Guide dogs play important role in children’s family life

By Maurice Garvey

SINCE the arrival of an autism assistance dog four years ago, Walkinstown youngster Shane Murray has gone from strength to strength.

Shane (10) from Cherryfield Road, has high functioning autism dyspraxia, along with ADHD and a learning disability.

Prior to his assistance dog Zeta becoming his best bud, Shane would be inclined to run across the road without looking for traffic.

Shane’s mother Cathy told The Echo that Zeta plays an important role in his life.

“I find out what is going on in his life by earwigging their conversations,” said Cathy.

“Since Shane has started going to Francis Street CBS, he has come on leaps and bounds, but April is all about trying to help other families who need assistant dogs.”

Whilst Zeta has improved Shane’s life immeasurably, a lack of funding has hindered the ability of the Irish Guide Dogs to help all families who are seeking help.

Last November, the group reopened the programme to new applicants, but it reached full capacity within half and hour.
Effectively they can only manage to place dogs with less than half of the families who need them.

In line with World Autism Awareness Day, which took place on April 2, Irish Guide Dogs are trying to raise much-needed funds for their assistance dog programme throughout the month of April.

The charity do not receive any government funding for the assistance dog programme which costs over €1.2m each year to operate.

“Families who currently have one of our assistance dogs tell us of the many tangible benefits and how it has changed their everyday lives for the better,” said Padraig Mallon, CEO with Irish Guide Dogs.

“Our assistance dog programme plays an important role for the children and wider family unit. We would love to do much more.”

To mark World Autism Awareness Day, Irish Guide Dogs have launched their new annual appeal Heroes.

Speaking about the launch of Heroes, Republic of Ireland football legend Roy Keane said: “It shows that not all heroes wear capes. I’m asking the public to please support Irish Guide Dogs so that more people can enjoy the freedom and independence that these wonderful dogs provide.”

All of the national charity’s services are offered free of charge. It will cost over €5m to provide services this year.
Text Woof to 50300 to donate €4 or online via www.guidedogs.ie/donate