The recent Ability Dogs 4 Young People IoW Fun Dog Show, was an overwhelming success.
Held at the Ability Dogs Training Centre (based at Sandown Airport) on 14th April, the day was spent celebrating the remarkable bond between dogs and their owners while raising vital funds for the charity’s life-changing work.
Vibrant and full of energy
The Fun Dog Show was vibrant and full of energy, offering a plethora of family activities, including a toy tombola, bottle tombola, and the much-loved pet mystery box game. Local stalls added to the canine experience, with something for everyone who attended.
Undoubtedly, the highlight of the day was the Dog Show itself. Participants and their furry companions showcased their talents, with waggy tails and enthusiastic barks lighting up the event. There was something for everyone with celebrations of both puppies and veterans. The quirky and the beautiful were equally recognised with dogs having the opportunity to show off their best tricks.
Court: Dedicated to supporting young people in need
Carol Court, Ability Dogs 4 Young People IoW CEO said,
“We were absolutely delighted with the number of people from the Island community who came out to support us. The Dog Show was a huge success and we want to express our thanks to everyone who came along, including those who participated and those who volunteered their time.
“We are dedicated to supporting young people in need on the Isle of Wight. The work our Ability Dogs do is making a significant difference to young people living in crisis in our Island community. Our recipients are gaining their independence and self-belief. Without the support from their Ability Dog companion, many of these young people would continue to feel isolated and alone, whether it be physically or mentally.”
Twinberrow: The dogs and their owners had such great connections
Judging the events was a challenging affair because there were so many wonderful entries for each class. Louise Twinberrow, Ability Dogs Trainer and judge at the Fun Dog Show said,
“It was an honour and privilege to see so many dogs and their owners having fun together.
“Judging each event was tricky to say the least, with so many potential winners among the entries.
“I smiled to see the dogs and their owners with such great connections. This is why we do what we do at Ability Dogs 4 Young People; our dogs bring smiles, laughs and fun that can too easily be lost when the challenges of life take over.”
Fundraising for Ability Dogs 4 Young People
The funds raised from the day will play a crucial role in supporting Ability Dogs 4 Young People’s ongoing efforts to provide life-changing support to young people on the Isle of Wight. The charity specialises in training Ability Dogs to support individuals with a wide range of needs, including autism, anxiety, cerebral palsy, and diabetes.
Through a unique approach, Ability Dogs 4 Young People work closely with volunteer puppy parents and specialist trainers to ensure that each Ability Dog is trained to provide exactly the right support for their recipient. Additionally, the charity offers programmes such as supporting those with a dog phobia as well as the ‘Own Trained’ programme, where personally owned dogs can be trained to become Ability Dogs.
Instrumental in transforming lives
Ability Dogs 4 Young People has been instrumental in transforming the lives of many recipients, including Jess, a young person in her early twenties who has been supported by the Island’s Crisis Social Care Team.
We have worked closely with Jess’ support team, who have prioritised our training as they quickly recognised the positive impact of Ability Dog, Neddie.
In Jess’ own words,
“My life before Neddie wasn’t very good. I felt overwhelmed and struggled to go out without my mum and dad, or the recovery team who support me. I was in a really bad place. I would have lots of meltdowns and hurt myself. It was really bad. I had no purpose in life, just existing. I wasn’t living. I struggled to understand people and needed routine. I struggled being out and I ended up in hospital because I couldn’t keep myself safe.”
Jess continues,
“Since having Neddie, I now have a purpose. He’s helped me so much. I feel more confident to go out with Neddie by my side helping me. He gives me more confidence and I’m not scared of going to new places anymore because with Neddie I can do anything. I am so much happier.”
Puppy parents
The charity relies on the dedication of puppy parents who play a crucial role in providing a loving home and essential training for the Ability Dogs. These volunteers are instrumental in nurturing the dogs, preparing them for their vital role in supporting individuals with various needs.
Jill Luckhurst, Puppy Parent volunteer, said,
“Puppy parents do a wonderful job and in return have the love of a puppy and change peoples’ lives. The Dog Show was a great opportunity for us to share our experiences with the public and take part in a few classes ourselves. It was not just great fun but an opportunity for local people to share our passion for dogs and the amazing positivity and energy they bring.”
Summer Gala Weekend
Save the date for the Gala Weekend on Saturday, June 8th and Sunday, June 9th, 2024, at Sandown Airport, Lake. This will celebrate the charity’s work and its lifechanging impact on young people. Enjoy activities, heart-warming stories, and meet some amazing Ability Dogs in training.
Explore stalls from local businesses and take your choice from the cakes, ice creams and drinks. Don’t miss the return of the Ability Dogs Fun Dog Show, where your furry friends can showcase their talents. Watch demonstrations from the Ability Dogs in Training and learn about the hard work and dedication needed to help in transforming lives in our community.
Find out more
For more information, to make a donation or to find out how you can get involved with Ability Dogs 4 Young People Isle of Wight, visit our website or contact 01983 216246.
You can also find them on Facebook (Ability Dogs 4 Young People IoW) and Instagram (@abilitydogs4youngpeopleiow).
News shared by Catherine on behalf of Ability Dogs 4 Young People. Ed
