Maisie is a Standard Poodle. She came to live with us at the age of 5 months old. She is now 5 years old and is Louie’s Mobility Assistance Dog.

Maisie is an amazing dog and has had such a huge impact on all our lives, but especially that of Louie. Louie is a 13 year old boy with a rare condition called Kabuki Syndrome which has resulted in severe delays in his gross and fine motor skills, so much so that they are classed as physical disabilities.

For Louie, simple things like walking on a footpath in an unfamiliar area or going up and down steps are a challenge. Now with Maisie by his side, Louie can do these simple, everyday things much easier. Prior to Maisie joining our family Louie would have found it difficult to participate in family activities such as going for walks, going to the beach and even going shopping. Now, he enjoys those things!! And, so does Maisie!!

Maisie has given Louie such confidence in himself and she is helping him every day to gain a level of independence that we simply could not give him.

People now give Louie space when he is walking. Louie’s disabilities are not as obvious as some, and now he has the space he needs to navigate when he’s out and about thanks to Maisie. As a result, Louie’s self-esteem, his confidence and overall emotional wellbeing is going from strength to strength.

She is quite simply “Amazing Maisie”. She is extremely well behaved, very beautiful and she is very comfortable working with Louie. I never realised or knew that a dog like Maisie could have such a positive impact on Louie and the family as a whole.

We are extremely grateful to Dogs for the Disabled for all they have done for us and for Maisie. As a parent you would do anything to help your child, especially one who has additional needs, applying for a mobility assistance dog from Dogs for the Disabled is quite honestly the best thing that I have done for him.

Our family is preparing to welcome a new task assistance dog, Paddy, and it feels like a joyful new chapter. I sustained a spinal cord injury at 21 years of age, and having an assistant dog has been truly life-changing.

When Fern, my first Dog for the Disabled task assistance dog, came into our lives, she brought not only invaluable support but also a special companionship. Fern joined us when she was three and was by my side for seven incredible years, helping with everyday tasks that can be challenging - like picking up things I can’t reach, helping with laundry, and even fetching my phone when I couldn’t get to it. She was as much a helper as she was family.

Fern was also a wonderful friend to my two daughters, now aged eight and four, who grew up alongside her. She taught them about care, patience, and the joy of having a loyal companion. Saying goodbye to Fern was hard, but we’re so grateful for the joy she brought us. Now, we’re ready for a new journey with Paddy, our next assistant dog.

The girls are thrilled, already planning ways to welcome Paddy and make him feel at home. It’s amazing to think of the new partnership we’ll build together, each learning to trust and support one another. Paddy will take on many of the same tasks as Fern, helping to make life a little easier and a lot brighter.

We’re so looking forward to sharing our lives with him, knowing he’ll bring not only practical help but a warmth and love that only a dog can provide. As a family, we’re ready for this new adventure, grateful for the memories of Fern and excited to see the new memories Paddy will bring.

My name is Max and my assistance dog is Nicky. I am 10 years old and I have spastic diplegia cerebral palsy so my legs are stiff, I don't have good balance and I fall a lot. Before I had Nicky I couldn't walk far, my legs were tired and sore. It was embarrassing when I fell, I didn't like people looking at me.

I was paired with Nicky 2 years ago and so much has changed since then. Nicky helps me keep my balance and not go too fast or fall. He is my best friend. I can walk without holding hands with my mom or dad. I go to running, soccer and I've just started wheelchair hurling. When I don't feel well Nicky minds me. He comes to my appointments and everyone loves to see him.

Before I had Nicky I didn't like to go out, but when Nicky came along I started walking him and we went further and further, I even started running. I love running so I joined St Cronans AC with my brothers. It was very hard at first but I kept going, walking Nicky everyday helped me get my distance up. I have ran in the Clare and Munster Cross country races this year. I also did the IWA para games during the summer and played soccer with my local club Avenue Utd.

I don't think I would have done any of this if it wasn't for Nicky. 

Ryan was born with Spina Bifida & hydrocephalus in June 2014. At two days old he had surgery to close his back & at six weeks old he had a shunt inserted to control his hydrocephalus. He spent the first six weeks of his life in Temple Street Children’s Hospital in Dublin. Despite his rocky start, Ryan defied all the odds. He began to take his first steps at 2. With hard work & determination, Ryan started taking independent steps around the house . With the aid of his K-walker, Ryan progressed to walk outside . 

In December 2021 , Melvin came into our lives, from the moment he ran through our door, our lives changed for the better.  After a few days together the bond between Ryan & Melvin began to grow, the story-telling & laugher just filled the house and they became inseparable.

Little by little each daywith Melvin by his side, Ryan walked further and further . Melvin began to be a motivational tool for Ryan to keep walking each day . Ryan was completing some of his physiotherapy programme without realising it, but in a fun way now . Melvin was helping Ryan with his balance & co-ordination.

In August 2022, Ryan had complex surgery on both ankles, he was in plaster from knee to toe on both legs. Ryan was off his feet & slowly had to learn to walk again. Melvin was very excited when he saw Ryan trying to take steps again . His tail wagging furiously with him trying to communicate with Ryan would just melt your heart. We needed Melvin now more than ever . 

Slowly, day by day, Ryan got more strength & with Melvin’s encouragement & help he got back on his feet again . 

Ryan loves playing and watching football, playing his PS5, listening & learning to play music. Ryan is also a very sociable boy, who loves having lots of friends .

We just can’t wait to see what Ryan & Melvin get up to in the years ahead . This pair are a match made in heaven!

My relationship with Dogs for the Disabled began in early May 2022 when I took on the role of puppy socialising Paddy, a 12 week old Labrador.

Paddy and I quickly developed a great relationship and we became a package deal in everything I did and went, from assisting me with my Mum Kate, guarding my shower door, playing with my young cousins, to supporting Leinster beat Ulster with me (+70,000 or more..) in the Aviva Stadium, to attending choir and music sessions on a weekly basis.

My cousin Trish in Mayo, was socialising Paddy's sister Pepsi, during this time, so our travels included playdates there together. When the time came for Paddy to return to Cork last Summer for his final training and qualification, I was blessed to receive Jasper as my Therapy Dog.

Jasper is a wonderful support to me as I face some significant health challenges and has become a fond friend of my elderly Mum Kate who is in her 90th year. Jasper loves her gentle pets and her tendency to fed him some of her food as "he looks starving" !!

Jasper is a true Labrador where food is concerned.. While it has only been a few months, Jasper and I have established an immeasurable bond and are enjoying exploring life together.

As an adult with a physical disability, cerebral palsy, I initially expressed my interest in having an assistance dog back in 2011 but I had just finished college and the timing wasn’t right. As a wheelchair user, I knew that a task assistance dog could assist with things such as picking up dropped items, emptying the washing machine and pressing the buttons at traffic lights. The time was not quite right but I maintained an open curiosity of the possibilities that a dog might bring me.

By September 2019, my life was in a different place, I was now in full-time employment working in the University I had recently moved to a new house. There was one big gap in my life and that was space for a four-legged assistance dog! In March 2019 I was partnered with my 1st assistance dog Koby, a standard poodle with a determined focused and mischievous personality!

Over a four-year period, Koby encouraged me to take on new challenges, move house, move job and try new things. He also supported me on a day-to-day basis making it so much easier to navigate large crowds in my wheelchair.

Sadly, in November 2023, Koby died unexpectedly as a result of an accident. I was heartbroken at the loss of this very important partner in my life. I recall feeling an emptiness from his absence. He came everywhere with me by that stage attending work, and supporting me to work with students with disabilities in Maynooth University. Having an assistance dog gave me increased confidence, and self-assurance as I took on new things. I knew in time I would have to embark on a journey to bringing another assistance dog into my life. Living alone, with a physical disability, an assistance dog assists with practical tasks but is also a great source of companionship and love.

In March 2024, I was incredibly fortunate to be partnered with Koby’s nephew Pal. Now working together for about 10 months partnership has grown from strength to strength and continues to blossom. Pal comes to work with me every day. He supports with day-to-day physical tasks. He also supports me in providing therapy to children and families who need a bit of extra support. Having an assistance dog in my life has been a life changing and rewarding experience. I do not see a time in my life without a Dogs for Disabled assistance dog in my life . They give great joy and hope for the future!

I’m a married father of 2 living in Blackrock, Co. Dublin . I was diagnosed with early onset Parkinsons Disease in 2002.

There is currently no cure for this progressive neurological condition and the meds I take only treat the symptoms not the disease.

My symptoms manifest as freezing in place, tremor, and a degraded walking style which meant that although I can run well, I couldn’t walk a long distance.

In 2018 my Neurological Consultant Professor Tim Lynch in conjunction with Jennifer Dowler from Dogs for the Disabled and UCD Engineering were in the process of developing a stability dog programme for people with Parkinsons disease.

In 2019 I was invited to join the programme as the first participant and met my partner Leon for the first time in November2019, it was a partnership made in heaven!! After a week’s training with Jennifer and the team I brought Leon home and our journey together began.

What a journey… 5 years later Leon & I are walking 10.5Km per day, my general health has improved beyond all expectations and Leon has fully integrated into our community. We are often seen out and about walking by the sea bringing smiles to the faces of passersby’s and receiving a warm welcome wherever we go. In the words of one neighbour “You can actually see the benefits that Leon brings to Duncan  as they walk past you on the street.”

Leon has transformed my life, and we are so grateful to Dogs for the Disabled for enabling Leon to bring a husband and a father home again.

See our current Research Project with the Dublin Neurological Institute at https://dogsfordisabled.ie/research-projects

Hi my name is Harvey and I am ten years old.  I have a complex medical history.   I was diagnosed with infantile spasms at 7 months old and further testing revealed that I have a rare genetic duplication on chromosome 15.  I have an intellectual disability; mobility issues and I am a trip and fall risk.  I attend Ophthalmology for a pigmentation in the back of my eye and I also attend Orthopaedics where I am monitored for scoliosis.  I attend St Michaels Special National School in Raheny and my favourite past time is bowling.

We started our journey with Dogs for the Disabled looking to see if we would qualify for a therapy dog.  Upon hearing my story Jennifer and Aoife thought I would be better matched with a mobility assistance dog.

When Jennifer explained the difference between the two we proceeded with an application for an assistance dog and that’s when we met Neo.

Neo has had an impact on my speech and language already, when I met him at the start I couldn’t pronounce his name.  I can say it crystal clear now along with the words “chocolate labrador” and “my assistance dog.”  

There is no way that I would have done this without Neo by my side. Neo keeps me focused way better than anyone else ever could.

Harvey’s mum Lisa…. “One thing I’ve always pushed for, and have as my number one priority for Harvey, is to have his independence and he has gained more of this since Neo came into his life.

Dogs for the Disabled is an absolutely amazing charity and we are forever grateful for bringing Neo into our lives. We need people and businesses in Dublin to support us and help us to raise vital funds for Dogs for the Disabled so other families can benefit the way we have.

We just can’t believe the impact Neo has had on our lives! Hearing the news that your child may never walk, to witnessing him accomplish walking around the Ikea store with his assistance dog Neo is amazing!. The connection Harvey and Neo have developed already is nothing but pure love and tolerance for each other”

Polly the Poodle has been such a positive addition to Lucy's life and indeed the life of our entire family. She is Lucy's first assistance dog, and we were unsure how her presence would work in the midst of a busy household like ours.

Lucy is the middle girl of three, and Polly arrived in the run-up to our eldest girl Orla's Leaving Cert.  But not only has Polly been the companion and steadying support animal that Lucy had wished for, she has been a great source of comfort and snuggles to Orla and everyone else in the house! 

We were told by the team before she came to us, that Polly is quite posh and ladylike, and she has lived up to her reputation. She has an instinctive intelligence that is quite remarkable; this has given Lucy great confidence.  Polly's socialisers did such an amazing job with her, and we are so grateful to them. She is calm and comfortable in every environment, and is equally happy working with Lucy in a busy shopping centre as she is chasing our cats around our Connemara garden!

Our youngest child Annie has profound autism, she doesn't communicate with us using words, and can express her emotions with loud screams on occasion. We were worried that this might upset Polly but she has never been one bit bothered, indeed her soft curls have been a source of sensory amusement for Annie! Polly's favourite thing is to hang out with Lucy and Orla and their friends, she is one of the girls after all! 

My parents noticed a delay with me in reaching my physical milestones around 2 years old. I got diagnosed with ataxia and my parents got to work. With lots of physical therapy I began walking independently around 8, I previously relied on a wheelchair or a walker.

I struggle with poor balance and coordination which affects my gait and ability to walk straight. Justin helps me walk straighter and keeps me safe, keeps me from wobbling off the footpath or bumping into others. I have also found he helps my energy levels while walking, I don’t have to focus on my balance as much.

I received Justin when in  5th year of secondary school and was confident with having an assistance dog by the time college came around. He gives me so much independence, I can travel everywhere alone now with him by my side. I feel safer and more confident. With ataxia, you are encouraged to walk as much as possible and since I’ve been gifted Jusitn, I’m walking so much further than before and on my own too. It’s great to be able to go shopping without linking arms with mom or dad.

Having Justin has opened a world of possibilities for me.

“Finding Nemo & Rediscovering Joy”

When I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at 44, my world shifted dramatically. Having spent 25 years as a neuro rehabilitation nurse, I knew the importance of seizing every opportunity to maintain mobility and independence. Now, it was my turn to follow that advice.

I discovered a research project by the Dublin Neurological Institute and Dogs for the Disabled, aimed at improving functional mobility in people with Parkinson's through assistance dogs. Despite having no experience with dogs, I applied and was both thrilled and apprehensive when accepted.

A few visits to Dogs for the Disabled in Cork led to my own "Finding Nemo" moment. Jennifer and her team have an incredible knack for matching dogs with people, recognising the instant a dog chooses their human. That's how I met Nemo, a black Labrador whose personality uncannily mirrors my own.

Practically speaking, Nemo helps loosen my stiff muscles by starting our walks slowly and then picking up the pace. As we find our rhythm, the leg that usually drags begins to move more freely, and we walk in harmony - a little everyday magic.

But Nemo brings more than physical aid; he fills my life with joy and fun. His companionship keeps me motivated and makes me smile daily. I'm profoundly grateful to Jennifer and the entire team at Dogs for the Disabled. Their work transforms lives in ways that go beyond the visible.

In finding Nemo, I found not just an assistance dog but a loyal friend who brightens every day.

Reilly is a young man, who was born 12 weeks early in 2012, and he was diagnosed with quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy in 2014 and Autism swiftly after that.

His journey hasn’t been easy, but he is the hardest worker, who has never stopped beating the odds and owning his disability. He started off shuffling on his bottom and then moved to walking on his knees. A walking frame was introduced then, and when he was 4.5 years old, he let go and ran everywhere. Reilly's problem was that his balance was not there when he walked at a normal pace, meaning he kept falling every day. Even with a hand to hold, he just couldn’t keep his balance when walking.

Then when Reilly was 9yrs old we got the call from Dogs for the Disabled to say that there was a dog available that they felt really matched Reilly’s energy levels and in November 2021 he got to meet Miller, his stability assistance dog.

They bonded straight away, snuggling and laughing around each other. Taking Miller home after training was a great day and just the start of the journey.

Now 3 years later, Reilly and Miller walk 1km daily. It's not much to most people, but for Reilly, it has been massive. He no longer falls.  He fell every walk before Miller and now it’s a rare occurrence. A lovely crossover benefit is that when Reilly is walking without Miller he doesn’t fall anymore either.

Miller was the final piece of the puzzle that has tied all the hard work that Reilly has done together.

Reilly is very proud to have been chosen as county champion for Laois and to help raise awareness and funds for the amazing charity that has been a huge part of changing his life for the better.

Mozart is an amazing helper & companion and I am so lucky to have him as my best friend.

My confidence has grown so much since getting matched with him, over a year and a half ago. Mozart retrieves dropped items for me, helps me get changed and even puts my clothes in the wash basket for me!

He will also get mammy, or anyone, for me if I ask him to.

Before getting Mozart, I never went for walks on my own, but since having my beautiful best pal, we go alone almost every day!

I feel so much more at ease going to school or in any public space with Mozart by my side. I can’t imagine life without him!

Lovre is a 10 year old boy who was born with the progressive neuromuscular condition called Muscular dystrophy. Although this disease is progressive and Lovre has way too much orthopedic equipment to contend with, his condition hasn’t taken away his spirit and strength of mind.

However Lovre cannot lift things from the floor on his own and many other "small annoying things" as he calls them...

Lovre had a dog in past and really missed him, I had heard about Dogs for Disabled and he fell in love with idea of have his own dog who can help him with everyday tasks but also spoil him just a tiny bit and love him.

I contacted the charity and we were called for an assessment in Cork.
We couldn't wait for that to happen so in meanwhile we stalked their Facebook page and fell in love with Pilot, a very handsome chocolate Labrador!

A few weeks after we met the amazing team in Cork, a very special moment happened when Jennifer said she had a match for Lovre, and it was Pilot, we couldn't believe it! Lovre and Pilot then went through a week’s training in Cork and the rest is history.

Pilot has brought so much joy in Lovre's life, he likes to go out now (he was more into computers and not leaving the house), training tasks with Pilot and sometimes just smiling when he insists on giving us wet nose kisses.

Thank you so much for pairing them, it is match made in heaven 

*Pilot has been fully funded by the generosity of the JP McManus Charitable Foundation

Emily is 12 years old and lives in Drumlish, Co Longford. Emily was diagnosed in 2020 with Frederick Ataxia. Ataxia affects the muscle and nerves and Emily’s balance and walking is affected.

We reached out to Dogs for the Disabled to see about getting an assistance dog for her. Emily was matched with Obi and both of them bonded right away.

Obi is a great help to Emilys balance and they have become great friends. They communicate amazingly with each other.  Emily loves playing football and now her and Obi have great fun playing ball together, she loves bringing him to football matches,

The confidence he brings to her life is brilliant. She has a best friend in Obi and he is so gentle when walking along side her. 

I was 29 years old when I received my first assistance dog Derry from Dogs for the Disabled. Derry was an absolute godsend to me because before I had Derry I would never leave my house on my own because not only had I a fear of speaking to strangers, but my biggest fear was if I dropped my purse or phone I couldnt pick them up myself or they might be stolen.

So on the 17th March 2013 I did my first solo walk with my “right hand man” Derry down to my local St. Patrick’s day parade. Getting Derry gave me a whole new lease of life because once we bonded as companions I knew I could put my full trust in him to fetch anything for me when out and about. Derry also gave me great independence at home as he would help me to dress and undress, he would switch on lights and open and close doors for me and once he got to know me and know my routine he started to do tasks for me without me even asking him.

Everyone greeted Derry before they even greeted me which I absolutely loved because this took away my fear of speaking as Derry was always the start of every conversation. People didn’t see the chair or my disability which helped me to interact more. Derry was an absolute superstar and by the time he retired he had given me great confidence in every way imaginable.

Today I have Derry’s successor Orla who is my little princess! She is a sassy little Labrador who knows how to pull the heart strings to get cuddles from myself and even though she has huge paws to fill, she is doing a magnificent job! Orla travels by car, bus, train and ventured to Spain by plane and took it all in her stride. Orla loves adventures and with a wagging tail, we take on new adventures together.

Jason has had his Therapy Dog called Hannah for 9 years, Hannah is 10 now and is retired but still has a fantastic relationship with Jason.

Hannah still likes to go places with Jason and Jason loves hanging out with her too, Jason is 15 years old now, he is a wheelchair user and ventilator dependent since September 2021.

Hannah is Jason's world and we cannot imagine life without her.

Thanks to Dogs for the Disabled who made this partnership possible and we will be forever grateful.

In 2013 Odette was born with a heart condition called tricuspid valve dysplasia and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. In January 2017, Odie was diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy as a result of periventricular leukomalacia. Odie had SDR surgery in the US in 2019 and shortly after returning home to Ireland we began the process of physiotherapy and treatments to help maximise Odie’s chances of increasing her mobility.

We had hoped that we would be fortunate enough to secure Odie an assistance dog from Dogs For The Disabled, and thankfully in the summer of 2021 Odie and Minnie became a double act!

Initially when Odie and Minnie formed a team it was to help Odie improve her walking, strength and gait. What actually has developed over the last three years is so much more than that. Minnie is a companion for Odie, she has helped Odie overcome many of her fears, and she has made stressful situations much easier. Odie knows that Minnie has her back! Minnie understands when Odie is upset and nervous and helps her to calm down and find her courage.

While walking with Minnie, Odie is always eager to go further and keep pushing. Her stamina for longer journeys has helped her overall mobility greatly.

For the last three years Minnie has not only been a guardian and best friend for Odie, but a new member of our family that brings joy to everyone that is lucky enough to meet her.

In 2014 myself Jenny, husband Eric and our 6-year-old daughter Hannah departed on an adventure to Sri Lanka we could never have anticipated what was to happen next in our lives.

Eric had accepted a rugby coaching job in a school in Kandy - he had been coaching in schools and club rugby for 8 years since his retirement from the professional game in 2006.

The plan was to challenge himself and coach in a different culture and all the experiences that  would come for myself and Hannah. Then an opportunity came up through our Church to visit a local orphanage, which set us on a path to begin the battle to bring our new daughter home. 

Nisha was only 2 years old at the time. She had a diagnosis of closed lip schizencephaly (a type of Cerebral Palsy). She was unable to walk and had been in the orphanage from 10 days old. The bond that was created between us was instantaneous, I felt she was our daughter from the first moment we met. 

The journey was long and hard but on October 28th 2016 we carried our new girl into Dublin Airport greeted by friends and family and her sister Hannah.

This was only the beginning of Nisha’s battle to walk but first she would need medical intervention. We began a big fundraising campaign in 2017 to get Nisha a groundbreaking surgery in the USA. In May 2018 the four of us headed to Saint Louis where Nisha had her surgery and many months of rehabilitation followed.  It was a great success and she began to walk with the help of a walking frame and leg splints. 

As the years went by our efforts to keep her motivated for constant rehabilitation and exercise became more difficult . It took a chance meeting with a mom from Cork at a soccer practice with the line I will never forget “have you heard about the dogs” set us on the path to Cork and to Dogs for the Disabled.

It was there that we would meet our new boy Phoenix, the missing link in Nisha’s life. He has given her more then we ever dreamed of. He is hers. That feeling for her is something that has spurred her on given the point she was at in her life.

Walking with Phoenix supporting her has physically improved her core strength beyond measure. Walking him everyday is not a chore for Nisha and she is excited about the future.

She dreams of working with the Dogs for the Disabled team to assist other children with limited capacities.

My name is Grace and I am 17 years old, my best friend is Oggie, he is my 3-year-old assistance dog, a beautiful black Labrador. When I was 4 years of age I was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Hypermobility. Since then, I have also been diagnosed with Raynauds, Pain Amplification Syndrome (Chronic Pain), Social Anxiety and Depression. I struggle with balance, walking for an extended length of time, bending up and down, picking things up, opening doors or handles and I avoided going out a lot because of this.

About two years ago my Mum discovered Dogs For The Disabled while following Peter O'Mahony on Instagram and thought of applying for a companion dog for my younger brother who is Autistic. I never thought I would qualify for an assistance dog as I thought they were mainly for people with Autism, or people who are blind. Then in September 2023 Dogs For The Disabled opened their waiting list and we applied for a companion dog. After we applied, we were invited down for a meeting with Jenny, Teresa and Aoife to talk about a possible match. While there Jenny said that I would be better suited to an assistance dog for my own health issues. This was something I could never have expected the day we went to Cork!

That was possibly one of my greatest days, I met Oggie and a beautiful partnership was made. Now I look to go out and about because when I am out with Oggie I am filled with confidence as I know he will get me there! I interact with people if they have any questions about Oggie and I am living much more independently now.

Oggie is a member of our family and a companion to all of us. I cannot remember life without him and I know I can look forward to my next chapter heading to college with my Oggie and not fear facing life on my own!

My partner in crime is Nala, a 4-year-old beautiful, clever, loyal black Labrador who has been with me and transformed my life now for two years.    

I developed Multiple Sclerosis in my twenties, which affects my balance and mobility, meaning I use crutches and a wheelchair when I’m out and about.  

I’m 53 now and I never thought about having an assistance dog until a friend suggested it to me. I don’t know why I hadn’t thought of it myself. In the beginning I was nervous about the commitment as I travel a lot with my job but that all evaporated once she came into my life.  

Nala is not only my picker upper, door opener and door closer but she is a loyal companion who loves nothing more than jumping up to the sound of something landing in the floor. She loves tasks as she knows there will be a treat in store.  

I work fulltime as a Schools Liaison Officer with Irish Wheelchair Association and she is always excited for a school visit or a day in the office and is usually in the car before me waiting to go. She loves meeting people and is extremely sociable. She sits under my desk at work and pops up to say hello when anyone new comes in. She has an amazing welcome for everyone.  

 Nala is as good to my mother who also has mobility issues as she is to me and replicates her skills with the same love and loyalty for her.  

Her favourite things in life are FOOD, treats, walks, zoomies on the lawn and when we wind down at night lying at my feet.  She is the first thing I see in the morning when she nudges me to get up and melts my heart with her endearing brown eyes. She’s the best thing that has happened to me in a long time.  

My journey with Nate, started with a dream to make my work with children even more caring and effective.

As an educational psychologist, I meet lots of children who sometimes find it hard to share their feelings or stay focused during assessments. That’s where Nate comes in - he’s specially trained by Dogs for the Disabled to be right by my side, offering a calming, non-judgmental presence.

Nate isn’t just a regular dog - he’s my partner in helping children feel comfortable and safe. When I’m talking with children or working on assessments, Nate helps them stay relaxed and confident. He’s like a furry friend who’s there to listen and offer quiet support, making it easier for children to open up or do their best in activities.

With Nate’s help, I hope to show that having a facility dog can make a big difference in connecting with children and helping them feel understood. This isn’t just about traditional school support; it’s about finding new, more compassionate ways to reach children and help them shine. Together, Nate and I want to inspire others to see the magic of having a facility dog in their work too.

Working with Nate and Dogs for the Disabled is my way of making a positive change in how we connect with and support children. I’m so excited to be part of a new approach that could make things better for children who need that extra bit of kindness and understanding!

Our family have been involved with Dogs for the Disabled for almost 15 years. Dora, our first dog from Dogs for the Disabled, was Ríona’s Mobility assistance dog for a number of years. Her role was not as obvious as those amazing Task assistance dogs trained by the Charity, that can pick up dropped items, press lift or Zebra crossing buttons or empty the washing machine, but her role for us was just as valuable.

Dora helped Ríona find her balance and confidence when walking on sloping, rough or uneven ground, and to build her stamina for longer walks.

Dora did her job so well that for her last years she was no longer needed by Ríona as an assistance dog but remained her best friend, companion and a member of our family. Dora passed away in 2021 and is still very much missed by us all. Although Ríona no longer needed a mobility assistance dog to support her, she really missed Dora’s company every day.

We were delighted when the charity gifted Nero to us in 2021. It was a dramatic change going from the older, dignified and calm Dora to the young and very lively Nero!

Riona and Nero ‘clicked’ immediately in a jump-around in the back garden the day he arrived and have been best friends since with Nero providing company and entertainment for us all.

My Name is Adam, I am 9 years old and I was diagnosed with PVL white matter brain damage resulting in spastic diplegic cerebral palsy when I was 18 months old. This effects both my legs, my left arm more, my core and my balance. I was told that the likelihood of me walking was not very high. My parents never set any limitations on what I tried to do and alway encouraged me to try my best at everything.  

I started physiotherapy when I was just 8 months old. At this stage my movement was very limited and very forced. My physiotherapists worked very hard with me but I was still not able to move.  

When I was three and a half my OT gave me a Kwalker to try and start walking aided.  When I finally got the hang of my kwalker I realised that I could manage to play football outside if I was using my kwalker. I practised playing football every single day during the summer, I even went for very short walks in my Kwalker, enjoying my freedom.  

When I was 4 years old I took my first independent steps. I was so proud of myself but they were really hard. 

Today I am able to walk around indoors fully unaided, I mainly use my Kwalker when I am at school or when I am at outdoor events. 

I applied to get a disability dog  because with an assistance dog I would be able to keep my amazing journey going, I would be able to be a lot more independent, for the things i am still not great with like putting on my socks, opening up doors and walking through them at the same time, keeping my balance on uneven surfaces.

My assistance dog would be right there with me helping me, I wouldn't need to keep asking for help.  I would be able to do things by myself! My dog would give me the extra support and confidence in the gym so i can continue to go from strength to strength. 

Sarah lives in Wexford. She is an identical twin Ellen. Sarah and Ellens’s lives are very different. Sarah has Cerebral Palsy which greatly impacts her gross and fine motor skills. She strives for independence in everything she does, but life is challenging for her.

Mahony bounded into our family in 2020. We were so excited to see what Mahony would bring to Sarah’s life but, what we underestimated was, how much this loyal bundle of joy would impact the entire house.

Being part of a family with a child/sibling who struggles daily takes its toll on the entire household. Mahony has found a role in supporting and comforting each one of us. He helps Sarah with day to day tasks. He comforts her twin sister after a long day in school, he is forever looking out for all 3 kids when we are out and about.

When people see Sarah, her wheelchair is now not the first thing they see – It’s Mahony. Kids no longer look in sympathy but in envy at the girl who has her dog shopping with her in Penneys. They no longer don’t know what to say, as they casually make conversation about her best buddy. After a long day of physio, when words have lost their power Mahony almost absorbs the stress and brings the evening to a calm and restful end.

Before meeting Mahony we didn’t know that dogs like this existed. His temperament is second to none. He is incredibly clever and utterly loving. He is a much loved and very important member of our family and our community. He brings joy, comfort and support to Sarah and all of us every day. He’s just a member of our family now.

Lily suffered a birth trauma and shortly after was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy. As she got older it was evident she also has a mild intellectual disability and was developing Scoliosis(curvature of the spine). Whilst she can walk and is mobile, she finds walking extremely tiring and painful. Noddy has gotten her moving more without her even realising it.

The chats with other walkers about how gorgeous and well behaved Noddy is are really bringing on Lily’s speech, language and social skills. Talking about Noddy with the general public has boosted Lily’s self esteem and spending time with such a beautiful intuitive animal has nurtured a growing sense of confidence. When Lily is walking Noddy, he keeps her safe and steady and encourages a good pace of walking. He constantly checks in to see she’s ok with his gorgeous eyes. He reminds her to dismount from the kerb safely and to stop and wait safely at traffic lights and pedestrian crossings. Noddy gives Lily independence to be out and about in a world not designed for young adults with intellectual and physical disabilities.

Another important element Noddy has brought to Lily’s life is the opportunity to learn to care for an animal. Lily has learned the importance of a healthy diet with limited treats and plenty of exercise. If only we could all learn this skill!! She enjoys grooming him and cuddling him and he has become part of our family.

A whole new world has opened up for Lily. Since matching with Noddy, she has walked more, talked more and smiled more. They chose each other. We are thrilled to be one of the extremely lucky families helped by Dogs for the disabled.