Wightlink Chief Executive Katy Taylor has seen first-hand how specially trained Ability Dogs are helping disabled Islanders live more independently.
Katy, accompanied by Executive Assistant Claire Harding, visited Ability Dogs 4 Young People’s training centre at Sandown Airport last Wednesday (26th August), meeting volunteers, recipients and puppies undergoing training.
The visit included a demonstration puppy class led by the charity’s founder and CEO, Carol Court, featuring dogs aged between 4 months and 2 years.
Among them was Golden Doodle Zara, the 100th puppy to enter training with the Island charity – marking a major milestone for the organisation.
During the demonstration, the puppies showed skills ranging from basic obedience to specialist task work. Using actions such as fetching, pushing and tugging, the dogs can eventually be trained to open doors, pick up phones and alert their owners to medical emergencies.
Katy said:
“It is so wonderful to see so many young puppies training together at the same time without distracting each other or messing around.
Article continues below this advertisement “This is truly a testament to the dedication of the Ability Dog trainers and all of the volunteer puppy parents.”
Katy also met 6 recipients and their working Ability Dogs to hear how the animals provide support tailored to their individual needs.
Among them was Jon, whose dog Willson is his second Ability Dog following the retirement of his first. Willson gives Jon the confidence to get out and about independently and accompanies him while he volunteers at a local charity bookshop.
She also met Nessie, a School Therapy Ability Dog at Broadlea Primary School, who supports children with social anxiety and those who may otherwise struggle to attend school. Nessie is set to become the star of her own children’s book later this year.
Reflecting on the visit, Katy said:
“There is no doubt that this charity is making a huge difference to the lives of disabled people of all ages on the Isle of Wight, and we at Wightlink are very proud to support them.”
Wightlink has supported Ability Dogs 4 Young People for a number of years by providing free ferry travel, helping the charity collect new puppies and attend specialist veterinary appointments on the mainland.
Carol Court said:
“The cost savings and flexibility of travel these provide is invaluable when we are travelling to collect new puppies and taking dogs to specialist veterinary appointments on the mainland.
“Thank you, Katy, for taking the time to come and see us.”
