Parkinsons Assistance Dogs
This programme pairs adults with early onset Parkinson’s Disease whose symptoms may include freezing gait or compromised balance. Our dogs are specially trained to help their partners regulate walking speed and maintain a more relaxed posture and walking pattern.
Falls as a result of freezing gait is one of the biggest worries for people living with Parkinson’s. Anything can cause a sudden onset and result in a gait freeze. Studies are proving that if the sufferer can maintain their focus, they can not only reduce the freezes but also help to negotiate out of a frozen state.
Critically NO downward pressure is allowed on our dogs. They are fitted with a specially designed harness that has a “floating handle” which is the equivalent to holding a supportive hand.
We’ve seen dramatic improvements in our partner’s walking abilities with this programme and we are doing everything we can to expand this programme as much as possible.
We currently have four working Parkinson’s Assistance Dogs around Ireland.
Duncan & Parkinson’s Assistance Dog Leon
“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 November 2019, 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……… 6 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”
Nicola & Parkinson’s Assistance Dog Nemo
“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”
Fiona & Parkinsons Assistance Dog Norman
Meet Fiona and her new Parkinson’s Assistance Dog Norman, filmed during their initial training.
Click on the video link to see how Assistance dog Norman helps Fiona to regulate her speed and maintain a more relaxed posture and walking pattern.
Dublin Neurological Institute - Prof Tim Lynch
We are always striving to improve our services and we are very fortunate to have linked up with the Dublin Neurological Institute and Prof Tim Lynch to research the benefits of assistance dogs on freezing gait, one of the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.
Falls as a result of freezing gait is one of the biggest worries for people living with Parkinson’s. Anything can cause a sudden onset and result in a gait freeze. Studies are proving that if the sufferer can maintain their focus, they can not only reduce the freezes but also help to negotiate out of a frozen state.
