A CHARITY which creates partnerships between people and dogs is offering individuals the chance to talk with an official about the benefits of having an assistance dog.
Dogs for Good trains dogs to carry out tasks, such as emptying the washing machine, helping a child with special educational needs and calm a child with autism.
The charity also offers Parents Autism Workshops and Support (PAWS) and ‘innovative’ new projects in schools and residential care settings.
Jennie Cartwright from Solihull is an official volunteer speaker for Dogs for Good.
She said: “To millions of people, dogs bring joy and happiness.
“For men, women and children with disabilities they also provide a point of social contact, practical support and most important of all, independence.
“Parents of a child with autism see the whole family’s life improve beyond recognition and Special Educational Needs school teachers and therapists are delighted with the support dogs offer to their pupils.”
Stephanie Lawless, community fundraising manager, said: “Our talks are designed to help the audience understand how our dogs can change the lives of people who face a lifetime of challenges.
“We have some truly wonderful stories to tell about how lives have changed for the hundreds of children, adults and families the charity has helped.”
To book a talk, Dogs for Good asks for a minimum donation of £50 to support its work and a contribution towards the speaker’s expenses.
Alternatively, individuals can choose to fundraise for the charity.
To arrange for Jennie to come and talk to a group or club call 01295 759 824 or email [email protected]
The charity receives no government funding and relies entirely on donations, fundraising and volunteers to continue its ‘pioneering’ work.
To fund each dog from birth to full trained assistance dog the charity must raise £12,000 or £20,000 to fund the dog for its entire working life.
As of yet, they have trained nearly 800 assistance dogs – with more than 300 currently working in England and Wales.
To find out more or make a donation visit www.dogsforgood.org or call 01295 252600.
