Local charity Ability Dogs 4 Young People is enjoying a double celebration following the recent presentation of both Bronze and Silver Public Access Awards for two of their assistance dogs, Georgie and Sheriff.
The awards were presented to two young disabled people celebrating the achievement of their Ability Dogs demonstrating how they are able to work safely in public areas such as shops and on public transport, remaining calm and safely supporting their disabled recipients, Christina and Jon.
Georgie, a yellow Labrador, was placed with Christina who has Cerebral Palsy in April 2014 and has already proved to be a life changing companion for the teenager. As well as helping Christina when she is out and about, Georgie helps Christina around her home. For example, he helps her to have a shower in the morning and go to bed in the evening without needing her mum’s help. Something any teenager takes for granted.
Christina says:
“I am very proud that Georgie and I have just been awarded our Silver Public Access Award. We are getting stronger as a team all the time.”
Jon, a teenager with autism, was anxious about leaving his home. Today Jon is celebrating achieving his Bronze Public Access Award. Sheriff is a newly placed chocolate Labrador who has helped Jon to take major steps forward, reducing his acute anxiety and giving him the confidence to leave his house without family members to help him.
Jon says:
“I now travel home from the IOW college by bus on my own (with Sheriff of course), I go into shops and meet with my friends. I feel safe with Sheriff by my side.”
Article continues below this advertisement
Ability Dogs 4 Young People is a unique Island charity training assistance dogs to improve the quality of life for young people and children on the Island. They are able to help with physical and/or mental disabilities including cerebral palsy, autism and epilepsy.
Carol Court, Founder and CEO of the charity shares the future plans for the Charity. She explains:
“Although we have only been in existence since 2012, we are proud to say that we now have nine working dogs with a further twelve puppies in training. The success of the placements has spurred us on and we are committed to training six new Ability Dogs every year. We are always looking for more Volunteer Puppy Parents to help us fulfil our pledge of continuing to change the lives of the Island’s disabled young people.”
If you would like to support this charity, you can help fundraise or maybe volunteer as a puppy parent. You can find more information at www.abilitydogs4yp.org.uk, by emailing [email protected] or by calling 01983 216246.
