Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?
Exercising is very much a part of my life. I love to cycle. I walk regularly with my dog, Bentley, a 16-month-old poodle who is new to the Irish Guide Dogs' breeding programme.
How often do you exercise?
Three times a week. Having Bentley ensures I walk regularly. My role with the Irish Guide Dogs is to safeguard and develop our breeding stock to the highest calibre.
Bentley is a new stud dog we've recently approved for our breeding programme. He lives with me so I know his character inside and out.
Do you get your five fruit and vegetables a day?
My wife and I grow our own vegetables so we eat whatever is in season. I love the sustainability of having our own lettuce, leeks, beetroot, parsnips, cabbage, etc.
Do you worry?
I worry when one of the dogs is sick or if one of our brood bitches is having puppies and needs to have a C-Section.
Our breeding programme is extremely carefully considered. It has to be, given the responsibility these dogs have and the investment of 22 months of training we dedicate to each dog.
I know the history of each pup who is born; I know their father and mother’s lineage going back generations.
What do you do to relax?
Cycling, cooking, reading but more than anything I love being out in nature. Of course I also enjoy spending time with my family, although my children – Julie, Robert and Bill – all live away from home in Kildare, New Zealand and San Francisco respectively.
My wife, Clare, and I plan to go to San Francisco in May so I’m very much looking forward to that.
What's your worst habit?
Definitely digital – my wife would say it's either the remote control or the iPad.
Michael Edmunds is breeding supervisor with the Irish Guide Dogs, where he is celebrating his 30th year working.
