Jasper is the proud recipient of Ability Dog, Jack, who provides every day support both in his home and out in the community.
19 year old Jasper feels confident when he travels to university with Jack by his side. Without him, Jasper says he wouldn’t have felt able to make the commute for his studies.
Dogs like Jack are trained by a dedicated team of volunteers supported by a highly skilled team of Trainers at Ability Dogs 4 Young People IOW, helping people like Jasper feel more confident, safe and connected in the community so that they can live fulfilling lives.
It takes two years to train a puppy to become an assistance dog. Once qualified, they go on to support young people in the community with physical and mental disabilities including cerebral palsy, autism, diabetes and epilepsy.
These special dogs are not limited to supporting practical tasks such as picking up items, opening doors and helping their recipients to dress and undress. They also build confidence and self esteem in their young person, enabling them to access further education or gain employment without needing full-time carers. In addition, they are wonderful icebreakers for conversations with new people when they are out and about, helping them to make new connections and form friendships.
Ability Dogs are fully funded throughout their working lives by the charity, which pays for food, equipment and vet bills – giving young people all the benefits without an added financial burden.
"Jack came to me in 2020 and really helped me through the isolation of the pandemic. It's because of him that I feel safe to travel to the mainland for my studies. He gives me a sense of responsibility and he's a brilliant ice breaker. People ask me about Jack all the time and that really helps me to make new connections and talk to people."
Jasper
Recipient of an ability dog from Ability Dogs 4 Young People
