The orchestra has organised the fundraising concert from 5pm, in aid of the charity.
Laura said: "We are asking people to come and join puppy walkers, guide dog owners and boarders from all over Shropshire. Everyone is welcome."
