About Support dogs
Support Dogs: Improving Lives with Assistance Dogs
Support Dogs is a UK-based charity that provides registered assistance dogs to children and adults with autism, epilepsy, and disabilities. The organization was founded in 1992 by Dr. Peter Gorbing and his wife Dr. Val Strong, who recognized the need for trained assistance dogs to help people with various conditions lead more independent lives.
The charity's mission is to improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities by providing them with highly trained assistance dogs that can perform a range of tasks such as alerting their owners to seizures or helping them navigate through crowded areas. Support Dogs also offers ongoing support and training for both the dog and its owner throughout their partnership.
One of the unique aspects of Support Dogs is its focus on providing assistance dogs specifically for children. The charity recognizes that having an assistance dog can be particularly beneficial for young people who may struggle with social interaction or sensory issues related to their condition.
Support Dogs has three main programs: Autism Assistance Dogs, Seizure Alert Assistance Dogs, and Disability Assistance Dogs. Each program is tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals living with these conditions.
Autism Assistance Dogs are trained to provide comfort and companionship while also helping their owners develop social skills through activities such as playing games or going on walks together. These dogs can also help reduce anxiety levels in stressful situations such as going out in public or attending school.
Seizure Alert Assistance Dogs are trained to detect when their owner is about to have a seizure so they can take appropriate action such as alerting someone nearby or fetching medication if needed. These dogs are particularly important for individuals who experience seizures that could be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
Disability Assistance Dogs are trained to perform a range of tasks depending on the individual's needs including opening doors, picking up dropped items, turning lights on/off, and even assisting with dressing/undressing.
All Support Dog's assistance dogs undergo rigorous training to ensure they are able to perform their tasks safely and effectively. The charity also provides ongoing support for the dog and its owner throughout their partnership, including regular check-ins and training sessions.
In addition to providing assistance dogs, Support Dogs is also involved in research aimed at improving the lives of people with disabilities. The charity has partnered with several universities to conduct studies on the benefits of assistance dogs for individuals with autism, epilepsy, and other conditions.
Support Dogs relies heavily on donations from individuals and organizations to fund its programs. The charity does not receive any government funding and relies solely on the generosity of its supporters. Donations can be made through the organization's website or by contacting them directly.
Overall, Support Dogs is a unique charity that is making a significant impact in the lives of people living with disabilities across the UK. Through its highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support services, Support Dogs is helping individuals lead more independent lives while also raising awareness about the benefits of these amazing animals.