A young 16-year-old Islander with cerebral palsy is delighted to have a new companion in his life – an ability dog called Magic.
Local charity Ability Dogs 4 Young People have just placed their latest, newly trained Ability Dog, Magic with James who lives with his family near Sandown. Magic has been sponsored by IOW Gift Fair who donated £2,650 raised at their Gift Fair in November 2013. The charity was lucky enough to be selected as one of their supported charities that year.
Magic has been trained to help James with everyday tasks such as getting out of bed in the morning, helping him to dress, picking up his trainers, opening doors and preparing him to go out. Magic can help James by fetching his phone and picking up anything that he drops onto the floor. The Ability Dog is starting to give James a sense of independence that he hasn’t had before. Now that he has Magic he doesn’t have to rely on his parents for help him with everything he does. And of course, he is thrilled that Magic is already becoming his faithful friend.
James has said:
“I am really excited that Magic is here with me, I feel she will make a big difference in my life and will help me when I start Sixth Form in September”.
Magic will act as a great support to James in Sixth Form, as well as helping him take off his coat and get things out of his bag (James has limited hand mobility), the jacketed dog will be act as great ice breaker. His confidence is already growing with Magic by his side, making a real difference to the young person at such a crucial time as he starts to make his way out into the world.
Ability Dogs 4 Young People is a unique Island charity, training assistance dogs to improve the quality of life for young people and children living on the Island. They are able to help with physical and/or mental disabilities including cerebral palsy, autism and epilepsy.
The charity now has eight working Ability Dogs and has is working to place six new dogs with young disabled recipients living on the Island each year.
Carol Court, Founder and CEO of the charity explains:
“The charity is unique: It is the only assistance dog charity on the Island helping disabled young people and children. Secondly, we cover all of the costs to keep an Ability Dog in service, for instance vet bills, equipment and dog food. We believe that the young people we help should have all the benefits of an Ability Dog with none of the financial worries.”
If you would like to support this charity, you can help fundraise or maybe volunteer to be a puppy parent. Find more information at www.abilitydogs4yp.org.uk, email [email protected] or phone 01983 216246.
