The recent ‘ruff’ summer weather hasn’t dampened the spirits of the Mallow based national charity Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland. Over 40 families have signed up to embark on a 2 km walk through the magnificent Doneraile Park, come hail, rain or shine at 1pm this Saturday, August 11th. Saturday’s walk is being held to mark International Assistance Dog Week and will see some of the dogs placed by AADI over the past 2 years make their return to North Cork to show their appreciation for the huge difference having an assistance dog has made to the lives of their young children.
The charity, established in 2010, continues to grow, and training of assistance dogs continues, while AADI’s second charity shop is due to open in Clonmel next week. The AADI has been undertaking volunteer drives around the country, flag days and puppy fostering schemes over the past few months.
“You could say we’ve been making hay while the sun has most definitely not been shining,” jokes AADI director of fundraising Breeda Clancy. “It’s been a hectic few months for the charity and we couldn’t do it without the support of our very loyal volunteers locally and those who have been undertaking fundraising events on our behalf.”
AADI was established over two years ago and has so far made a huge difference to the lives of many autistic children in Dublin, Offaly, Tipperary, Galway, Limerick, Donegal and of course, Cork. “We’re really looking forward to welcoming our placement families back to see how they are getting on with their assistance dogs, and we thought it would be a very special way to mark International Assistance Dog Week,” says AADI training service manager Nuala Geraghty.
“The assistance dogs we train are mainly Labradors or Golden Retrievers. The dogs help children on the autistic spectrum break down the barriers preventing them from interacting with society,” says Nuala. “The effect a dog can have on a child and their family life is truly amazing, but it doesn’t happen overnight and costs €15,000 per dog, between food, training and veterinary costs.”
To register for the walk, contact AADI on 022 43851. You can also keep up to date with AADI on Facebook or follow them on Twitter @autismdogsirl and check out their website at www.aadi.ie