Assistance dog charity's Waterford champions support new campaign

Dogs for the Disabled has announced the launched of its new nationwide 'County Champions' campaign which it hopes will also raise awareness around the charity's important work.

Set up in 2007, Dogs for the Disabled has worked quietly at transforming the lives of children and adults living with physical disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs, free of charge.

From Task Dogs for wheelchair users to Mobility Dogs for children with Cerebral Palsy and Ataxia-type conditions, to its new Parkinson’s Dog programme the charity's dogs are veritable lifelines for people and offer practical assistance aimed at increasing independence while also providing a social connection to those who need it most.

Dr Teresa O'Donnell, from Cappagh, Dungarvan is one of two current Waterford County Champions and her Facility Assistance Dog, 'Nate', has helped her fulfil a dream to make her work with children even more caring and effective.

As an educational psychologist, I meet lots of children who sometimes find it hard to share their feelings or stay focused during assessments," Teresa told Waterford News & Star.

"That’s where Nate comes in," she added. "He’s specially trained by Dogs for the Disabled to be right by my side, offering a calming, non-judgmental presence."

However, Teresa said Nate isn't just a regular dog, commenting: "He’s my partner in helping children feel comfortable and safe. When I’m talking with children or working on assessments, Nate helps them stay relaxed and confident. He’s like a furry friend who’s there to listen and offer quiet support, making it easier for children to open up or do their best in activities."

With Nate's help, Teresa hopes to show that having a facilty dog can make a big difference in connecting with children and help them feel understood. 

"This isn’t just about traditional school support; it’s about finding new, more compassionate ways to reach children and help them shine," she said.

With regard to the new campaign, Teresa said: "I’m so excited to be part of a new approach that could make things better for children who need that extra bit of kindness and understanding."

Teresa's niece, Riona, who is from Woodstown, Co Waterford, is also a current County Champion and Teresa said the family have been involved with Dogs for the Disabled over almost 15 years.

"Dora, our first dog from Dogs for the Disabled, was Ríona’s mobility assistance dog for a number of years," she said.

"Her role was not as obvious as those amazing task assistance dogs trained by the charity, that can pick up dropped items, press lift or zebra crossing buttons, or empty the washing machine; but her role for us was just as valuable."

Teresa said Dora helped her niece find balance and confidence when walking on sloped or uneven ground along with helping her increase her stamina for longer walks.

"Dora did her job so well that for her last years she was no longer needed by Ríona as an assistance dog but remained her best friend, companion and a member of our family," she said. 

"Dora passed away in 2021 and is still very much missed by us all," she added, before commenting that although Ríona no longer needed a mobility assistance dog to support her, she really missed Dora’s company every day.

"We were delighted when the charity gifted Nero to us in 2021," said Teresa. "It was a dramatic change going from the older, dignified and calm Dora to the young and very lively Nero."

Riona and Nero ‘clicked’ immediately in a jump-around in the back garden the day he arrived and have been best friends since, with Nero providing company and entertainment for all the family.

The new County Champions initiative is also aimed at helping the charity raise funds to renovate a period house on 11 acres, on the outskirts of Cork City, as their new national training centre and permanent headquarters.

A spokesperson for the charity said that while the organisation has operated to the highest standards over the last 17 years it has also been saving to purchase a permanent home with sufficient land to develop and expand services. 

"The property requires complete renovation and the immediate goal is to raise €500,000 to get the property fit-for-purpose and operational as soon as possible," said the spokesperson.

"It is imperative that the charity develops the property in tandem with their current day-to-day operations, so that the children on their current 3-year waiting list are not delayed in receiving their specially trained dogs," she added. 

To find out more about the charity, its work and ongoing plans visit www.dogsfordisabled.ie

"Our 26 County Champions will serve as the face of Dogs for the Disabled in their local communities, acting as powerful ambassadors for the charities work and offering very personal testimonies," said the spokesperson.