Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland is a national charity providing highly trained Assistance Dogs for children with autism and their families. Our dogs are specially trained to provide safety, independence and companionship to children who would otherwise live in a very isolated world. These dogs help to transform the lives of children and their families. Having an assistance dog allows the families to be able to go out again and take their child to places that they had stopped going to. The dog also helps them to be able to take part in simple everyday activities that the rest of us take for granted. A simple trip to the local shop can be a very stressful task for a child with autism.
The assistance dog helps, as the child is attached to the dog via a belt which is then linked to the dogs jacket ensuring the child is always safe and the parent then takes control of the dog by the lead. It takes up to 2 years to train each dog, initially the pup is placed with a Puppy Foster Carer who are all volunteers and brings up the pup for the first 12 months ensuring it is well socialised in order for it to become a suitable assistance dog.
It costs €15,000 to train each dog and all our money is raised through fundraising events. Presently we have Pups from 16 weeks to 16 months in training, with two of our Dogs, Chester and Bella about to be placed with a child in the coming weeks. Our goal is to expand our service by training more Pups to become Assistance Dogs but we need your help.
We are holding a Walk & Wag Doggy Charity Walk through Doneraile Wildlife Park on Sunday July 20th at 2pm to raise much needed funds for AADI and hopefully together we can make a difference. All are welcome to attend in Doneraile and if you do not have your own dog please still come along for the walk. Details can be had from our Office on 022 43851 or John on 0864112123.