Ability Dogs 4 Young People is putting out a desperate plea to Islanders for help. The local charity trains Assistance Dogs to help disabled young people living on the Island and currently it has a crucial shortage of Puppy Parents. Sadly, this means it is struggling to train puppies to become fully qualified Ability Dogs to place with some of the 70+ disabled young people on their waiting list.
Could you welcome a puppy into your home for 6-12 months? If you have your own car, a garden and work either part-time or not at all, you could potentially help this charity. The puppies are placed with Puppy Parents at about 8 weeks old and also at about 1 year old. As these are strong young Labradors, you will need to be fit and strong as well.
Becoming a Puppy Parent means giving commitment to exercise the puppy daily, attend weekly Puppy Training Classes (held on Wednesdays in Lake) and take the puppy out and about on the Island so that he/she is relaxed, well behaved and friendly in different environments. Giving him or her the right blend of affection, control and supervision will help the puppy prepare to be an Ability Dog.
The charity supplies all the puppy’s food and equipment, and covers the vet costs. As a Puppy Parent you will have ongoing support from our qualified Dog Trainers, and last but not least, the rewarding knowledge that you are helping an Ability Puppy to become a fully trained and qualified Ability Dog transform a disabled young person’s life.
Ability Dogs 4 Young People now has 10 working Ability Dogs and 12 puppies in training. The Ability Dogs are placed with young people who have a range of disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, acute anxiety and epilepsy. The training takes 2 years and includes teaching Ability Dogs to help with everyday tasks such as picking up items, opening and closing doors, dressing, undressing, mobility support and summoning for help. The training is customised to meet the individual recipient’s needs nearer the time of placement.
Ability Dogs make a tremendous difference to the independence of disabled young people, some of whom have not previously left their homes alone. From increased independence comes improved confidence and self-esteem, making a huge positive benefit to their wellbeing often at a crucial stage in their lives. There are currently more than 700 disabled young people living on the Island.
Ability Dogs 4 Young People is a unique, independent charity, which helps disabled young people and children of any age (up to about 24), living on the Isle of Wight. If you feel you could make a difference and contribute to the success of this local, relatively young Isle of Wight charity, contact Carol on 01983 216246 or email [email protected].
