Andy and Henry
A cycling accident changed Andy’s life forever. In one moment, Andy went from a fit and healthy young man, with a promising career as a policeman, to struggling to come to terms with a spinal injury that would affect every aspect of his life. Henry is one of over 300 dogs trained by Dogs for the Disabled to help disabled people like Andy be independent.
As Andy explains: “Having Henry around has given me back my independence, but he’s also given me back my confidence too. When my hands don’t work, Henry picks things up for me, everything from a set of keys to my crutches. There is no doubt that having an assistance dog like Henry has added to my reason to get up in the morning.”
Melissa and Rowan
Melissa is 26 years old and her disability affects and limits every aspect of her life. She easily becomes exhausted doing things that many of us would take for granted. As a result of her condition, Melissa is a wheelchair user and is only able to walk short distances. She is also registered blind due to very narrow vision.
Melissa was partnered with Rowan in 2003. “Rowan has completely changed my life. He is so helpful in many aspects of my life, more than I ever imagined. On a practical level, he is invaluable for tasks such as fetching the post, carrying items around the home and even helping to pull off my wellington boots when I’ve finished gardening! It also means that I don’t have to rely on my husband as much to help me.
“I no longer feel that people stare at me as a person in a wheelchair, they’re too busy admiring Rowan! He gives me a lot more confidence when I’m out because I don’t feel self conscious or as though I’m on my own. I can’t see Rowan when he’s walking beside me, because of my narrow vision. But it’s so reassuring to hear his bell jingling as he walks. People will stop and chat to us, asking questions about Rowan and it makes me feel part of society rather than being on the outskirts of it.
“It’s wonderful having an assistance dog, it just makes things easier, less isolating and more enjoyable.”
Daniel and Yogi
A progressive disability for a child or adult can be especially difficult to cope with; no longer being able to perform even simple tasks can lead to depression and low self-esteem. At Dogs for the Disabled we train each dog to help with practical tasks such as retrieving dropped items or helping a person undress. Ultimately this means that the disabled person can lead a more independent life.
Fourteen-year-old Daniel has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and was partnered with Yogi in 2004: “He puts his face up to mine and he wags his tail and makes me feel happy. He’s so clever in the things that he does. Now I feel like I’ve always got a friend. I can no longer walk and so rely on my wheelchair and other people for help. Yogi’s been specially trained to bark so that Mum will hear and come to help me at any time of the day or night. That makes me feel safe and, for the first time in ages, I can do things by myself.”
Paul and York
Paul, who lives near Nottingham, has cerebral palsy, a condition that he was born with and stops him being able to carry out many of the things that most of us do without thinking.
Now 33 years old, Paul was partnered with York, his first assistance dog in 2006. Before then, his life could often be lonely and one dimensional, having York has changed all that ... "York has transformed my life. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me! Life is easier at home now as York picks objects up from the floor, opens and closes doors and brings the phone - all things that mean I no longer fall out of my wheelchair. He has given me more confidence to go out and lots of people now speak to me; I enjoy people wanting to find out about my amazing dog. He is my constant companion and I don't feel the loneliness of living on my own any more. We enjoy life together now and really enjoy the social contact when York meets his "doggy" friends at the park!”
Olivia and Leo
Olivia is ten years old and has cerebral palsy; she has been partnered with Leo, a golden retriever who assists her by picking up things like a pen and helping her with homework. But Olivia’s favourite time with Leo is when they play hide and seek together in the garden. Leo wags his tail and chases round the garden, whilst Olivia, using her crutches for support, has to find different places to hide Leo’s much-loved toy. Without even thinking about it Olivia has performed her physiotherapy for the day.
Emma and Kirsty
Emma is 15 year’s old. She was born with cerebral palsy, a condition that affects every part of her ability to do things. Despite all this Emma’s never seen herself as disabled. Just like lots of teenagers, she enjoys going to guides, loves horse-riding, regularly attends the local youth club and drama groups. In 2006, a little black Labrador called Kirsty came in to Emma’s life, she is helping her to achieve her aim: to be as independent as possible. Kirsty has been trained by Dogs for the Disabled to help with practical tasks such as picking up dropped items or helping Emma take off her jacket or socks and shoes. Thanks to Kirsty, Emma has a new found confidence and independence that will help her as she grows up.
