Members of Soroptimist International of Skipton in Craven enjoyed a wonderful talk and presentation by Kate Snyth of Todmorden about Assistance Dogs with her specially trained dog Hal, a beautiful Golden Retriever who helps her deal with her disabilities from semi progressive MS on daily basis.
Despite Kate being wheelchair-bound, she is able to be employed and Hal goes everywhere with her, and sits through endless meetings, and countless Hospital appointments, and also visits patients in Hospitals.
Hal was supplied through a wonderful Charity “Dogs for Good”, formerly known as “Dogs for the Disabled” which gives specially selected dogs training at their Training School in Banbury.
Dogs for Good trains assistance dogs for adults with physical disabilities. Every dog is specially trained to help with practical tasks that many people with disabilities find difficult or impossible to do, such as:
- Opening and closing doors
- Helping with dressing and undressing
- Retrieving items such as mobile telephones or dropped articles like keys or a bag
- Loading and emptying the washing machine
- Pressing a pedestrian crossing button
- Reaching up to shop-counters with items such as a wallet
A registered assistance dog provides an extension of the person’s abilities, and is allowed by law to accompany their partner into public places such as shops, restaurants and also to travel on public transport.
Hal is now 11 years old and will soon need to go into retirement. He has a structured routine with Breakfast of dry food at 7am and Tea at 7pm, sometimes with a treat of leftover tasty gravy. He also has his own down/fun time and the day before, had spent a wonderful time on the sands at Lytham chasing balls, etc. and really tired himself out.
Hal demonstrated how he could pick up a 5p coin with ease, and also a sheet of paper, and a bunch of keys, and hand them to Kate immediately, for which he receives a special doggy treat each time.
The Assistance Dogs open up new worlds for the disabled giving them the gift of independence when uniquely matched to their needs.
Assistance dogs also support children with a range of disabilities, giving them more independence, confidence and a best friend
A Dogs for Good Autism Assistance Dog gives the parent and child real independence, and provides a safer environment for the child so they feel more secure.
Having unlimited access to public places with the dog enables the whole family to do simple things such as shopping, which may have been impossible before.
The dog wears a special harness which connects it to both parent and child, and acts on instructions from the parent while the child is encouraged to walk alongside the dog.
This offers greater independence to the child and parent, whilst ensuring the child is safe and unable to ‘bolt’ if they become stressed or anxious. ‘Bolting’ behaviour is also combated by training the assistance dog to automatically sit should the child attempt to run off.
A fully-trained autism assistance dog can help change behaviour by:
- Introducing routines
- Reducing bolting behaviour
- Interrupting repetitive behaviour
- Helping a child with autism cope with unfamiliar surroundings.
Soroptimist International of Skipton in Craven welcomes new lady Members. Please contact siskiptonincraven@gmail.com