Pride of Guernsey: Paws for Support
PAWS FOR SUPPORT has been nominated for the Diversity and Inclusion award, sponsored by the Insurance Corporation.
The charity’s assistance dogs change lives, and that is down to the support in training, given by Sara, Jo, and Sandra.
One of the handlers, Matt, who has a progressive neurological condition affecting his motor skills, was the first in Guernsey to have his dog, Beau, qualify as an assistance dog.
He has said that ‘life could’ve been very isolated’ if he didn’t have Beau for assistance.
Another handler, Maxine, has chronic vestibular brainstem migraine, which causes dizziness and extreme vertigo. Her dog Pinata has been trained, with support from the charity, to pick up things, perform medical alerts and deep pressure therapy.
Rachel has EDS and her dog, Lily, helps to fetch objects, perform medical alerts and helps with tasks such as tidying Rachel’s children’s toys.
Adie is a wheelchair user. His dog, Floki, is learning tasks such as picking things up and pushing buttons, helping Adie’s independence in everyday life improve.
The handlers all agree the support given by the organisation, gives them ‘the independence and confidence to improve our lives both at home and in the wider community’.
