Bart Cunningham

13/10/2022

I have loved every minute of working with and guiding James over the last 8 years. We have had some fantastic times and have the best of memories. Getting used to spending my days like this now I’m retired 😴 🐾

22/11/2021

Voting is a tricky process for James. We would love to have an easier system in place.

I've asked my MLAs to ensure the next Assembly Election is accessible for voters with sight loss. Will you contact your local MLAs, asking them to advocate for accessibility, and pledge to make Northern Ireland more inclusive over the next Assembly term? https://rnib.in/NIAE-FB

27/10/2021

17/09/2021

Woof woof! It’s my birthday today - can you believe I’m 9 years old? Here’s a throwback to my 2nd birthday when I had the honour of being made Deputy Dawg at Portadown College 😊 Another special birthday today as James and I have just been to Queen's University Belfast to register, James for a PhD and me for a PhDog 😂

26/08/2021

I hear today is International Dog Day, I didn’t get a day off but I did get a lovely wee dander around Lurgan Park 🐾🐾

17/04/2021

I’m a super lucky pooch to have such great friends who take me to lovely country parks for walkies 🐾🐾

21/03/2021

Yesterday was World Sleep Day. James had me out most of the day so I’m making up for it on this beautiful sunny Sunday. I hope you are relaxing and enjoying some sunshine wherever you are ☀️❤️

24/01/2021

I hope you all enjoyed this sprinkling of the white stuff today. I certainly did ❄️☃️🐾🐾

16/05/2020

How are all you lovely folk fairing during lockdown? I do hope it hasn’t been too traumatic and that you are all safe and well. Let me cheer you up with my adventure today in Clare Glen. I do wonder if anyone loves chasing a big stick as much as I do 🤔🐾🐾

14/12/2019

James will be playing some music 11.30 - 12. I, of course, will be there to make sure things run smoothly so pop in and say hello 👋 If you’re on Santa’s nice list you might even get a Christmas cuddle from your favourite pooch! 🐾🐾

17/09/2019

Country Comes To Town on Saturday. Of course you will all be coming to see me 😊 but James will be there too, doing his thing (making lots of noise!!) ... come and say hello, and because James can't see, remember to tell him who you are!

26/08/2019

It’s national dog day! Give me a high five 🙌🏽 and a cuddle

08/08/2019

Happy Thursday folks! My job as a guide dog, is to keep James safe whilst out and about. This is very difficult in a world of hazards and street furniture' Things like steps, bollards, signposts, bin day, advertising A frames and shop merchandise are not easy to navigate on narrow pavements. Add to this, irresponsible car owners who park their entire car, yes you heard me right, entire car on the pedestrian area, we even have photographic evidence! James doesn't have the luxury of sight and being able to drive into town, he walks a lot, but I know, he would for sure park in one of the many available car parks in Portadown so as not to put any vulnerable person in danger. Please think before you park and help me and James walk safely around the town we love.

08/11/2018

James and I ....... helping to make the world a better place 😊🐾

We've recently been working with students in the QUB - School of Natural and Built Environment to raise awareness about the difficulties people living with sight loss have to overcome when they are out and about in our towns and cities.

On this we would like to thank our partners at Queen's University Belfast, IMTAC and especially James and his guide dog Bart (pictured) for helping Guide Dogs NI in our mission to make inclusive design the foundation of a more accessible public realm for everyone.

[Photo shows James and his guide dog Bart, outside Queen's University Belfast. James is kneeling down and holding Bart's paw in his hand.]

27/10/2018

Come along and enjoy an evening of musical entertainment with all proceeds in aid of Guide Dogs NI. Performances from Andrea Begley, Eileen King and Gene Fitzpatrick. James will be playing too so of course I will be there to look after him, I know that me being there will be the reason all you lovely folk decide to come. Tickets £20 available from Seagoe Hotel. 😊🐾🎼

17/09/2018

It's my birthday today, a big 6 and still as cute as ever 🐾🐾

07/09/2018

I didn't realise I was so cute! Shiny black coat and big, bright brown eyes, you just have to love me 🐾🐾 Tonight I had a front row seat at all things Madness, Our House the musical, have to say .... what a show! Catch it if you can 🎼🥁🎷🎺🎸🎹

07/07/2018

The power of positivity folks. Didn’t we do well 😊❤️👨🏼‍🎓

The 21-year-old brought his beloved Bart to his lectures and seminars